Sotetsu - accommodation in Shiga Highlands

Absolutely unique experience. If you want a fancy western style hotel, don’t stay here. If you want to have a genuinely Japanese experience, in an absolutely stunning area with some of the best snow I have seen in my lifetime, then add Kumanoyo to your list. Personally, I loved this place.

What a delightful place to stay! Cannot praise the staff enough! They were all so helpful, friendly and accomodating. Some English speaking staff, who were honestly the best we met in our two week stay in Japan. We were told that they don’t get many English-speaking visitors and we were the only ones there, which my teen son and I loved. We love immersing in the Japanese experience when visiting, and this hotel definitely offered this. The rooms were simple but clean and tidy and well appointed. The food was AMAZING. Full three course meals of Japanese dishes offered for breakfast and dinner which all exceeded expectations. The fireplace in the dining room a welcome treat after days in the snow. The surrounds are breathtaking with no other hotels visible from windows and only a beautiful snowy wonderland visible. Particularly enjoyable from the hotel’s onsen! They have ski hire available which had all been booked out during our stay but they went out of their way to help organise hire and collection at another place. Recommendations for ski slopes for our ability were spot on. Complimentary shuttle bus to and from ski slopes and bus stops back to Nagano/monkey park etc, with the loveliest driver. Honestly I don’t usually rave so much in reviews of hotels, but for the price this was a little gem.

Very friendly and helpful staff and excellent breakfast and dinner.