Bozanso is the perfect base for skiing or snow monkeys. Heday, your host, is an absolute character who LOVES the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. He also LOVES Yamanouchi town which is where he was born. He will go out of his way to make sure you have a wonderful experience. He will happily pick you up and drop you off anywhere you want to go. He speaks English and is interested in learning about your life, and he knows all of the great restaurants (please take his advice! You won't be sorry!). The hotel itself is a little old and a little tired and a little cold in the common areas (February), but Heday's personality and friendliness make up for the deficiencies. Your room will be a traditional Japanese room with a futon, excellent pillows, big fluffy comforter, and an oil heater to heat the room quickly (just use it to heat the room initially, then use the electric heater, as CO2 is a problem with oil heaters, as well as being a fire hazard. You'll be perfectly warm once the room warms up). Enjoy the onsen (traditional public bathhouse); tell Heday if it's too hot and he will add colder water to cool it down. Take advantage of the traditional Japanese breakfast, which Heday's wife makes. It's a delicious, random selection of food. You'll come away from your stay with a new friend, funny memories, and an appreciation for a person who loves his business, his community, and his lifestyle. I highly recommend staying at Bozanso.
