Kogakuro
Kougakuro (also spelled Kogakuro) in Myoko Kogen is a Japanese-style ryokan offering traditional hot springs (onsen) and a Japanese-style experience, whilst also providing the convenience of having friendly English speaking staff who can assist with any queries. And unlike most Japanese inns, the hotel has a bar and common area to mingle after skiing or snowboarding, and it serves up the most amazing western buffet breakfasts.
Where is Kougakuro?
Kougakuro is in a very good location at the top of the Akakura Onsen village of
Myoko Kogen. It’s just a few minutes walk to the no.8 lift of
Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, and you can almost ski back to the hotel, whilst the restaurants of Akakura are just at the end of the driveway.
Kougakuro is about 10-15 minutes drive from the MyokoKogen train station, and the hotel can provide transport between the station and Kougakuro.
See the
travel to Myoko Kogen page for information on the location of Myoko and how to get there.
Hotel Rooms
Kougakuro is a ryokan (Japanese inn) so the rooms are traditional Japanese style with tatami mat flooring, futons on the floor, and a table with seats on the floor. Each room has a TV if you want to watch Japanese game shows, and simple tea making facilities. The rooms have a washbasin and private toilet, and some rooms also have a shower, although you’ll more than likely have an onsen in the public bathhouse instead.
Facilities
The ryokan has a natural (100%) hot spring with segregated bathhouses for men and women. Each has a small indoor bath as well as an outdoor bath.
There is a cosy common area with a fireplace and bar that is great for mingling for après-ski sessions.
Other facilities and services:
- wireless internet throughout the hotel
- laundry facilities
- ski and snowboard storage
- drying room
- lift ticket discount coupons for guests
- train station pick-ups
- small gift shop
- non-smoking
- advice on local transport and activities
- vending machines (of course!)
Dining
Breakfast is a grand affair at Kougakuro. It’s buffet style and whilst there are some Japanese items, most of the fare is unabashedly western including cooked items, cereals, toast, juices, coffee, and a range of salad. Some of the hot items such as eggs, bacon and pikelets are cooked fresh.
Dinner is available with pre-booking (this is must do for at least one night of your stay!). They serve up set Japanese meals that vary each night from nabe to sushi to grand kaiseki.
Why Stay at the Kougakuro?
Stay at Kougakuro for the value for money, the on-site onsen, the breakfasts, the Japanese experience (whilst having English speaking staff to seek advice from), the location, the great drying room, and the very helpful staff.