It was our first time to this area, we chose Ryuoo upon recommendation from a Japanese friend. Very nice Western-style hotel at Ryuoo ski resort. We were in the King Suite, a 2 bedroom/2 bath with a living room. Super spacious, modern living. It is located a very short walk to the base & ticket office. The staff is helpful & they have a great female employee (sorry I forgot her name) who speaks fluent English & French, or translation apps works with everyone. Washer/dryer downstairs, microwave downstairs, gear lockers outside the lobby, bus depot a short walk away but far enough to not hear or see the crowds. Not many dining options, but there is a great sweet or savory crepe kiosk, burgers at the base, ramen down the street, & the hotel has to-order egg breakfasts or "Ryuoo" breakfast which is a plate of Shinshu apple-fed beef and salad. All-you-can-eat variety of breads, pastries, rice porridge, juices, teas, and coffees. Well worth it for the ease of starting your day. Hotel dinners were pricey, they offer a French dinner or Shabu Shabu. We did the shabu shabu, & of course, it was excellent. We also got extra food from Yudanaka, a free shuttle ride away. There's a rental place next door, the older gentleman who runs it is the ultimate Japanese experience, he immediately brought out his translator app, wore a purple rag on his head-Japanese style, smoked in and out of the shop, & offered us a shot of orange juice before we went out-so awesome. Shiga Kogen is 50 min away.
