Nothing, it was perfect.

The proximity to the snow fields, the owners wealth of knowledge to navigate the different ski areas, the comfortable beds, the amazing breakfast, the showers, the on site laundry. Time and again I witnessed the hosts go the extra mile for their guests, they really make the stay special. As a keen skier, it's also important for me to know the area, weather, different ways to access resorts and the hosts provided that and so much more. Will be back next year.

Stayed in February 2025

Awesome friendly staff who were helpful with everything we needed, dropping us to whichever resort we wanted to board each day. Excellent breakfast & the coldest most delicious beer in town.

Stayed in February 2025

-Location was a bit further than I expected (it's technically a 10-min walk, but with the snow, the road is a bit difficult to walk on) -The heaters in the rooms turned off automatically after 3 hours with a loud beep, so you couldn't use them at night. The duvet covers were warm, but I still found it to be too cold -There were no curtains on the windows (just the normal ryokan shades) and there was an extremely bright light outside the window that was on until 9pm (only a problem with small kids if you go to sleep before 9pm)

-Miyu and Kimi were wonderful hosts, really attentive to anything we needed and offered great skiing advice -Room was spacious and beds were comfortable; good value for money -Buffet-style western breakfast - it was simple, but good (plenty of hot and cold options, good coffee) -Shared toilets and showers were clean -Offered morning and afternoon shuttles to/from the Akakura lift (free) and pickup from Myoko Kogen station (for a fee) -Nice common area, with stretching mat, foam rollers, and small bar for apres ski

Stayed in February 2025

The walk up and down the hill was sometimes a bit tedious, but Miyu and Kimi were happy to give you a lift and did regular rides up to town each morning so it wasn't a big deal.

Japow House is amazing for your stay in Akakura! Miyu and Kimi are so friendly and helpful and are happy to help with transfers from Myoko. Located a short walk (although up a bit of a hill but good to get you warmed up for the day) away from the main part of town, Japow House provided a comfortable place to rest after a day up the mountain. Their new showers are amazing and were so nice to come back to after a day at the snow. Brekky was delicious, nutritious and varied each day, rooms were comfy, warm, spacious. Dry room and all facilities clean and tidy.

Stayed in February 2025

Loved our stay and our gracious hosts, Miyu and Kimi. They were so hospitable and you can tell they pour their everything into JapowHouse. I loved the "hostel" feel without actually having to share a room with strangers. That allowed us to converse and meet new friends from all over the world. The breakfast was a delight - I really enjoyed the eggs and meats every morning. This location is a bit down a steep hill, so it was nice to have daily shuttles running to the bus stop in town. Myoko was a delight and JapowHouse made it that much of a better experience! If I find myself back in Myoko again one day I will not hesitate to stay here again.

Stayed in February 2025

Great location and vibe

Stayed in February 2025

Beautiful vibes with owners Kimi and Miyu, with their lovely daughters running amok and bringing cheer everywhere! Rooms were great. Breakfast was just right, decent variety and plentiful, perfect for fuelling before a day out. Really wonderful memories of Japow house, especially while winding down in the evenings with other guests, amidst the open and homely vibe. One thing to note for rental cars - make sure you get a 4wd, else when the snow picks up, you have to park at the post office carpark some ways out nearer the main town strip.

Stayed in December 2024

It was a pleasure to stay with this super friendly family. The kids are cute and always greeting everyone. Comfortable beds. Appreciate how they kept the hallway warm. Have dry room for ski/snowboard gears. Location wise, maybe easier access by car.

Stayed in January 2025

Great location, very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent breakfasts and onsite restaurant. Would definitely stay there again.

Stayed in January 2025

There was too much snow ;)

The owners Kimi and Miyu are wonderful people, and their kids are awesome too! Breakfast was good with lots of variety and different items every day. All of the facilities, including our room were very well kept and very clean. They gave great suggestions about where to eat and where to enjoy the slopes. Best of all was just hanging out with them and the other guests at the end of the day, while all of the kids played together. I recommend the yuzu sake with a splash of gin!

Stayed in December 2024

Excellent staff.

Stayed in February 2024

Amazing family run place with a nice social atmosphere in the common area. The local knowledge of the area is also priceless.

Stayed in February 2024

Japow House is truly a special place - They make you feel very at home. It was clear that people who stay there have been coming for a long time, and eventually want to bring their kids there. Very family friendly. Breakfast spread was delicious, loved the soups and having fruit was a special treat. Japow House is in a perfect location, quick walk to anything we needed. They also drove us to the bus stop if we were running late!

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

We loved the family feel of the property! Miyu and Kimmi were great hosts. Always driving us to the slopes and able to assist in recommending onsens and restaurants and booking them too. The breakfast was fresh and tasty daily. Their ski knowledge was exceptional and gave great advice depending on conditions. We can highly recommend this property. We got a great taste of Japanese family life, they were so inclusive of our family of five. Akakura Onsen and Kanko were gorgeous family run resorts.

Stayed in January 2024

Shared bathrooms and showers are not very one

Japow is just what you need for ski vacation. Clean, confortable, very friendly stuff and great location. Not a fancy place. I highly recommend for families

Stayed in January 2024

The hosts were very nice and friendly. Rooms clean and comfy. The atmosphere was warm. Would definitely go there again!

Stayed in February 2023

everything was great

it’s close to Akakura onsen, the dry room is nice, the breakfast is homemade every morning and delicious

Stayed in February 2023

Yummy scrambled eggs for breakfast

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing

Amazing vibes, great people, excellent atmosphere. Kimi and Miyu and entire family are so nice. Always going above and beyond to help. Will definitely return

Stayed in February 2023

Miyu, Kimi and their incredibly sweet children are brilliant hosts: truly thoughtful, kind and generous. They went out of their way to make our stay the best it could be (including driving us about and booking restaurants for us), as they did for all of their guests.

Stayed in January 2023

Good location, Japow 1 only 5-10min walk to the lift(good warm up for the day), Japow 2 - two minute walk to the lifts and bars / restaurants in Akakura onsen. Breakfast was awesome! Cheers Miyu and Mika! Drying rooms at both Japow 1 and 2, with tuning gear available to use. Awesome family feel at Pow 1!

Stayed in March 2024

The location....it's 10 minutes walk uphill on the road to bus stop and from there a further walk to restaurants or onsens. Bus shuttle from that bus stop is necessary for 3 of the 4 ski fields. No onsen in the guesthouse. Be aware that the reviews in booking.com and Google are mixed for Japow 1 and Japow 2. Japow 2 has a great location. This review is for Japow 1.

A nice cozy guesthouse and the rooms are very comfortable. Breakfast is very good and owners are friendly and helpful.

Stayed in February 2024

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Stayed in February 2025

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Stayed in January 2025