It was my first time in hokkaido. I originally booked first 2 nights for staying in sapporo before I go to another city. And then came back to sapporo to stay here for last one night in hokkaido. Staff were friendly and helpful. I asked them for keeping my luggage at the day I leave to another city so I can travel freely, and they didn’t hesitate to help me.
But what impressed me the most was that I experienced an earthquake while staying here. The hotel has excellent guest care. The staff are kind and helped open the restaurant and provided drinks while guests waited for security checks. And the next day when the train to another city was suspended due to the earthquake, I walked back to the hotel feeling hopeless at 7:00AM. I decided to book the room for an extra night and I told staff about my bad situation. And then surprisingly, without asking, they hurry check condition of the room and allow me to rest early before check-in time.
I booked 2 different types of room and they are both comfy, very clean, and clearly well-maintained. I really like the scent of shower gel and liquid hand soap (I guess it’s the brand POLA. I see many hotels in Japan use this brand. Love it!)
I booked this ryokan last minute because I had to cancel my Hakodate trip due to the earthquake and tsunami warning. It turned out to be the best possible alternative! I really loved two things about this place: the incredible Onsen and the prime location. The onsen is, without a doubt, the biggest I've tried in Japan, with more than seven beautifully maintained indoor and outdoor pools. One major plus is that the baths are open for extremely long hours—from 5 AM until 1 AM. If you have a change of plans or delays due to weather, you can always head to the onsen to fully relax and unwind. If you go just before sunset, you can even see a spectacular view of Hell Valley from the onsen.
The location couldn't be better; it's just minutes away from Hell Valley. I highly recommend going at night for an evening stroll to experience the ”Path of Demon Fire”—it’s basically a path lit up with small lanterns, creating a really unique and spooky vibe. The hotel also offers a discounted price and provides a free shuttle to the Bear Park—a definite must-go, especially with all the snow!
[Biei Shirogane Onsen Park Hills Hotel]
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
1. Location and Scenery
The hotel is just across a small path from Shirahige Falls, and the sound of water can be heard right from the window. A 5-minute drive brings you to the Blue Pond, and a 10-minute climb to Tokachi-tei in the morning offers panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan Sea of Clouds. Every photo is a postcard-worthy moment.
2. Service
The warm welcome and English communication were effortless. We booked an extra room, and the front desk offered to use it towards dinner, which instantly cemented our friendship.
3. Food
The dinner buffet was a dazzling array of options: freshly grilled steak, paper hot pot, seasonal vegetables from Shirogane Town, Biei Wagyu curry... and the dessert section was a standout. Although breakfast was a buffet, it was served hot, hearty, and hearty.
4. Hot Springs & Facilities
The spring water is smooth and the open-air pool faces a forest waterfall, offering a superb night view. However, the pool is small and can be a bit crowded during peak hours. The free laundry and drying room on the first floor (please bring your own laundry detergent) is a great option for long-distance travelers.
5. Guest Rooms
The ”standard room,” a blend of Japanese and Western styles, is spacious enough and the bedding is spotless. However, the decor is a bit dated, and there are minor water stains on the bathroom ceiling, which detracts from the cleanliness.
Summary
The scenery, food, and service are all excellent, yet the room rate is about half that of similar-level hot spring hotels. If you can accept the retro aesthetic of the rooms, this is the best value in the Biei/Shirogane area and worth a second visit.
The hotel provides a shuttle bus pick-up from Sapporo Station (Bus Terminal), but reservations can only be made by phone call. Email requests are not accepted. We arrived on a Sunday, and the bus was already fully packed when leaving Sapporo Station, so it is best to book early.
The hotel itself is a little old, though the public area toilets appear to have been recently renovated. The public onsen pools are large and relaxing, but the stone tile flooring can be slippery from long use, so be careful when walking in the bath area.
The buffet has a good spread of dishes. I especially enjoyed the dinner scallop miso soup, handmade sushi, and desserts. The restaurant was lively and fully packed with both local Japanese families and overseas tourists. One minor downside was the seasonal fruit such as lychee. It would be better if the hotel ensured the fruits were properly washed before serving.
