Hakkoda Hotel
Aomori

Outside of central Japan one doesn't expect the height of luxury, but the Hakkoda Hotel offers a charm and homeliness akin to the look of American national park lodges from which it draws inspiration from. It's the largest Western-style wooden building in Japan, with vaulted ceiling and open wood beams giving the Western-style areas character. You will get the best of both worlds here as there are also traditional Japanese-style rooms and you will be treated to ‘omotenashi’, the typically attentive and friendly customer care that Japan is renowned for.

Another huge plus of this hotel is their cypress wood sauna, as it provides an ideal spot in which to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes enjoying the great powder snow at Hakkoda ski resort. For those who’d like to embrace Japanese traditions or are in need of an even more soothing detox, we recommend taking a soak in the communal onsen hot spring bath that looks out onto a picturesque forest. It’s rare to bathe in naturally piping hot water while admiring a snowscape and, to top it all off, the billowing steam that encircles you in the absolute fresh air is just bliss.

This hotel is located an hour outside of the city, up Hakkoda mountain near the base of the rope way that leads up to mysterious and primordial Tashirotai marshlands. A complimentary shuttle bus is offered during your stay here, meaning you can explore the surrounding areas of interest and key sights easily. For the adventurous, the amenable staff are happy to help organise transport to the nearby Sukayu Onsen, which is internationally recognised for being one of the last standing traditional mixed-gender communal onsen baths in Japan.

Traditional Japanese meals and French inspired cuisine are both served in the rather grand dining room, making it a warm and welcoming place to come back to after a day exploring the impressive natural scenery on the mountain. One is spoilt for choice when it comes to the breakfast, as both Japanese and Western styles are served here.

If you are a keen skier, cyclist or walker, this hotel would be a great choice for you as its location is in a prime position to enjoy the mountainous landscape. Also, the surrounding nature is a real highlight as the scenery is beautiful all year round – the forest changes throughout the seasons from vibrant green to rich autumn leaves to pure white when the snow sets in.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson