Hotel is just off the main road. The staff were very nice to me even though I don't speak Japanese. I ended up adding breakfast to my stay and chose the Japanese breakfast option which was unique, fun, and tasty. When I checked out they offered me a ride to the train station in a shuttle and it was much better than walking. The hotel seems a bit older which gives it some charm, adds to the feeling that you are in a mountain town getaway. The main shopping area is about a 10 min walk, the pond is about a 10 min walk and the train station is about a 15 min walk. There are many bar and restaurant choices in the area, and the hotel itself has two restaurants.