Wi-Fi connection in the hotel is strong and stable unlike the big spa hotel in lake Toya which I just stayed a few days ago.
The hotel itself is really old and while much effort clearly goes into maintaining it, the corridors and rooms do feel musty, like an old bowling alley. The onsen on the 6th floor is fantastic though, my only gripe is that the woman's onsen doesn't have the 15 degree dip pool that the men's onsen has, but that not a major issue at all.
The surrounding areas are lovely for walks in the winter; we love the cold and the quiet early in the day.
Rusutsu seems to employ quite a few non-Japanese employees but they do not seem to be treated kindly and they somehow look bullied. This does affect the vibe of the place and it doesn't feel as genuinely welcoming as other places we have visited in Japan. We ate at Cricket (for lunch) twice and both times, the staff did not greet at all, did not attend to us at all and the only thing they said to us was that we had to collect the food ourselves when the buzzer went off and to remember to return our trays. The local Japanese manager took the opportunity to boss the non-Japanese trainee around while we were playing our orders and the whole situation felt so unpleasant that we didnt eat there again - rather walk out to 7-11 nearby for kombini food.
The environment is really good. The forest house is two-story and about 100 square meters. Compared with the rooms I stayed in before in Sapporo, Noboribetsu and Rusutsu, it is much bigger. And the house is fully equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is very quiet and you can go out to play in the snow at any time. The only drawback is that if you don't drive here, you have to eat dinner at the hotel. The dinner at the hotel is very expensive. I ordered room service, which was quite a lot and delicious. In addition, the hotel does not have a vending machine, so you can only patronize the hotel's drinks and cakes in the lobby. Breakfast is included, which is very ceremonial. All the staff greeted us at the door of the restaurant. We were in a hurry, so we ate quickly and went to the airport. In addition to the snow, there is a golf course next to it. There is not much entertainment, but it is still a good stop for rest.
1) Japanese room is old but thankfully no funny smoke odour etc. decent sized and good for 2 large luggage - they will come and prepare your futon at around 5-530pm.
2) water park is good for kids, with 2 fun slides and some kiddo water slide. The indoor wave pool is big and there’s float and swimwear rental available too (unlike Rusutsu which doesn’t have such options).
3) Dinner was meh - wide selection but taste was alright. The dining buffet area is quite smoky though from the cooking and is quite a turnoff.
4) arcade at B1 is good for entertainment.
5) onsen is awesome. If timed right, you can watch fireworks from the onsen - it has a large sliding glass panel which is open during non-winter period.
6) daily fireworks - awesome
Perfect ski-in, ski-out resort for a couple. It had a great breakfast as well, and the room was super-comfortable. The onsen was small but very relaxing. The ski shop next door has the friendliest attendants and all the equipment you could need for a day on the Annapuri slopes. The lobby was comfortable with a gas stove and hot chocolate, and the four resorts in the same area all have a free shuttle that runs many times per day to the town of Hirafu and back, so you have plenty of options for shopping and restaurants nearby. Very nice place. We will return for sure!
Very pleased with our stay at Greenpia, and happy there were quite a few improvements since last year:
- upgrade to the outdoor onsen, which is much better than before. Love the addition of the TV
- onsen kits inside closet
- more room selections such as the Max, cabins and glamping
- the conversion into the comic reading space
The Windsor Hotel at Toya may boast its status as a premier 5-star luxury destination and its historic role as host of the 2008 G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, but our recent stay fell far short of expectations.
Despite the grandeur of the location and its breathtaking views, the service quality was surprisingly poor for a hotel of this caliber. English communication was inconsistent and below the standard expected at an international luxury property. Housekeeping was careless—leaving a used cleaning towel on the bed after daily room service, which is simply unacceptable.
When I drove to the main entrance to pick up my family, I was abruptly asked to leave immediately, even though only a few cars were present. This lack of hospitality was jarring. Additionally, being charged for extra bottled water—something even 3-star hotels offer complimentary—felt petty and out of touch with luxury norms.
