What an incredible trip! The team at Refre Hotel were absolutely amazing—so kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. Jen and Pete were fantastic, organizing dinner and transport, and always so welcoming! Mitch, Seamus, Loz, and Tatty were great with our son, always offering to help with anything we needed. They also gave us great snow tips, which helped my partner a lot on the slopes, and were always there for the guests! The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing after a big day in the snow. The large bar and lounge area was one of my favorite spots to hang out—it felt so nice and refreshing playing board games and watching the snow. The dining area is also lovely, with a great view. And the onsen? It was the highlight of our trip—so peaceful and rejuvenating. The location was spot-on, with an easy walk to town, daycare, and the snow hill. Everything about our stay was perfect, and we’ll definitely be back again. Highly recommend Refre Hotel for anyone looking for a warm, relaxing, and memorable snow holiday!

Didn’t stay long enough!!

Honestly, I had no idea on what to expect as it was my 1st time visiting. As soon as I waked in I was greeted by the amazing hosts. They instantly made me and family feel at home, but for the most it's definitely an ultimate ski in and out with just a few minutes walk to the lifts at Akakura Onsen which connects you to the mountain to 2 spectacular ski resorts. Highly recommended this accommodation to all visiting.

Nothing really! Everything was awesome and there was nothing to dislike about my stay here. It's located near an abundance of really great food from a quick walk down the road. Once your here you are set to go!

Jen and Pete went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and comfortable. As soon as we arrived to the hotel, Pete gave us a detailed tour of all the facilities and recommendations on what to do around the town. The private onsen was amazing and really clean. In fact the hotel was super clean and our room was a great size as well! Loved how breaky was included and the there was a great selection of food too. Lastly, the hotel is in a great location- walking distance to the main strip of restaurants and convenience store.

Jenn, Pete and family were exceptional hosts during my time staying in Akakura Onsen with them. They were extraordinarily helpful, accommodating and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyon had a great time. Jenn was excellent at organising the booking and managing the communication in advance pro actively as Japan changed the rules on entry, Pete was a great host and often was willling to share a beer at the end of the day after he had driven/picked me up from a neighbouring ski field. Briony, Jesse and Mim were great with the breakfast service and any questions or concerns anyone had, immediatly resolved. The onsen was fabulous and very clean, the location superb, their knowledge and connection to the local community really ade my stay special. I'll be back!

I can’t describe adequately how much we enjoyed our stay at Refre… Peter, Jen and the whole staff went above and beyond to make us feel like family. Any request or help we needed was met with kindness, humour and efficiency. What made our stay so good was that it seemed that the Refre team really enjoyed having us there. Not like other hotels in Japan, where people are polite but robotic, we honestly felt more at home at Refre then at some family Christmas lunches! The hotel had such a good vibe, excellent breakfast, great communal area where you can sit and meet other travellers, have a beer or a tea. The private onsen was pretty special, after a day on the mountain, having the option to relax in a thermal onsen was very luxurious. The other great thing about Refre is that they know the town very well, can recommend the best places to eat, where to get gear from and details about each ski resort that you wouldn’t know. We will be back, for longer and telling all our friends to book at Refre!

Nothing!

Jen and Pete were fantastic hosts! Gave us loads of great recommendations for dinner (booked places for us) and helped us choose where to ski in late March '23. Jesse and Mim were extremely friendly and we loved having a chat with them in the lounge/bar; also gave great recommendations for ski resorts and bar culture. The onsen was so incredible and felt less intimidating than a public one as we could book it for 1/2hr as the two of us. Onsen was so magical!! The room was Japanese influenced and we felt super comfy in the space. Hotel is in a great location, walking distance to one of the base lifts for Akakura Onsen. They also were more than happy to drive us to Akakura Kanko which would have been a bit of a walk in our ski gear. Refre is so close to the main street, which had lots of convenience stores, bars and restaurants. Drying room was well equipped. Laundry facilities only 600 yen to use and easy to figure out. Pete drove us to Myoko-Kogen station about 10 mins away which was super easy. Being Aussie we loved the breakfast as we hadn't found breakfast alike ours in Melbourne when we were in Tokyo; good variety of T2 teas, cereals and great sourdough bread to have with our choice eggs, bacon, spinach, mushrooms. We had a fantastic brief stay :)

Was faultless!

The team at Refre were fantastic. The hosts Jen and Pete were extremely helpful and knowledgeable of Myoko and the surrounding areas. The hotel facilities were very good and exceeded our expections. We were well fed with good quality food which kept us going on the slopes for a full day. I would happily stay at Refre again and will reccomend this place to family sand friends.

We didn't have any issues at all at this property. For people who prefer personal private bathrooms may consider alternatives, we found the shared onsen perfectly fine and clean.

We absolutely loved the Refre. The family who run it are amazing, so friendly and helpful. Great facilities, storage for equipment and the Onsens are brilliant. Rooms and very clean and comfortable beds. Breakfast was also 10/10. Cool bar to relax after skiing and socialise with guests. Could not recommend highly enough. We will definitely be back! Thanks for an amazing stay

NA

Definitely the place to stay in Akakura onsen. The hosts Jennifer & Peter, with their wonderful daughter Briony and staff will make you feel welcome the moment you set foot into their lovely "home." Their excellent hospitality will warm your hearts even in the coldest winter. With only 9 rooms, the atmosphere is cosy where the staff could provide individual attention and impeccable service, yet allowing sufficient space for privacy. The onsen (gender separated and available for private use) are well designed with the outside location great for experiencing the falling snow onto your face. The courtesy pick-up from Myokokogen station and proximity to the ski slopes should convince you that this is the accommodation of choice.

Nothing.

Refre Hotel has a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere!! They served a delicious and healthy breakfasts and even served made to order omelets. We enjoyed the onsen, and were very close to the ski rental shop just a few minutes walk away. The room was spacious and the beds were very comfortable. The owners couldn’t have been more welcoming!!

We loved everything about Refre Hotel!!