keba 0 Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Hi guys, It's time to make travel plans, and we are looking for Ryokan/Minshuku-style accommodation. Just two of us, and we have a car and want to do a week in Furano area and a week around Rusutsu. Staff that speak better English than my Japanese would be nice. No trouble finding a place in Furano, but do you think I can find even one place in Kutchan? I've Googled my fingers off, been to the JNTO, Ryokan/minshuku association websites and everything is in Niseko or Rusutsu (and they are booking out fast). Does anyone know where I should try next, or should we just give in and stay in the ski areas with the rest of the crowds? Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 Will I take that as a "No, just give in and stay at the resort"? Link to post Share on other sites
69 5 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 There are quieter areas of the resort rather than just the middle bit. I think Go Native lives in Kutchan. Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 We were trying to avoid Niseko altogether, except maybe for the odd day-trip. Sounds like we might not have an option, though. Link to post Share on other sites
taguchi 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 If you are trying to avoid Niseko, why do you want to stay close-by in Kutchan? Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 Because it seems to be the largest town in proximity to all the resorts in the area, so a day trip to whichever resort we pick in the morning is feasible. And if the same logic works in Japan as it does elswhere, we should be able to stay cheaper in a nearby town, than in the resort area. We could just stay in Rusutsu but I'm even having trouble finding a place there on the dates we plan to travel. We'll probably end up spending two weeks in central Hokkaido. It seems strange to me though, that a town 10 min drive from Niseko, and 40 min to Rusutsu, should have no advertised accommodation. Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Perhaps it's just a town without hotels and not really a place to stay.... leave all that rabble to the resort area.....? Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Best person to answer will be GN (Go Native) as 69 said. I am sure we met people in Niseko who were staying in Kutchan, but they may well have been staying in someone's private home/accomodation rather than a commercial venture. I know the drive between Kutchan and Niseko is quite manageable for a Gaijin Tourist because Papabear managed it with a dodgy knee with ease on a regular basis. Certainly do-able if you can get the accomodation. Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 I can respect that, Big-Will, if it's the case. I wouldn't want my neighbourhood over-run by tourists every winter either... Its bad enough here in the summer, and even worse in "Schoolies Week" Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share Posted September 17, 2008 I'm actually keen to drive because we skied Hakuba last year and having the freedom to get out and go wherever and whenever we wanted was just brilliant. If we stay in the resort, it's harder to justify getting a car, and then day trips are off the menu. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 There is a hotel with an Onsen near the little (one lift) ski hill on the outskirts of Kutchan called Hotel Yotei. I often go there for onsens but have never stayed. Should be what you're looking for and shouldn't have a problem getting a room. If you need help with making a booking pm me with details. Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 18, 2008 Author Share Posted September 18, 2008 Thanks, Go Native. Some posters said you might be able to help, but I didn't want to pm you unannounced. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Originally Posted By: keba And if the same logic works in Japan as it does elswhere, It doesn't....this is Japan and logic here is like logic nowhere else!! Good luck though finding accomodation Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I'd stay in Niseko town over Kutchan. Niseko town is NOT the resort. Easier and quicker access for Moiwa, Chisenupuri, Annupuri and Rusutsu than staying in Kutchan. And a damn site prettier too. Link to post Share on other sites
keba 0 Posted September 19, 2008 Author Share Posted September 19, 2008 Thanks, MikePow, I hadn't actually thought of that... I assumed any hotel listed in Niseko was in the resort. I'll chesck it out. Link to post Share on other sites
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