Shigakogen Olympic Hotel: Your Unforgettable Japanese Alps Escape!

Shigakogen Olympic Hotel: My Japanese Alps Saga - Or, Should I Say, 'Almost' Heavenly?

Okay, folks, buckle up. You're about to hear about my experience at the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel: Your Unforgettable Japanese Alps Escape! – and let me tell you, "unforgettable" is definitely the word. But unforgettable in, shall we say, multiple ways.

Accessibility: The Ups and Downs (Mostly Ups, Though…):

First off, let's talk mobility. I’m not a wheelchair user, but I always pay attention to accessibility. The hotel… well, it's wheelchair accessible in some areas. There's an elevator, which is a lifesaver in a mountain hotel, and they've definitely made an effort. But, and this is a big but, navigating the grounds outside might be a bit of a challenge. The Japanese Alps are, you know, mountains. So, be prepared for some slopes. Inside, it was pretty good. I'd say it leans more towards a solid effort than a fully seamless experience, but the elevator was a godsend!

Internet: Free Wi-Fi Nirvana… Mostly

Okay, so, let’s be real. In the mountains, you need reliable internet, right? Thankfully, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was actually pretty solid. I mean, I could stream Netflix (the ultimate test, right?), and the work emails didn't grind to a halt. Internet access – wireless was great too. It made posting those envy-inducing mountain pics a breeze. They even had Internet [LAN] if you're into that retro vibe. But sometimes, in the more remote areas, the signal would dip, and you'd be staring at a spinning wheel of death. Sigh. But overall, A+ on the connectivity front.

Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Conscious Comfort?

Look, coming out of the pandemic, cleanliness and safety are top of mind. And the Olympic Hotel really leaned into that. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were all masked and super diligent. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. And they had a whole system of Hygiene certification and Staff trained in safety protocol. I even saw the Professional-grade sanitizing services in action! Plus, you could opt-out of room cleaning if you prefer. Felt safe, which is HUGE.

Rooms and Amenities: Cozy, with a View (Sometimes!)

My room was… well, it was a room. Perfectly functional, with a decent view of the mountains. It had Air conditioning, which I needed because even in the mountains, it can get warm. There was a nice desk to work at, a comfy sofa, and decent blackout curtains. The bathrobes were a nice touch, and the slippers were a must-have after a long hike.

I really appreciated the little things, like the complimentary tea and the free bottled water. They also had an on-demand movies, which was nice to unwind and watch a movie after a long day. The rooms are clean, but the decor definitely trends towards…. "classic." Let's just say it wasn’t exactly minimalist chic, but it was comfortable. And the wake-up service worked like a charm – a testament to the fact they have their act together!

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Or, at Least, It Tries):

Okay, now we get to the interesting part. The Dining, drinking, and snacking scene. The hotel has a Breakfast [buffet], which is good, but it can get crowded. The Asian breakfast (think miso soup and grilled fish) was delicious. The Western breakfast was… well, it was there. They offered A la carte in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant, which was a nice touch.

The restaurants themselves were generally good. I particularly enjoyed the Asian cuisine in restaurant, which was where the real culinary magic happened. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always available, and I did appreciate having Coffee shop on site.

There's a bar, which is perfect for a post-skiing drink (or, you know, a pre-hiking pick-me-up). The Poolside bar was a great spot to chill, especially with great views!

One day, I decided to embrace the Japanese experience and tried the soup in restaurant. It was… well, it was something. Let's just say it expanded my culinary horizons.

Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Almost Realized!)

This is where the Olympic Hotel truly shines. The Spa is a genuine highlight. Seriously, the Sauna and Steamroom were absolute bliss after a day on the slopes. The Pool with view was breathtaking, and you actually feel relaxed swimming there. There's even a Gym/fitness, though I wasn't quite motivated enough to hit it. They offer a Massage, which was heavenly. I could have spent all day in that Spa/sauna!

I didn't get a chance to try the Foot bath, nor the Body scrub or Body wrap, much to my regret. But next time, for sure!

Things to Do: Beyond the Mountains (If You Dare to Leave):

Okay, so, you're in the Japanese Alps. The main thing to do is… well, be in the Japanese Alps! Hiking, skiing (of course!), exploring the local villages. The hotel itself offers a lot of resources, even if I didn't spend much time in them, such as Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Seminars.

Services and Conveniences: Helping You Survive… and Thrive (Mostly).

The hotel has a good selection of Services and conveniences. They offer Daily housekeeping, which is always appreciated. There's a Concierge, which is helpful for arranging activities. They have Currency exchange and Cash withdrawal if you need it. The convenience store inside is handy for little snacks. There's even a Gift/souvenir shop – perfect for grabbing those last-minute gifts.

