Higashikawa Homestays

We wanted to hike to Mt. Asahidake during the Koyo (Fall foliage) season, and among the properties at the base of the mountain, La Vista Daisetsuzan appeared to be the highest end accommodation in the area. Both the outside and inside of the lodge are charming and rustic in appearance, but are definitely showing clear signs of age and wear. In fact, while taking a dip in the communal Onsen (natural hot springs) bath, I overheard two men remarking how the place was ”boro boro” (Japanese for ”really worn down.”) Thankfully, we were relieved to find that La Vista Daisetsuzan was at least quite clean, and did not exhibit the old, moldy smell that is commonplace in older properties. And the dining room seems to have been renovated - we enjoyed our dinner here (more on that in a moment.) We stayed in their ”Luxury Room,” the highest category unit that was a relatively spacious 56m² open-plan Junior Suite. Other rooms on premises are quite a bit smaller, but people used to staying in standard rooms at Marriott-class properties will be more than satisfied with these room types. La Vista Daisetsuzan has a communal, gender-segregated Onsen on site - there is both an indoor and open-air outdoor bath, which is appreciated, especially in the Winter months, given that you'll want to warm up in the indoor bath before jumping into the outdoor one. While we did not have breakfast at the property (we wanted to get an early start on our hike, and we're glad that we did - the sky is more clear and there are less crowds), we had the French-Japanese dinner. To say that the meal exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. We're in Hokkaido, and an hour from the nearest city (Asahikawa), yet every dish was creative, beautifully presented and a feast for the eyes and palate. Everything - from the tuna tartare to the mini quiche to the Foie Gras to the al dente pasta with mushrooms and broccoli - was a highlight. The only serving that did not hit the spot was the main (ocean-) fish dish. The fish was hard and dry - when you're in the center of Hokkaido, perhaps they should focus on other ingredients, or at least serve fish that are fine frozen (like Tuna) or that come from the nearby rivers or lakes. Overall, if we were to make a return trip to the area, we would be more than fine with staying again at La Vista Daisetsuzan. In no way is this a destination unto itself, but if our short but pleasant stay is any indication, it's a very solid higher-end option in Daisetsuzan. It definitely blows away the vast majority of lodges in U.S. National Parks, that's for sure!

**Hotel Review: Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte** **Rating: 4/5** I recently spent one night at the Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte in a Superior Twin Room, and the experience was quite delightful. The hotel's proximity to the Asahidake Visitor Centre, which is highly informative (I spent an hour there), and the ropeway to Mount Asahidake makes it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The room was spacious, featuring a modern and minimalistic design that provided a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. My family particularly enjoyed the bath, and the attention to detail in the provided pajamas added an extra touch of luxury to our stay. While the buffet spread for both breakfast and dinner wasn't exactly fantastic, it was good enough to satisfy most guests. The variety was adequate, though there is room for improvement in terms of the selection offered. One of the highlights of our stay was waking up to the sounds of nature and the gentle breeze. The hotel's location is perfect for those looking to trek, hike, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park. Overall, Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area, with spacious rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location near key attractions. I would recommend it to anyone planning a visit to Mount Asahidake.

Get off at the hot spring entrance and cross the road. Returning to the opposite side of the road, you can also ask the hotel to send to the departure station. Very old spa hotel, the room is generally clean and tidy, there is nothing to Tao, Japanese style bed is made of rubber mattress praise! Dinner and breakfast are Japanese, and the season is not right, I don’t have the legendary honeydew melon, but the sugared tomato fried chicken is delicious! Feeding and feeding! Dessert homemade pudding is also delicious for fried chicken! ! Breakfast is a semi-self-service offering fresh egg bibimbap and natto, as well as vegetables. Yuantang must go to the bubble, and the steaming bubble is exhausted. The open-air hot springs of the museum are not open to the public in the winter. The service is super good, and I offered to send us to the cable car station. It is all the Japanese. Only one little brother speaks English.

Hosts are very nice and friendly. They have good recommendations for dinner and breakfast too. We had a great stay!

Located a 30-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport, Shikishimaso features Japanese-style rooms fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring. Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes and relax in the hot spring bath. Free WiFi access is available in the lobby. Guests can make a 40-minute drive to the footsteps of Mt. Asahidake and hike up the highest mountain in Hokkaido. The popular Asahiyama Zoo and JR Asahikawa Station can be reached with a 60-minute drive from the hotel. Rooms at Shikishimaso come with an electric kettle, a fridge and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms come with a private hot spring bath, while some rooms do not come with an en suite bathroom. Services provided by the hotel include newspaper and photocopying. A drinks vending machine and gift shop is on site. The restaurant on site is open for both breakfast and dinner. A traditional Japanese-style meal will be prepared for dinner.

With a stay at this vacation home in Higashikawa, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Asahiyama Zoo and Higashikagura Forest Park. This vacation home is 3.3 mi (5.4 km) from Canmore Ski Village and 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from Twin Harp Bridge.Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator/freezer and a stovetop. A 32-inch flat-screen television with digital programming provides entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave, and you can also request an extra futon mattress (complimentary).