2-Star Hotels in Hokkaido, Japan

Location The location of Auberge Ninguruforet is a bit remote and far from the main town center of Biei. There are no nearby convenience stores like Lawson or Family Mart, so guests need to plan ahead for their meals and supplies. This can be inconvenient, especially for larger groups with elderly or young children who may have difficulty walking long distances in the cold winter weather. Check-in ProcessTo improve the check-in experience, it would be helpful if the hotel could request guests to provide their passport details in advance. This would allow for a smoother and faster check-in, without the need for guests to go back and forth to their cars in the freezing temperatures just to take photos for the registration process. Check-out Confusion Even though the hotel had implemented the CCTV audio system to provide clear instructions, the language barrier appears to have caused some confusion for me during the check-out. This can be a common challenge, especially in more remote locations where the staff may not be as fluent in English. Breakfast Since our group requires halal food, it's understandable that we did not include the breakfast option in our package. The hotel could consider offering more diverse breakfast options to cater to different dietary needs in the future. Luggage Handling and Car Access One of the key issues we faced was the need to transport our luggage from the parking area to the unit using carts, rather than being able to drive our car closer to the entrance. This was especially challenging given the freezing -10°C temperatures at night .To improve this, it would be greatly appreciated if the hotel could allow guests to drive our cars closer to the entrance, even if just temporarily, to drop off the luggage. This would avoid the need for guests, especially those traveling with elderly or young children, to struggle with pushing heavy carts through the frigid weather. Scenery Despite the challenges, the stunning winter scenery at Auberge Ninguruforet seems to have made up for it. The -8°C temperature that morning must have created a true winter wonderland, with the beautiful snow-covered landscapes and crisp, clear skies. This picturesque setting is surely a highlight of your stay.Overall, with some improvements to the location accessibility, check-in/out procedures, and guest services, Auberge Ninguruforet could provide an even more enjoyable experience, especially for larger groups traveling with families. The breathtaking winter scenery, however, remains a major draw for this property. We will surely come again to Auberge Ninguruforet, this time leaving our larger luggage in the car and only carrying the essentials we need for our stay in our backpacks. This will allow us to avoid the hassle of transporting heavy bags through the frigid weather, and instead focus on enjoying the stunning winter scenery.By packing light and only bringing what we need for the duration of our visit, we can easily move between our car and the hotel entrance without the struggle of pushing carts through the snow. This will make the check-in and check-out process much smoother, especially for our group with elderly and young family members.Despite the minor inconveniences we experienced previously, the breathtaking winter wonderland at Auberge Ninguruforet remains a major draw for us. We look forward to returning, better prepared to handle the cold temperatures, and immersing ourselves in the serene, picturesque setting that this property offers. With a few adjustments to our packing and luggage management, we are confident our next stay will be an even more enjoyable and memorable experience.

The room is very new, the facilities are still in a good state, and it looks happy. Although I have to change the car to the station, the traffic situation is still convenient. The accommodation is close to the shopping supermarket and Dachuang. It’s just that the baking tray in the oven is black, and I bought baking paper myself. It feels a little hygienic. If the owner can attach tin foil to make people who use baking tray feel better.

The staff at the inn were warm and moderate, and I was very comfortable. While there were many non-smoking rooms, the companion who was a smoker was very happy. In addition, the correspondence of the odor remaining in the room is also firm, and I think it can be comfortable. It's a hot spring, but you can get the power of the source. It is a hot spring of great satisfaction! I want to enter again ♪

This accommodation near Lake Kussharo felt just like staying at a relative's house. It's a semi-hostel with a very warm atmosphere. Although the bathrooms are shared and the walls aren't perfectly soundproof (you can hear some sounds from the next room), it wasn't a problem for me at all. It was worth it for the relaxing and friendly feeling. The absolute highlight: the three cats here! They're so playful and affectionate. One of them even followed me into my room to be petted. They were adorable and not at all bothersome; instead, they made me feel so warm and welcome. Plus, there's a hot spring bath to relax in. While not completely private, it was truly soothing.

Cosy, retro feels with good amenities (slippers, wifi, refrigerator etc, public coffee/hot water/tea machine), good value for money given the location. Beautiful garden with sakura trees. Also there's a seicomart next door, which is very convenient. Building is rather quaint and homely, which I prefer to the cookie cutter hotels closer to the commercial stretch of Lake Toya. There was a public bath that I was a little too intimidated/tired to use, but definitely check it out if it's your thing. Very friendly, nice staff who checked us in and out.

Trip.com has always been my go to for travel bookings. Similarly this time to Niseko, decided to extend for an additional week and MyEcolodge came up in the search. I have to mention the checkin was seamless, but what I thought i booked, vastly differ from what was allocated for me. I thought what i booked was a room to myself however it turns out as a shared room. Its not a big deal but the feeling of misinterpretation leaves an awful taste. (Trip.com CS stepped in and helped to clarify things but theres nothing that could be done. peak season, and everywhere else is fully booked or without paying a premium) That said, the stay was good. MyEcolodge sits in a very convenient location just couple stops from Hirafu. Theres various buses including free shutters so thats really an ease off the mind) 7eleven, a small cafe, hotpot/shabushabu restaurant just sits across from you. The hostel also has their own cafeteria though ive never eaten there (food looks good though). They have a huge storage room for your gears, pretty safe so no worries. pantry, laundry room, washroom are pretty spacious and kept tidy. The room itself is fine, nothing to wow about. nothing to complain either. Towels are free and clean. Everything else you need to pay. Overall good stay. Pray hard you get nice room mates if youre sharing!

This hostel has a great location. Hokkaido University, with its excellent museum, is just a short walk north – I'd highly recommend checking it out. However, the room I stayed in had 20 beds on one floor, so if you're a light sleeper or sensitive to noise, you might want to look elsewhere. It's really more suited as a cheap, temporary place to crash.

Rebun Shiri is an excellent budget-friendly ryokan on Rebun Island, offering a comfortable stay in a convenient location just 5–10 minutes on foot from Kafuka Port. The property is surrounded by useful amenities, including a supermarket and several restaurants, making it easy to find food and supplies during your stay. Guests can choose between traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms with futons or Western-style twin rooms, depending on their preference. The facilities are well maintained, with shared bathrooms and washbasins separated from the guest rooms. On the first floor, there is a public bath (sento) with separate areas for men and women, providing a relaxing way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Complimentary yukata are also available for guests to wear during their stay. What truly stands out is the warm hospitality of the staff, who were incredibly friendly and welcoming throughout my visit. Considering the high accommodation prices often found on Rebun Island, this ryokan offers outstanding value for money. As a bonus, you may even spot seagulls gathering on the rooftop in the morning, creating a charming and memorable island atmosphere. Overall, an easy 5-star stay for anyone looking for affordable, comfortable, and authentic accommodation on Rebun Island.

The entire room and public areas were incredibly clean! The front desk staff were very welcoming and spoke excellent English. There's also plenty of parking right outside the entrance. Just a heads-up, you have to switch to indoor slippers upon entering the hotel. If you plan on going in and out frequently, I'd recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off at the door. The breakfast was delicious too!