FAQ
If you cannot find your question here, please call or email us.
Shuttle & access
Do I need to book the shuttle in advance?
Yes. Please book the shuttle by the day before. The times we run differ between summer and winter.
How do I get to the Grand Hirafu ski area?
You can use our shuttle or the local bus from Kutchan Station. In winter we drive to Hirafu twice every morning, at 8:00 and 9:00. Outside those times we will point you to the local bus.
What time does the shuttle to the ski area leave?
In winter it runs twice every morning, at 8:00 and 9:00. Outside those times, please use public transport.
Is there a pickup from Grand Hirafu back to the hostel?
There is no return pickup. Take the local bus from the Hirafu Welcome Center to Kutchan Station; the hostel is about a 10-minute walk from there.
What time can I use the shuttle to the Mt. Yotei trailheads?
We drive between 3:30 and 7:00 in the early morning, to the Kutchan-Hirafu trailhead and the Makkari trailhead. Please let us know by the day before. For stays of two nights or more we can also pick you up after your descent, even if you come down at a different trailhead.
How long does it take to reach the Mt. Yotei trailheads?
About 20 minutes by car to the Kutchan-Hirafu trailhead and about 30 minutes to the Makkari trailhead. Times vary with the weather and road conditions.
Is there a shuttle to the Mt. Niseko Annupuri trailhead?
Yes, between 6:00 and 9:00 in the morning. We drive only to the trailhead on the Goshiki Onsen side, not the Hirafu side. Please let us know by the day before.
Can I walk from Kutchan Station?
Yes. The hostel is about a 10-minute walk from Kutchan Station.
How do I get to Rusutsu Resort?
Take the Donan Bus from Kutchan Station. Timetables and payment methods change with the season, so please check the Donan Bus official website for the latest information. We do not run a shuttle there.
Staying & check-in
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00, and check-out is at 10:00.
I may arrive after 20:00. Is that all right?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00, and 20:00 is our usual cut-off. If you cannot avoid arriving later, please contact us as soon as you know.
Can I leave my luggage if I arrive early?
Yes, we can hold your luggage before check-in. Please let us know by the day before.
Are the dormitories single-sex?
Yes. There is one women’s room and one men’s room, with four beds each. We do not have mixed dormitories.
Can I reserve a lower bunk in the dormitory?
We will note your request, but we cannot guarantee it.
Facilities
Can I use the kitchen?
Yes. There is a self-catering kitchen and a dining room you can use.
Is there car and bicycle parking?
Yes, we have both. It helps us if you let us know when you book, or before you arrive.
Bicycle parking is available in summer only.
We do not rent bicycles ourselves, but you can hire one at the tourist information office in Kutchan Station.
Are towels provided?
Towels are available to rent for a fee.
Can I smoke inside?
The hostel is entirely non-smoking. This includes cigarettes, heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Booking & payment
How do I pay?
We accept online card payment only, charged on the day of check-in.
Is there an accommodation tax?
Yes. An accommodation tax of 3% of the room rate (Kutchan Town) is added separately.
Do you take long stays?
Yes, we have a long-stay plan. Please select it when you book.