Hotel Sun Plaza Tsugaike

Disclosure: I worked as a staff for Thai Students Association in Japan organizing an official annual trip for this visit. We were specially furnished (in terms of catering and rooms) as a group (of 100+ people), but I was not compensated by the hotel or the tour agency. Your experiences may vary. My (own part's) trip was partially funded by the Association, but I strongly believe that it has no bearing on the quality of this review. Our tour agency was My Way Tours, a Japanese firm. Among the few "ski hotels" I have visited, this is quite nicer than the others. FACILITIES While this hotel has free wifi, it was a little lackluster. It is good when it works, but most of the time it won't because it could not cope with a large number of users. I recommend that you rely on your own connection instead if possible. They have a game center. If you want to play some outdated Japanese games feel free to give it a shot. I think this hotel's game room captures Japanese arcade culture well enough given its small size. The prize games offer old, small rewards, but the games are slightly easier than in real arcades. Bath. Shared "Roman bath" style or in-room. It's not a real "onsen" as it is totally indoor and is not linked to any geothermal source, but it's still quite big enough. Relax in it and enjoy post-ofuro coffee milk. The milk vendor out front did not have enough milk for everyone, though. One small towel for the shared bath is available per visitor. I recommend that you bring your own towel. If your soaking desires are not sated, there is a nearby bathhouse "Tsuga no Yu" for 700 yen. There is a convenience/souvenir shop close by, just outside the arcade room. There are more shops associated with the other hotels, too. There are only paid lockers, which is quite a bummer considering that we paid quite a lot for this trip. Storing ski/snowboard costs 200 yen per use, and luggage storage costs between 300-400 yen per use. Upside: they have separate men's and women's locker rooms, and those rooms are pretty spacious, so you can safely swap out your jeans for your snow gear in there. Coin exchange machines are available so feel free to bring only banknotes. DINING & CATERING In our package with My Way Tours, we were offered breakfasts and dinners. They were quite okay in terms of quality (given that many "ski hotels" are not that well-known for food, unlike proper "ryokans" i.e. hotels associated with hot springs), but many members of our group complained about the quantity. You might need to order more rice. (This hotel seems to offer all-you-can-rice.) If you come in a large group and wish to have a fun night out, you can rent the dining room out, after-hours, for party on a per-capita rate. Other restaurants are available, such as ramen and okonomiyaki. For brevity of this review, I have not included them. SKIING/SNOWBOARDING The hotel is very close to the main Tsugaike Kogen gondola lift. You can go there by walking (as opposed to skiing out or taking a shuttle bus). The lift formally opens at 08:30 AM, but I recommend that you turn up early as the gondola is frequented by "ski school" kids. (Thai people call them Ducklings due to their follow-the-instructor skiing pattern and colorful bibs.) The gondola takes 20 minutes to the top. This skiing area is considered less challenging. Green (circle) lines are way too easy and numerous. The few black (diamond) lines are deep powder. This hotel strictly prohibits walking with SKI boots inside. You must take them off, find some slippers, and carry them to your room. As explained, RENTAL SHOP They know what they're doing. In my case I have my own boots but not skis, and they managed to fit the bindings for me just fine, something that should be expected from all rental shops. Note that since we were visiting as a rather large group, most of the matters regarding gear reservation are pre-arranged. Just like other Japanese rental shops, shoes larger than 28.0 are NOT available, so if you're a foot-plus-sized skier or snowboarder like me, bringing your own shoes is the best bet. The ski jackets are very wide in range. You would probably not look like a "renter" in this shop's gear! Which is GREAT!! In some OTHER places you would be given a "uniform", not ski wear. "Funski"s (short skis, ファンスキー) are available, if you want, for extra price. SERVICE QUALITY The staff seems easily overwhelmed and could not serve rice quickly enough during dinners. I did not blame them, as they worked as fast as they could. Small money exchange is available from the front, if you really need it. The room is quite clean. I have not heard any complains from other Association members. If you have any allergies or other dietary restrictions, inform the staff in advance. They will try to honor your requirements. I'm not sure if staff can speak English, but I met a Chinese staff so she might be able to help you out if you're a Chinese in need. OVERALL Cleanliness: 8/10 Skiing Experience: 9/10 (Rental Shop & Proximity to the Slope) Neighborhood: 9/10 (close to many stores and restaurants) Bathing: 7/10 (points docked for not stocking enough milk!) Food: 6/10 (not very delicious, but adequate) VERDICT Visit if you're coming to ski at Tsugaike Kogen!