This is an extremely cosy place, but I would not dare describe it as luxurious. It is dated and simple, with the most basic amenities.
However, I liked it a lot. The best part about this ryokan is its owner, an elderly man. He truly puts his heart and soul into his establishment. He even suggested to give us a ride to the station, however the weather was nice and we decided to walk instead.
I'd like to highlight the breakfast: it was gorgeous, given the price. I'd even say it tasted better than a ¥3000 dinner I had at some local restaurant.
The whole experience felt like visiting your grandparents, who live in a village, during the summer.
This place is ~5mins walk from Zenkoji temple. neighborhood is peaceful at night.
Shoes to be removed outside the accommodation. Rooms are on the 2nd floor so you'll have to carry your luggage up (there's no lift).
Room (with window) is huge. You'll have to head downstairs to use the shared toilet and shared onsen (no toilet inside the room).
We were only allowed 30mins of onsen time for 2 pax - couples weren't allowed to use the onsen concurrently so we had to go one after another (i'm not sure if the instructions got lost in translation..). Felt very rushed so i didnt really get to enjoy the onsen experience, but overall was nice and clean.
Interesting 6.30am tour around the area and within the temple itself, followed by a simple vegetarian breakfast (porridge with omakase-styled sides with miso soup) back at the accommodation. The morning tour lasted from 6.30am - 8.30am.
The accommodation provided a fleece blanket to each pax to bring to Zenkoji temple to keep us warm during the morning praying ceremony. We went on 30 Dec and it was SO COLD.
Overall interesting experience but accommodation price is pretty steep IMO.
The property is located just opposite the train station. We arrived at 9:30 am, did the check-in procedure, and then left luggage there so that we were luggage-free when we went on hiking on one of the section of the Nakasendo. We did not have to explain, the host simply accepted our luggage gracefully.
The breakfast and dinner were delicious. The host and staff were very polite and helpful. Some of the staff spoke very good English and explained to us the different types of sauces for each dish.
I think the facilities could be made better with some simple adjustments.
The room was a bit small, we knew that when we made booking. However, I think the room could be more roomly if not so many furnitures were put in the room.
The public bath room was small. If someone is having a shower, the water could easily splash into the bath water and persons sitting in the bath. I suggest the host to change the male and female baths into 2 private baths, allowing prior booking each time for 40 min. Booking can easily be done by self-service.
With these minor adjustments, the stay could be more enjoyable.
ผผู้เข้าพักHonestly, I can't praise this place enough.
The owners are a really lovely couple; very welcoming and extremely helpful. The rooms are great - plenty of space and all the amenities you need for a short stay. The onsen is just the best - it's a private one that you can lock the door to and have to yourself for as long as you can cope with the hot water!
But the *food* - wow! The food is absolutely fantastic and expertly cooked. Honestly, I've eaten in Michelin starred restaurants with food that wasn't as good as this. On top of that, at our first evening meal, we found that the message hadn't been relayed about my wife being a pescatarian. Anywhere else that might have been a problem, but within twenty-five minutes an entire new fish meal had been prepared and served - and was absolutely amazing. We were SO impressed.
Also, what a truly beautiful location. Oh yes, and they have *monkeys*!! They wandered past the property in the evening and wandered back the next morning.
I'm trying to name anything negative and I honestly can't - the closest thing I can think of is that the property is hard to locate and you definitely need a car to get there, but if you can get there, do - it was one of two equal-best places we've stayed at in Japan.
Thank you to the owners (sorry, I never asked your names) for a wonderful stay in your home.
WWei LeThis place is ~5mins walk from Zenkoji temple. neighborhood is peaceful at night.
Shoes to be removed outside the accommodation. Rooms are on the 2nd floor so you'll have to carry your luggage up (there's no lift).
Room (with window) is huge. You'll have to head downstairs to use the shared toilet and shared onsen (no toilet inside the room).
We were only allowed 30mins of onsen time for 2 pax - couples weren't allowed to use the onsen concurrently so we had to go one after another (i'm not sure if the instructions got lost in translation..). Felt very rushed so i didnt really get to enjoy the onsen experience, but overall was nice and clean.
Interesting 6.30am tour around the area and within the temple itself, followed by a simple vegetarian breakfast (porridge with omakase-styled sides with miso soup) back at the accommodation. The morning tour lasted from 6.30am - 8.30am.
The accommodation provided a fleece blanket to each pax to bring to Zenkoji temple to keep us warm during the morning praying ceremony. We went on 30 Dec and it was SO COLD.
Overall interesting experience but accommodation price is pretty steep IMO.
MMidlifeMilesWonderful Stay at Garden Pension Obogurgl
We had an excellent experience at Garden Pension Obogurgl. The location is perfect—just a short walk to the Hakuba Goryu lifts, which made getting on the mountain super easy every day. The pension itself is cozy, clean, and peaceful, with a lovely garden that adds to the charm.
Our room was warm and comfortable, with plenty of space for ski gear, and the communal areas had a relaxed, homely vibe. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, always happy to help with local tips and transport advice.
We especially enjoyed being able to walk everywhere—whether it was to the nearby convenience stores, local restaurants, or just strolling among the beautiful pine trees. The large cherry blossom tree out the front added a special touch to the peaceful surroundings. If you're after a quiet, scenic, and welcoming place to stay in Hakuba Goryu, Garden Pension Obogurgl is a fantastic choice.
MMean YeitNot more than 10-minutes walk away from the Chuo Bus Terminal, and near to the Hikage Gondola station. The Shin-yu onsen is less than 2-min walk further up.
It preserved the look and feel of a hotel late 90s - early 2000s. Clean, and tidy with a spacious tatami room.
The hostess was very hospitable, and I was shown my room upon arrival at 12pm+, well before the official 3pm check-in time.
The heater kept the room warm at 24C. Shared toilet facility. Even though it has its own public bath, clients were encouraged to make use of the free onsen facilities, with small buckets of toiletries placed near the main entrance which can be brought out.
I kept my luggage there after checking out in the morning for free. Only came back to collect after my skiing at the end of the day.
Be punctual for the breakfast at 730pm if you subscribe to the meal. Well, had a satisfying stay. 😊
WWarapornWe book an 85 sqm villa for 5-6 persons, we could cook light meals after shopping at the nearby supermarket. The stay was after our day trip from snow wall and took us 15 minutes drive to check in here. It's quite a relaxing day with family after the tiring trip to snow wall. The TV screen is a bit small but there are 2 dining tables, one large table for 8-10 persons with possible outdoor BBQ and smaller table inside for 5-7 seats with electric stove, fridge and microwave set up. There are 2 bedrooms for 6 upstairs and a bathroom and a toilet downstairs next to the kitchen and indoor dining table. Overall experience was satisfying. 😻
PPunziizThis hotel is beyond my imagination. OMG ! The place was so amazing I chose Chalet with my family member 8 persons. They really in love with the place and all speak the same that we will definitely come back again ! The owner has a service to bring you to the supermarket at 4 pm everyday. That's awesome we can do cooking and enjoy precious meals with our family. There are not many houses here so it is the best option for anyone who looking for the cozy places and can also enjoy the wonderful snowy view. Thank you Ms. Hana to take care of us along the stay ! :)))