โOnly the couple managing the property, doing all rooms and check in and dining. So be patient. Even they might not know much English they still provide great service and try to accommodate your needs.
Nice restaurants and convenient store around though most close early. Walking distance to the Akakura Obsen Ski area.โ
โIchiro, the innkeeper, was very kind and even drove us to the snow money reserve and back free of charge. Nice to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan. Highly recommended.โ
โThe Lotte Arai is the best hotel for skiing and onsen. Super soft endless powder snow on the gorgeous mountain hills and the slopes were adventurous and super exciting. The expert++ slopes can be another surplus if you are expert level. The onsen is luxury level. Sitting in the hotel water with snow falling on your head, especially at Lotte's well groomed onsen is unforgettable.
The food at the hotel is not luxury level and limited as the location is all on its own with the city being 20-30 mins...
โThis Ryokan was quaint in the perfect way. It felt traditional without the modern flair. The owner was amazing and drove me to the snow monkey park at no cost. The onsen was perfect and tatami room was gorgeous. Amazing view around the town with the snow.โ
"The Lotte Arai is the best hotel for skiing and onsen. Super soft endless powder snow on the gorgeous mountain hills and the slopes were adventurous and super exciting. The expert++ slopes can be another surplus if you are expert level. The onsen is luxury level. Sitting in the hotel water with snow falling on your head, especially at Lotte's well groomed onsen is unforgettable.
The food at the hotel is not luxury level and limited as the location is all on its own with the city being 20-30 mins drive away from the site. One snowy evening when the Japanese, steak house, and Thai restaurant was full we drove out in the heavy snow to a slightly city area and found a local restaurant reccomending their stove rice pot, it became my top 3 best restaurant in Japan. I would reccomend driving out for food there was also a great Yakiniku not far away too."
