Hakuba Ski Resort is a fantastic place to ski, and it caters well to Western guests. However one of the drawbacks is that it lacks the feeling of being a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Thank goodness, then, for Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shirouma-so. This charming ryokan has been passed down through family owners for generations, and it provides a much-needed taste of traditional Japanese culture in the heart of Hakuba.
This wonderful ryokan was once a traditional family house that officially opened as a Ryokan in 1942. Toshi and his sister Sasuki are the current generation looking after the hotel, and their friendly and warm hospitality makes guests feel right at home. They speak fluent English and nothing is ever a problem.
Guests at Shirouma-so also have the opportunity to experience the home cooking of Toshi’s mother, Okami-san, for dinner and breakfast. It is excellent value, particularly if added to the booking prior to arrival.
There are two main types of rooms – Standard and Deluxe – that are situated in either the front building or annex. Scout loves the second and third floor annex rooms as they have wonderful views of the mountains – which in Hakuba is hard to come by. Standard rooms are smaller than Deluxe rooms, which have a slightly larger living space. There is only one choice of mattresses: futon. Some Westerners may find these futon to be a little thin, in which case the hotel is happy to layer a few together to make them more comfortable. All rooms have en-suites toilets and sinks, but only a few have showers. However there are showers in the onsen, as well as private shower rooms in the annex.
The natural hot spring onsen at Shirouma-so is lovely (albeit a bit small), with stone walls and windows looking onto rocky gardens. Hakuba onsen are renowned for their high alkaline content which is great for your skin. Should couples wish to use the onsen together, they can rent one for private use between 11am and 3pm.
