Located at the end of the Shiga Kogen valley, Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga offers the only five-star accommodation option in the region, boasting a huge range of luxurious amenities wrapped up in a traditional European chalet-style appearance. While the hospitality is traditionally Japanese, with friendly and helpful attitudes at every corner, the hotel itself is designed with a large emphasis on European style, featuring exposed stone and wood features throughout as well as traditional furnishings and décor.

There is a large range of rooms to suite travellers in large or small groups, and each room features a spacious ensuite bathroom, bar fridge and television. There’s also Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, and all of the rooms open onto private balconies overlooking the surrounding Shiga Kogen landscape. While the rooms aren’t modern, they’re spacious and very comfortable, with plenty of natural light, lounge areas and good amenities.

The hotel boasts both a stunning indoor onsen overlooking the landscape through large windows as well as a huge indoor swimming pool. There’s a sauna to go along with it, too. Guests are also treated to ski storage facilities as well as two ski shops – one an outlet store selling gear and the other a rental service. Of course, those who bring their own gear also have access to the hotel’s private ski storage spaces, too, and can make perfect use of the perfect ski-in ski-out location.