The most troubling experience came during checkout. Two of our international credit cards failed to process, and although we successfully paid with a third, the staff’s attitude was unprofessional. We were met with a sour expression and the word “FINALLY” once the transaction went through—an unacceptable remark that left a lasting negative impression.
While the hotel’s setting is undeniably beautiful, the overall service and treatment we received did not reflect the standards of a true 5-star experience. I hope the management takes these concerns seriously and works to improve both staff training and guest relations.
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SSze Wing JannyThe Windsor Hotel at Toya may boast its status as a premier 5-star luxury destination and its historic role as host of the 2008 G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, but our recent stay fell far short of expectations.
Despite the grandeur of the location and its breathtaking views, the service quality was surprisingly poor for a hotel of this caliber. English communication was inconsistent and below the standard expected at an international luxury property. Housekeeping was careless—leaving a used cleaning towel on the bed after daily room service, which is simply unacceptable.
When I drove to the main entrance to pick up my family, I was abruptly asked to leave immediately, even though only a few cars were present. This lack of hospitality was jarring. Additionally, being charged for extra bottled water—something even 3-star hotels offer complimentary—felt petty and out of touch with luxury norms.
The most troubling experience came during checkout. Two of our international credit cards failed to process, and although we successfully paid with a third, the staff’s attitude was unprofessional. We were met with a sour expression and the word “FINALLY” once the transaction went through—an unacceptable remark that left a lasting negative impression.
While the hotel’s setting is undeniably beautiful, the overall service and treatment we received did not reflect the standards of a true 5-star experience. I hope the management takes these concerns seriously and works to improve both staff training and guest relations.
EElisia LohThe hotel provides a shuttle bus pick-up from Sapporo Station (Bus Terminal), but reservations can only be made by phone call. Email requests are not accepted. We arrived on a Sunday, and the bus was already fully packed when leaving Sapporo Station, so it is best to book early.
The hotel itself is a little old, though the public area toilets appear to have been recently renovated. The public onsen pools are large and relaxing, but the stone tile flooring can be slippery from long use, so be careful when walking in the bath area.
The buffet has a good spread of dishes. I especially enjoyed the dinner scallop miso soup, handmade sushi, and desserts. The restaurant was lively and fully packed with both local Japanese families and overseas tourists. One minor downside was the seasonal fruit such as lychee. It would be better if the hotel ensured the fruits were properly washed before serving.
Wi-Fi connection in the hotel is strong and stable unlike the big spa hotel in lake Toya which I just stayed a few days ago.
AAnonymous UserIt was my first time in hokkaido. I originally booked first 2 nights for staying in sapporo before I go to another city. And then came back to sapporo to stay here for last one night in hokkaido. Staff were friendly and helpful. I asked them for keeping my luggage at the day I leave to another city so I can travel freely, and they didn’t hesitate to help me.
But what impressed me the most was that I experienced an earthquake while staying here. The hotel has excellent guest care. The staff are kind and helped open the restaurant and provided drinks while guests waited for security checks. And the next day when the train to another city was suspended due to the earthquake, I walked back to the hotel feeling hopeless at 7:00AM. I decided to book the room for an extra night and I told staff about my bad situation. And then surprisingly, without asking, they hurry check condition of the room and allow me to rest early before check-in time.
I booked 2 different types of room and they are both comfy, very clean, and clearly well-maintained. I really like the scent of shower gel and liquid hand soap (I guess it’s the brand POLA. I see many hotels in Japan use this brand. Love it!)
KKenny_On The GoI booked this ryokan last minute because I had to cancel my Hakodate trip due to the earthquake and tsunami warning. It turned out to be the best possible alternative! I really loved two things about this place: the incredible Onsen and the prime location. The onsen is, without a doubt, the biggest I've tried in Japan, with more than seven beautifully maintained indoor and outdoor pools. One major plus is that the baths are open for extremely long hours—from 5 AM until 1 AM. If you have a change of plans or delays due to weather, you can always head to the onsen to fully relax and unwind. If you go just before sunset, you can even see a spectacular view of Hell Valley from the onsen.
