Originally Posted by
nappingpanda
First time poster in FlyerTalk. Currently planning a trip to Japan this winter, and looking to do a ryokan stay in either Hokkaido or Kawaguchiko. For Hokkaido, we're thinking the Zaborin (saw in an old post there may be some service issues?). For Kawaguchiko, leaning towards the Fufu + Hoshinoya Fuji (which I understand is not a ryokan).
These would be very different trips, but any thoughts on the quality of food, spa, service, transportation (from Tokyo), and seasonal considerations? If we do Hokkaido, the plan would be to relax and maybe do a few snow-related activities (snow shoe, x-country ski, or regular ski). We are not expert skiers, but do like snow. If Kawaguchiko, we'd be going for Mt Fuji views + any lake-related activities. Thanks in advance.
Tough call. I'd definitely decide, first and foremost, on area/region first and then work from there. Snow-capped Fuji is gorgeous in the Winter, and staying in the Fuji Five Lakes area (especially Lake Kawaguchi) probably gives you the best chance to view Fuji at its best (assuming it makes an appearance, which is never a guarantee, although there is a higher probability in Winter mornings than at any other time of the year.) There are some neat places to check out in the area as well, including Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai and Iyashi no Sato. If you're not really down for anything more than "light" skiing/boarding, then Niseko in Winter probably isn't going to be as appealing of a place. The tables are turned if you happen to be visiting between Feb. 4-11, which are the 2024 dates for the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is a wonderful exhibition and definitely worth visiting. Then, you can combine Sapporo with Niseko, with a stop at charming Otaru town along the way.
Zaborin is going to be a bit more expensive than Fufu Kawaguchiko, although the base rooms at the former are slightly more spacious. You'll want at least a Precious Suite room at Fufu, but even then, it's a bit tighter in space but quite a bit cheaper.
For Fuji Five Lakes, one option would be to combine it with Hakone or Izu. A Fufu + Asaba combo (save Asaba for the end) would be pretty awesome combo.