Tsugaike Ski House

The hotel is 30 meters from a shuttle bus stop so it's very convenient to go to all the main resorts. It is within walking distance to the Tsugaike beginner lift, as well as a bit further to the gondola. Shops and restaurants are not far either. However, Tsugaike village isn't very big so the choice can be limited. There is a night bus during winter that you can take to come back from Happo Bus Terminal, Iwatake, Cortina, and Otari town. The last schedule is around 9pm. This means you can spend your evening at those places (or ski later than the last valley bus) and take this night bus back. The owners are an elderly couple who do everything by themselves so they don't take many guests at one time which means the toilet facility isn't crowded and the interaction with the guests are more relax. The lady is very lovely. In the morning when she hears people going out she would come out to say good morning and see them off. Likewise, in the afternoon when people come back she would greet and welcome them back. When she had time she would also have a chit-chat with the guests in an informal manner. The only downside of this place for me is that there is only one bathroom facility so the lady has to manage who takes a shower at what time each afternoon. But as I said before, they do not take many guests at once so during my two-month stay I never had a problem with showers. Although, that would mean I couldn't use the hot pool because I didn't want to prolong my shower time. I suppose some people do use the hot pool but I did not. The place is old and has past its glory, unlike many other flashy hotels, but it feels more like staying at grandma's house than a hotel. After I left I keep in contact with the lady on chat app. She sent me photos of her summer vegetable garden and the mountain while I sent her photos of Aussie ski resorts (and my hotpot buffets XD) This is very warm. I like this place and next winter I'll stay here for 2+ months again.