Norikura Kogen Onsen Youth Hostel & Family Lodge

I stayed here for 2 nights as I was traveling to Kamikochi for the first time. There were no problems other than the hot springs being lukewarm and the water getting cold. About 25 minutes from Sawando Bus Terminal. On the way to Sawando, there were about 30 monkeys on the side of the road. There is a large amount of delicious water at the entrance of the inn, so I put it in a plastic bottle and go home.

The side dishes for the meals were very cold both at night and in the morning and were quite spicy. . Of course, I can't expect it to be piping hot, but I thought it could be done a little better.The hot springs are lukewarm, but the water comes from the source, so when you come out of the water after a while, it doesn't get cold. The smell of sulfur lingers on my body and feels good.The futon is quite classic and heavy. The inside of the building has an aged smell.Maybe it was because we were in a group, but the lady seemed to be able to talk to me quite earnestly, so I think it's good for customers who are looking for that kind of thing.

2024/2/24Pet and overnight informationReservations can only be made by phone, payment in cash.You can stay at a reasonable priceWe accept a wide range of pets from small dogs to large dogs (need to discuss) 1000 yen/pet✫Compatible✫A cold treatment for first-time customersWe recommend that you book your stay with the understanding that you will not be the same as the regulars.They explain the rules of the facility when checking in, but it's a minimum so I'm confused.There is no explanation of the location of the rooms, toilets, bathrooms, etc. (The only way to check is to check the floor plan posted at the entrance of the room.)Since it is a youth hotel, there are no room keys, so you have to leave your valuables at the front desk or manage them yourself.When there are few guests, you can have a private room and lock it from the inside.✫Facility condition✫It's more of a mountain hut than a hotel.It's a long-established store, so everything looks old.The entrance is adjacent to the back entrance of the kitchen, so there is a mix of various odors, such as the smell of the pickle barrel outside, the smell of cigarettes from the ashtray, and the smell of sulfur from the hot springs.I was confused by the piles of luggage piled up under the eaves.To be honest, the back of the front desk doesn't give a good impression as luggage is piled up.The toilet is only on the first floor and is in the same room as the washroom.It is a flush toilet, but the problem is that it is small and difficult to enter.Go up the stairs and the second floor is your room.There are slippers at the entrance, but it may be safer to not have slippers as it is difficult to climb the stairs.The room is for 6 peopleThe interior is simple but clean.There is only a long, narrow gas heater and a desk.No TVOnce the room is warmed up by the heater, the temperature will not drop, so it is recommended to turn off the heating at night and go to bed.Dry throat hurtsDue to the lack of soundproofing and the aging of the facility, you can hear the sounds of neighboring rooms, the sound of slippers on the stairs, the creaking of the floor, and the sounds of the first floor.✫About the futon✫You will set up the sheets and pillowcases you received at the front desk when you checked in.The hanging sheets will be used as is, so if you are concerned about your collar, it is a good idea to bring your own bath towel.The pillow has a smell even with the cover on.✫Meals✫Dinner and breakfast are both lackluster and coarse food (at the level of a mountain hut with poor access).You can have a second helping of rice, but not soup.You will not be asked to add another menu when making a reservation.They don't ask for drinks during meals and are very unfriendly.At first glance, there are a few plain side dishes on the table.The regulars next door? A pot was set on the dining table, and plates of side dishes were brought one after another, and I was stunned by the differences.Naturally, Mr. First's table was filled with people staying alone, so it was quiet and silent.Conversations with the regulars were lively, but it seemed like there was a line drawn at the dining table for Mizuki.When you finish your meal, you will return the tableware to the tray by yourself.✫Bath✫worstThere is no doubt that it is a sulfur spring that flows directly from the source, but the temperature is only about human body temperature and it is unbearably cold.At check-in, I was told that the temperature was low due to a problem with the piping, but I didn't think it was this bad.It's so warm that even if I stick my body out a little, it's so cold that I shiver.Since it was a sulfur spring, I was asked to leave the window open when entering the bathroom, so I couldn't close the window, which was fully open, and the wind was so strong that I thought my wet face was going to freeze.Even after soaking for an hour, my body didn't warm up and I decided to go to the washroom.The saving grace was the shower, but the facility was old and it took a long time to adjust the temperature, making my curled-up body colder and colder.It was too cold in the bathroom to wash my body, so I had no choice but to cower in the bathroom (I thought I was going to freeze to death).Of course, soaking in a lukewarm hot spring again will be hell when you get out, so leave quickly.It might have been better if there was a stove in the changing room.If this is the case, should you let us know when making a reservation?It wouldn't be strange if I caught a cold.I wanted to take a hot spring bath many times, but it was too cold and I couldn't.I talked to other first-timers and they all felt the same way.✫Summary✫I feel like I don't have enough explanations for everything, or I don't have enough words, or I can't get an answer unless I ask.I don't think it's a problem for people who think it's enough for first-time travelers to find an easy and reasonable accommodation, decent food, and hot springs.It's nice to be able to accommodate pets (humans too, but there's no anime tea for pets either).✫Additional note✫On the way back, the owner explained to me about the temperature of the hot springs.The source of the source is said to be in the mountains 8km from the inn.At this time of year, the pipes that normally flow the hot springs are buried deep in the snow and the temperature does not drop.This year, there seems to be a combination of adverse natural conditions, such as not only little snow, but also melted snow water entering the hot springs, causing the temperature to drop.It's fine in the hot summer months, but it's the cold winter months.There should have been a proper explanation like this when making the reservation.I'm very sorry.

A long-established youth hostel run by a family of three. ㊗️50th anniversary. Norikura Kogen, where the Kamikochi Super Forest Road and the Norikura Echo Line intersect, can be enjoyed year-round with skiing, trekking, and Shirahone Hot Springs.

Free-flowing hot springs in an environment with only natural sounds

A youth hostel with the best hot springs full of sulfur.I am always taken care of when I visit Norikura.If you use it like a hotel, you may be confused about the facilities and services.We recommend that you gather information, understand, and agree with the information in advance before using it.This is my favorite youth hostel.