Avis Lodge Nakajima

It is a truly great location you are literally across the road from the gondola that takes you all the way to the top of Uoentaria (almost the top of the mountain) you can also take the snow mobile (which stops very close) to the bottom of the hikage area (where the ski lessons are held etc) However you are a bit of a walk from the main part of town and it is mainly uphill to get back to the accomodation, so it's a bit of a hassle for dinner after a long day skiing (but its nothing if you're a keen walker and a pretty walk). So you just have to weigh up would you prefer to be closer to food or skiing area? Be warned there are no showers here only two onsens (separated by gender) so if you're not keen on communal bathing just be aware that this is the case, but then again the village - Nozawa Onsen - is aptly named and is famed as an onsens location, so when in Rome! The room is much larger than what we got in other places for a similar price - the main living area (that can also be converted to sleeping area for families) has tatami mats, floor seating and a low table, while the actual sleeping area is mattresses on a loft accessible by a metal ladder on the wall. The Japanese couple who own the place were fantastic, very lovely and incredibly helpful - booked both a tour to see the snow monkeys and a taxi back to Iiyama Station for us! Breakfast is expensive (1000yen) compared to what you get in other places but you can't beat the convenience!