Staying at A Pension While On Vacation in Niseko

The first thing that people not from Japan might ask is – What is a pension? Well, a pension is a bed and breakfast style home or lodge. They range from extremely basic and simple, to luxurious and large. Depending on what it is you are looking for and how many people are in your party, renting a pension just might be the perfect solution for your vacation.

Niseko Base Lodge is located in the heart of Hirafu Village, and is a western style bed and breakfast. It overlooks the incredible Mt. Yotei and has restaurants, bars, and ski lifts within close proximity. Any of them could be walked too. There is also access to the ski shuttle bus.

With the majority of their visitors focused on the skiing, it has nine rooms with a capacity of 27 people, but all beds are twin size. The English speaking staff are on hand to cater to their guests needs. Base Lodge boasts the most stylish accommodations of all Niseko pensions. There are several couches in the recently refurbished lounge that centers around a large wooden stove, has broadband Internet and many state of the art electronics for their visitors to enjoy.

Alpine Central on the other hand, sleeps 30 people and has 12 guest rooms, 7 of which are ensuites. Although it is also beautifully furnished, it is more authentic Japanese style rather than furnished completely western style. One advantage of this is the traditional “hinoki” (or Japanese Cypress wood spa bath with natural healing powers). Before booking your room, make sure you ask whether your room has a private bathroom or if it is shared with the other guests. Most are shared.

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you may want to check into something along the lines of Pension Potatochips. It is more like a boarding house, breakfast is served, however, multiple persons share rooms. In particular there is a group room that sleeps ten – each on Japanese style futons. Regardless of the room size or style that you request, there is one communal bathroom and two communal showers. The upside is that the cost is approximately 6000yen per night per person. (use current currency exchange rate to determine current prices).

This just gives you a general idea of the variety of accommodations that are available in places that call themselves either a pension or a lodge – and sometimes are listed as both. It goes back to the original recommendation, be specific in what you are looking for and make sure you know what questions to ask before you book your accommodations.

Where one stays during their vacation or holiday is an important part of that holiday memory. Make sure that yours is exactly what you were expecting before you arrive. Just don’t forget to take your camera. There are wondrous sites that you will want to immortalize forever! Have fun.

Check out the comprehensive list of pensions at http://niseko-links.com/accommodation/pensions.aspx