The location couldn't be better; it's just minutes away from Hell Valley. I highly recommend going at night for an evening stroll to experience the ”Path of Demon Fire”—it’s basically a path lit up with small lanterns, creating a really unique and spooky vibe. The hotel also offers a discounted price and provides a free shuttle to the Bear Park—a definite must-go, especially with all the snow!
GGuest UserI saw a hotel operated by Chateraise on YouTube, so maybe my expectations were high. The hotel was sparkling clean. Unfortunately, it didn't support USB and there were no outlets by the pillow. The bath itself was good, but it's hard to deny that the facilities are old. The food was delicious, of course, but not as good as I expected... I don't think I'll ever use the shuttle bus to go far away again. I think it's great for families with small children.
GGuest UserThe hotel itself is really old and while much effort clearly goes into maintaining it, the corridors and rooms do feel musty, like an old bowling alley. The onsen on the 6th floor is fantastic though, my only gripe is that the woman's onsen doesn't have the 15 degree dip pool that the men's onsen has, but that not a major issue at all.
The surrounding areas are lovely for walks in the winter; we love the cold and the quiet early in the day.
Rusutsu seems to employ quite a few non-Japanese employees but they do not seem to be treated kindly and they somehow look bullied. This does affect the vibe of the place and it doesn't feel as genuinely welcoming as other places we have visited in Japan. We ate at Cricket (for lunch) twice and both times, the staff did not greet at all, did not attend to us at all and the only thing they said to us was that we had to collect the food ourselves when the buzzer went off and to remember to return our trays. The local Japanese manager took the opportunity to boss the non-Japanese trainee around while we were playing our orders and the whole situation felt so unpleasant that we didnt eat there again - rather walk out to 7-11 nearby for kombini food.
KkibinOne night with two meals, priced around 2300.
1. The room was very spacious and spotless, and they even provided complimentary snacks. There was also a good selection of tea bags and coffee.
2. The view from the room was absolutely stunning.
3. The hot spring baths were large, and not crowded at all, neither in the morning nor at night.
4. Both breakfast and dinner were fantastic. I can't understand why some people say breakfast isn't good, haha, maybe I just haven't seen much of the world! Since I can't eat raw food, I can only say I thoroughly enjoyed all the cooked dishes.
5. The weather in early August was perfect – not too hot, not too cold, just incredibly comfortable. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
6. The hotel's front desk had a signboard with lots of useful information.
7. The hotel shop offered tax-free shopping. I bought a super cute bear bell, and the prices inside were similar to those outside.
GGuest UserHotel includes dinner and breakfast. Dining is at the ”food hall”, buffet style. Not including the study drinks yen 350. There is a kids corner on the right when entering the cashier counter. The room was on. Japanese style. Maybe due to the environment, the room looks tired. All mental parts were badly rushed in toilet. Car parking is behind the hotel up the hill. Walking to the hell valley is a good 10-15 walk up hill. Could just drive up and park for yen 500.
Overall the place was OK, just old feeling
GGuest UserThe location is right next to Jozankei Shrine and Hot Spring Park. The hotel has a shuttle bus to Sapporo Station, which is very convenient! The room is clean, the bathing area is large and well-equipped, the breakfast and dinner buffet has a nice variety of dishes, including Japanese and Western dishes as well as local specialties
TThe MisadventuristsPerfect ski-in, ski-out resort for a couple. It had a great breakfast as well, and the room was super-comfortable. The onsen was small but very relaxing. The ski shop next door has the friendliest attendants and all the equipment you could need for a day on the Annapuri slopes. The lobby was comfortable with a gas stove and hot chocolate, and the four resorts in the same area all have a free shuttle that runs many times per day to the town of Hirafu and back, so you have plenty of options for shopping and restaurants nearby. Very nice place. We will return for sure!
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