For the Kids… and Those Who Are Still Kids at Heart:

The hotel is definitely Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities and even a Babysitting service.

Getting Around: Convenience is Key… But a Car is Probably Better:

They offer Airport transfer. There is a car park [free of charge] which is a huge win in this area. And a Taxi service, which is good for the last minute!

My Overall Verdict: Definitely Go… With a Few Caveats

Look, the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel is a fantastic base for exploring the Japanese Alps. The views are spectacular, the spa is amazing, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. It's clean, safe, and offers a lot of amenities.

But, and this is important, it isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, like a well-loved and slightly worn-out hiking boot. The food can be hit-or-miss, and the facilities, while great, could always be better.

Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd just book it with a slightly more jaded, but still incredibly hopeful, perspective.

Ready to say "Konnichiwa" to the Japanese Alps? Book your unforgettable escape at the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel today!

Here's what awaits you:

Breathtaking Mountain Views: Wake up to panoramic vistas of the majestic Japanese Alps.
Relax and Rejuvenate in Our Luxurious Spa: Melt away stress with our sauna, steam room, and invigorating massages.
Cozy and Comfortable Rooms: Enjoy well-appointed accommodations with free Wi-Fi and all the essentials.
Delicious Dining Options: Savor authentic Japanese cuisine and international favorites.
Unbeatable Location: Explore the best of the Japanese Alps, from hiking trails to ski slopes.
Stay safe! The hotel has many safety measures.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Japanese Alps! Book your stay at the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel now and create memories that will last a lifetime!

[Insert Booking Link/Call to Action Here!]

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly curated, Instagram-ready travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, and hopefully hilarious Shigakogen Olympic Hotel experience. Let's see if I can actually make it there, never mind enjoy it.

Shigakogen Olympic Hotel: A Trainwreck (Hopefully a Fun One) Itinerary (or, My Brain's Attempt at Order)

Pre-Trip Anxiety Fueling Phase (aka, Weeks Before Departure)

The Planning Abyss: Okay, so I thought I had this sorted. Flight booked, hotel booked (Olympic Hotel – sounds fancy, right? Fingers crossed it's not a glorified hostel). But then, the train tickets… Oh, the train tickets. Websites in Japanese, Google Translate failing me left and right. I spent three hours wrestling with a booking system that seemed designed to specifically frustrate tourists. Ended up booking a bunch of seats, I think, but honestly, at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up sleeping on a luggage carousel.
Gear Panic: What do you wear in the Japanese Alps in February?! Layering? Down jackets? Will I look like a Michelin Man? Or a hopelessly under-prepared idiot shivering in a thin sweater? I've spent more money on thermal underwear than I'd like to admit. Pray for me (and my credit card).
Japanese Phrasebook Mishap: Tried to learn some basic Japanese. "Konnichiwa" (hello) and "Arigato" (thank you) feel manageable. "Sumimasen" (excuse me) seems crucial. Unfortunately, I spent a solid hour trying to pronounce "watashi wa sushi ga daisuki desu" (I love sushi) and ended up sounding like a dying walrus. Sushi is my main motivator though, so I'll keep trying.
The Bag-Packing Binge: Oh, the bag. It's so damn heavy. And I'm pretty sure I've overpacked. Again. Two pairs of ski pants, three pairs of gloves, a book I'll never read… I'm going to be that person, struggling through the airport, looking like they’re moving house.

Day 1: Arrival - Cold, Tired, and Possibly Lost

The Flight Debacle: Plane ride was long. I'm never comfortable on planes. I spend it trying to sleep (failed) and getting up to pee every 20 minutes.
Landing in Japan: Landed! Narita Airport is HUGE and the crowds were massive. Finding the train was pure chaos. People were moving so fast, and I kept nearly tripping over my suitcase.
Train Travel (the promised land): Finally on the train! Now, for the spectacular countryside views I’ve been promised.
Shigakogen Station and onward to the hotel: The train was delayed, naturally. Arriving at the station, the air hit me like a slap in the face – seriously cold. Found the bus to the hotel. It’s a winding road, the mountains starting to emerge. This is more like it.
Check-in and First Impressions of the Olympic Hotel: The hotel is… well, it's a bit dated. But the lobby is kind of grand in a retro-Olympic-themed way. Check-in was thankfully painless. The room? Clean enough, but the view from the window is amazing. Mountains, trees, and snow! This is what I came for.
Dinner Disaster (or Triumph?): The hotel restaurant. It's a buffet. I am a buffet person. I probably ate too much. Some things were amazing, some things… not so much. (Japanese curry is an experience!) Stuffed myself silly, felt both ecstatic and vaguely nauseous.

