Q: Are the rooms Western style, or Japanese?

A: The Hotel is pleased to provide both, as well as combination rooms. In the Akakura Hotel, we have 20 all-Japanese rooms, where you can enjoy sleeping on futons on fragrant tatami mats, four comfortable Western rooms, and 44 semi-Japanese rooms—featuring beds as well as an adjoining tatami area where you can relax, have a cup of tea and enjoy your time in Myoko. The Akakura Hotel Annex has 20 Western and 23 semi-Japanese rooms.

Q. We would like to eat out some nights, and eat at the hotel on others. Can we do this?

A. Yes you may. Most guests staying in the Annex will be on a breakfast-only package, so this is of course not a concern. If you are staying in the Annex and would like to have dinner at the Hotel, please let us know the day before. For all others, just let us know one day in advance, so that we can prepare the correct number of meals. Feel free to contact our English-speaking Concierge if you have any questions once you are her.

Q: I have special dietary needs. Can you handle these?

A: Please let us know your particular needs in advance; we will do everything possible to meet them. Please note that kosher or halal foods are not widely obtainable in Japan. As a note, those with soy allergies will need to be very careful in Japan (most Japanese food contains soy in some form). Some additional charge may be required for special meals; please let us know when making reservations, or contact us in advance at frontdesk@akakura-hotel.com.

Q: The washlet toilet in my Annex room seems to respond slowly. Is there something wrong with it?

A: No, but perhaps an explanation is needed. The washlet toilets in the Annex are actually a more advanced model than some others. When you press the wash button, any cold water in the feed line is purged, so that only warm water is actually delivered. This takes a few extra seconds—just wait a little longer!

Q: How do you heat the rooms?

A: Both the Hotel and Annex use radiators, with the Hotel using a hot-water system and the Annex steam-based. The use of steam may result in slight knocking sounds for a few minutes in the Annex; the noise will stop very shortly and will not return while the system is in use.

Q. Do you have a shuttle bus?

A. Yes, the Hotel’s bus will pick you up and return you to Myokokogen Station. Let us know your arrival time in advance so we can be sure and be waiting for you. If you wish to take a shuttle bus from Nagano Station (if you have a large amount of luggage, for example), please see the Myoko Tourist Office website.

Q: We would like to see more of Japan during our stay. Is regional transportation available?

A: The Myoko Tourist Office and the Keinan bus company have bus tours to destinations locally and in Nagano, including to Nagano City, to see the famous Snow Monkeys, and more. Please see the Tourist Office’s website, or talk to our English-speaking Concierge. It is possible to exchange some of the package lift tickets provided through the Myoko Tourist Office for these trips. We can also help with train times and reservations for other destinations.

Q: Is the ski area close to the hotel?

A: Yes, the Akakura Onsen Ski Area is just a three-minute walk from the hotel. All other Myoko ski areas can be reached by free shuttle buses (except for Seki Onsen Ski Area). We can provide shuttle bus departure and return times; please talk to the Concierge upon your arrival.

Q: Where do we purchase ski lift tickets?

A: We sell lift tickets, as well as the special Big 4 lift tickets good for all four of the major resorts on Mt. Myoko. Tickets are also available at the entry to the nearby Akakura Onsen Ski Area (near the hotel) and Akakura Kanko Ski Area (accessible by free local shuttle buses), as well as both Ikenotaira and Suginohara ski areas, which can be reached by the area shuttle bus leaving from the Akakura Bus stop (access information available at the Front Desk). Special lift ticket packages are available for some guests booking through tour agents in Australia (talk to your agent for more information).

Q: Do you have rental ski, snowboards and skiwear

A: Yes we do, and if we don't have the size or type of equipment you are looking for, we can introduce one of several local shops (most of our current equipment tends to be for Japanese domestic travelers, and thus generally smaller). If you're interested in buying new gear upon your arrival in Japan, we can suggest some shops in Nagano city and locally, depending on the type of equipment you are looking for.

Q: We want to book English-language ski lessons. Are there local schools available?

A: The two officially designated schools providing English-language lessons are the Yodel Ski School at the nearby Akakura Onsen Ski Area for regular Alpine lessons, and the Myoko Backcountry Ski School at the Akakura Kanko Ski Area for telemark ski lessons, ski hiking and backcountry tours. Yodel Ski School has children's programs as well.

Q: We would like to leave our children in a daycare center while we ski. Is this service available?

A: Yes, the Yodel Ski Area has daytime programs for infants and children. The Hotel Windsor in Shin-Akakura (tel 87-8730; Japanese only) also provides daycare for infants and very young children (they don't speak English, so Mrs. Inoue, although a licensed daycare provider, is less confident about children over about two years of age).

Q: Can you tell me a little about the area around the Hotel?

A: The Akakura area is one of Japan’s most famous onsen, or hot springs, towns in Japan (and the Hotel is proud to have some of the best onsen around!). All area shops, restaurants, etc. can be reached on foot in less than 10 minutes. The Shin-Akakura area, home to the Akakura Kanko Ski area, is a bit further, but still within 20 minutes. To reach the Ikenotaira or Suginohara areas, both home to ski areas of the same name, free shuttle buses run hourly during daylight hours; a taxi will be required in the evenings. Regular buses also run to the area around Myokokogen Station for a reasonable fee. Again, to reach restaurants in the area near the station, a taxi is your best bet.

Q: Can you provide information about the area, including a listing of local restaurants, bars and shops?

A: The Concierge has an English-language map available (also in Korean and Russian); this is also available as a pdf file from the Myoko Tourist Office. The Concierge can also arrange for reservations, taxis, etc.