Hostels in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Although this place isn't right on the ski slopes, they offer a shuttle service. The rooms are spacious enough, and the staff are friendly and can speak both Chinese and Japanese. They can also help you rent ski equipment, and the rental fees are much cheaper than at the ski center. The bathhouse has a nostalgic vibe. If you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you need to book with the owner in advance. The meals are affordable and come in generous portions. This is the best accommodation choice if you're planning a ski trip without a tour group.

I came here during summer for Fuji Rock. In all honesty, it’s alright, the room is clean & the beds were comfortable, aircon works. Don’t expect much from the room, as there’s only 1 power socket in the room, so we had to share. It’s really just for sleeping. The shower is an open bathroom common in Japan & shared toilet situation, so just take note for travellers who aren’t comfortable for that kind of thing. But the good thing is that the shower area was clean, water is hot & great. Towels are provided although it’s a really small and thin one. There’s a free large area for parking near the place so that’s good. I’d think it would be great for winter as it’s right next to the gondola, but we didn’t experience that.

Nestled in the mountains of Tokamachi, this onsen ryokan brews its own sake and offers stunning natural views. Guests can enjoy all their locally brewed sake during their stay. It's a perfect spot for travelers who love hot springs and Japanese sake. However, you'll need to drive yourself or arrange for a pick-up in advance as public transportation isn't readily available.