Day 2: Skiing… or Falling Down More

Morning Mayhem: Woke up. Sore. Slept terribly. Coffee. Coffee! Walked to the ski shop and tried to find my ski skills. (I don't have many.)
The Slopes of Sorrow (and Occasional Joy): The snow is pristine. The views are… wow. I'm a terrible skier. I'm pretty sure I spend more time on my backside than upright. There was that one glorious moment, though, where I actually managed to glide down a small slope gracefully. Pure bliss! Then I promptly crashed into a snowbank.
Lunchtime Logjam: Finding a table in the crowded cafeteria was a battle. Food was simple but satisfying. My ski legs were screaming.
Afternoon of Agony (and Minor Victories): Kept at it. Took a lesson. Still fell. A lot. But I'm starting to get the hang of it. Maybe. Or maybe I’m just delusional.
Après-Ski… or Sitting by the Fire: Hot tub: amazing. Sake: Maybe a bit too much. Went back to the room to collapse.
Dinner Round Two: Food was a bit better, I think. The buffet had some new options. More curry.
Emotional Reaction: Exhausted, elated, and slightly bruised. But, damn, the mountains are beautiful. This is what I needed.

Day 3: Beyond Skiing and into the Heartbreak of Travel(ish)

The "Day Off" Illusion: Planned to try snowshoeing. Turns out, it was fully booked and the weather had other plans.
Indoor Activity Time: The Olympic Hotel's indoor activities are… limited. Stumbled upon the arcade. Played some very retro video games. Got absolutely destroyed by a pre-teen in a racing game. My reaction? Deep, quiet shame.
The Local Village exploration: Visited the local village. It's charming, snow-covered, and very, very quiet. Found a tiny bakery and loaded up on delicious pastries. My blood sugar is happy.
The Hot Spring Experience (Attempted): Tried to find a public onsen (hot spring). Got lost. Ended up walking in circles for an hour. Gave up and went back to the hotel. Still, I'll try again.
The Dinner Debrief: The hotel restaurant had new options. Still ate too much. Wondering about the other guests. Maybe they’re having a great time? Maybe we're all just tourists, equally bewildered.
Emotional Reaction: Feeling a bit homesick, a bit overwhelmed. But also, strangely, peaceful. Travel is so weird!

Day 4: The Snow Monkey Saga

The Snow Monkey Pilgrimage (the thing I was most excited for): The Snow Monkey Park! Finally! Took a bus to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. A journey by bus.
The Hike to Happiness: The trail up was icy and tough! Slippery, uphill, but the anticipation kept me going. The scenery was stunning.
Monkey Mania: Saw my first snow monkey. Instantly lost my mind a little bit. Hundreds of them, bathing in the hot springs! Watching them made me laugh. Took a million pictures. I have a serious monkey crush now.
The Long Journey Home: Exhausted but euphoric, the long bus ride back was an opportunity to appreciate the view, sleep and reflect.
Dinner and Farewell: Last night at the hotel. Feeling a bit sad to leave. Ate all the remaining curry. Said goodbye to the mountains.
Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. The monkeys were worth every moment of travel and effort. This trip has been perfect.

Day 5: Departure - Tired, Slightly Better at Japanese, and Forever Changed (maybe)

The Final Breakfast Buffet: Ate one last plate of food. Saying goodbye to the deliciousness.
The Train Journey Back: Navigating the trains was… easier this time. Maybe I'm actually learning something!
Airport Adventure: The airport. Finding my gate… more crowds, but less overwhelming than the first time.
The Big Question: Will I come back? Absolutely. Maybe with better ski skills. Maybe with a better grip on Japanese. Maybe with a slightly less massive suitcase. Probably not.

Final Thoughts:

This trip wasn’t perfect and not all of it went to plan. There were moments of utter frustration. There were moments of pure, unadulterated joy. There was a lot of snow, a lot of falling down, and a whole lot of delicious food. And the snow monkeys? Worth every single moment. Japan, you win. I'm already plotting my return. And hopefully, next time, I'll actually be able to ski. Or at least, not fall over quite so much. Now where's that curry?

Escape to Paradise: Howard Johnson La Plata's Argentinian Oasis

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Shigakogen Olympic Hotel: Ask Me Anything (Seriously!)

Okay, so you're thinking about the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel, huh? Smart move! Or maybe you're just curious? Either way, buckle up because I've got *opinions* (and probably a few too many pictures of mountains). I've stayed there, I've stumbled around there, I've probably embarrassed myself there at least once. Let's dive into some FAQs, shall we? Prepare for unfiltered realness. And, um, apologies in advance for the occasional tangent. It's just how my brain works after a week in the Japanese Alps...

Is the Shigakogen Olympic Hotel really that amazing? Everyone says it's a ski paradise...

Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Amazing" is a subjective word, right? For me? Absolutely. The skiing? Legendary. Picture this: crisp air, powder like clouds kissing your face, and endless runs stretching as far as the eye can see. That's the dream. The hotel itself? It's got that classic, slightly-worn-but-charming vibe. Think comfortable, not necessarily "luxury." It's not the Four Seasons, but it's got something better: soul. The location? PERFECT. Literally steps from the lifts. You can roll out of bed (or rather, practically fall out of bed – after a night in their comfy traditional room setup) and be on the slopes. Seriously, I once made it from my room to the lift in under five minutes. A personal best! But here's the catch...

It *is* a ski paradise, hands down, if you're into *skiing*. If you're expecting Vegas-level glitz, you're in the wrong place. This is about the mountains, the sports, and the post-ski onsen.

What's the food like? I'm a picky eater...

Okay, food. This is where things get interesting. I *love* Japanese food, but I can also sympathize with picky eaters. The hotel has a buffet, which is both brilliant and slightly daunting. Brilliant because variety! Daunting because, well, sometimes you get overwhelmed. They have a good mix of Western and Japanese fare. Think: pasta, salads, the usual breakfast suspects (bacon! eggs!), and then a whole spread of Japanese delights. I’m personally obsessed with their miso soup. Seriously, I had *at least* three bowls every single morning. So good.

Here's my advice: Try *everything*. Don't be afraid to experiment. You might discover a new favorite dish! (I found a love for pickled ginger there, of all places.) They also have a dedicated restaurant. I had one truly incredible dinner of tempura there. It was perfect. Seriously, crispy, light, and delicious. It erased any nagging doubts I had about their food. The key is to relax, be open-minded, and embrace the adventure. Oh, and if you're a coffee snob… bring your own instant. The hotel coffee isn’t the best. But whatever! You’re there for the skiing, not the Starbucks.

What kind of rooms can I expect? Are they comfy?

Comfortable, yes. Luxury, no. I stayed in a traditional Japanese room (tatami mats, futon beds – the whole shebang) which was surprisingly fantastic. I was dubious at first. Sleeping on the floor? Seriously? But I loved it. It was so cozy and relaxing. And the space! I was expecting to feel cramped, but it was actually quite roomy. There are also Western style rooms, of course, with proper beds. They’re functional, neat, and clean (essential, especially after a day of skiing), but they're not overly flashy.

One word of warning: the walls aren't super thick. You might hear your neighbors… let's just say, enjoying their vacation. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. But honestly, the charm of the room, the view from the window, and the feeling of being *in* Japan completely outweighed any minor issues. I spent hours just gazing out at the mountains. Priceless. Honestly. Priceless.

Tell me about that Onsen! (Hot springs!)

Oh. My. Goodness. The onsen. This is where the Olympic Hotel *truly* shines. After a grueling day of skiing (or even just a leisurely one), sinking into that hot, mineral-rich water… It’s pure heaven. Seriously, it's like someone hit the reset button on my body. The onsen is divided by gender, of course. (Don't even *think* about sneaking into the other side!) There are indoor and outdoor baths, and the views are incredible. You can soak under the stars, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

My *one* regret? That I didn’t spend *more* time in the onsen. Seriously. Go. Do it. Don’t be shy. Embrace the nudity (it’s part of the experience!). Just remember the basic rules: wash thoroughly *before* you get in the water (the little stools and buckets are your friends!), and don't let your towel touch the bath. I was once so relaxed that I almost fell asleep in there. Almost. That would have been awkward! But truly, the onsen is worth the trip alone. This experience honestly cemented my love for Japanese culture and the ability to wind down. Ahhh… just thinking about it makes me want to go back. Now.

Is it good for beginners? I'm not exactly a pro skier...

Absolutely! Shigakogen is fantastic for beginners. While it does have some seriously advanced terrain, there are also plenty of gentle slopes and wide, easy runs perfect for learning. The hotel itself is very accommodating to beginners. They often have ski schools and instructors available, and the staff is generally very helpful. Just be prepared to fall… a lot. It’s part of the fun! And the hotel offers really good rental equipment. No need to bring your own unless you have a serious obsession with a particular board. Honestly, the fact that the hotel is connected to many lifts, means you can wander around and find a spot in what feels effortless. Which can be great for beginners or those who like to see a new view.

Also, don't feel intimidated by the pros! Seriously, everyone starts somewhere. Embrace the wobbly legs, the occasional tumble, and the sheer joy of finally making it down a run without falling (or at least, not *too* many times). And hey, if you're struggling, there's always the onsen to soothe your aching muscles afterwards!

How about the service? Is it friendly and helpful?

The service is generally excellent. The staff are incredibly polite and helpful. They are mostly Japanese, which is helpful. They will try their best to accommodate your requests, even if your Japanese is terrible (mine certainly is!). Don't expect super-Book Hotels Now