Hakuba's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Pension EastMount Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Hakuba's "Hidden Gem" – Unbelievable Pension EastMount Awaits! And let me tell you, it's not just another cookie-cutter hotel. This place is a whole vibe. This review is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster, so hold on tight!
Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off first: Accessibility isn't perfect. I was hoping for more. They do have some facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a day of shredding the slopes! Things like an accessible bathroom in the lobby might be more accessible in some areas but it could be better. I wouldn't call this paradise for wheelchair users, but it's striving. Honestly, a solid "C+" here.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges - Fueling the Adventure!
They've got a few options to keep you fueled. The main restaurant offers a buffet, which is actually quite decent. Think hearty breakfasts, perfect for powering up before hitting the powder. They also have an a la carte menu. Pro Tip: Don't skip the Asian cuisine. It's authentic and delicious, and the salad bar is fresh and vibrant. There is a bar, and a poolside bar, so your drinks are not far.
Wheelchair Accessible - Needs Improvement The initial assessment is some rooms are accessible, but the common areas could be improved.
Internet… Oh, the Internet.
Right. Let's be honest. For us digital nomads, the Internet is life. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Hallelujah! They've also got LAN access, so if you're a tech nerd like me, you can get your super-fast connection on. The signal was pretty good throughout the hotel, so you won't be pulling your hair out trying to upload those epic ski videos. Wi-Fi works so you don't have to miss anything.
Things to Do – Beyond the Slopes!
Okay, here's where EastMount really shines. Obviously, you're here for Hakuba's legendary powder, but after a long day of skiing, you NEED to relax.
Spa/Sauna: They've got a fantastic spa area. The sauna is a must-do. You can melt away every single muscle ache from the day. They offer massages and other treatments. I indulged in a body scrub, and I felt like a brand new person.
Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is incredible. Imagine soaking in warm water, looking up at the snow-capped mountains. It's pure bliss.
Fitness Center: Decent gym with everything you need.
Foot Bath: Nice touch for weary travelers.
Cleanliness and Safety – They Get It!
Major kudos to EastMount for taking COVID seriously. They've got it all:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
I felt safe and comfortable the entire time.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food!
I've already touched on their restaurant scene: buffet, ala carte, Asian, buffet and more. The breakfast buffet is a crucial part of your day. The coffee is strong, the eggs are fluffy, and the pastries are delightful. They also have a snack bar and room service which is a blessing when you're just too tired to move.
Services and Conveniences – Making Your Life Easier
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry: Essential for ski trips.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Pick up a little something for the folks back home.
- Luggage storage: No problem!
- Airport transfer: Easy peasy!
- Free Car Parking: A huge plus!
- Business Facilities: Fax/Xerox, Meeting rooms, all the things for business travellers.
For the Kids – Playtime is on!
They're pretty family-friendly, which is great. Kid-friendly meals are a godsend for parents. Babysitting service. I didn't have kids with me, but I noticed they had kids' facilities.
Available in all rooms – Your Cozy Cave
This is the where you unwind!
- Air Conditioning: A must.
- Blackout Curtains: Essential for a good night's sleep after hitting the slopes.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes, please!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Wi-Fi [free]: You got it!
- Desk: If you have work to do.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxurious!
- Safe box: Keeps your valuables secure.
- Wake-up service: Never miss a powder day!
- Slippers Nice touch for lounging.
- Bathrobes: Extra cozy.
- Seating area: Relax, unwind, and plan your next adventure.
- Complimentary Tea: This is a great touch and you can have it anytime.
- Desk: You can work here.
- Ironing facilities: Makes you look neat an tidy.
- Laptop Workspace: Useful for your laptop.
- Mini Bar: To keep your drinks cold.
- Reading Light: Reading in bed.
- Satellite/Cable Channels: Useful to watch the news. Smoke detector: They are helpful and useful.
- Window that opens: Some fresh air.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
They offer airport transfers and taxi service.
My Personal Anecdote (The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious)
Okay, so I arrived after a grueling 24-hour travel day. I was exhausted, cranky, and my luggage was… somewhere in transit. I stumbled into the lobby, looking like a Yeti who had lost a fight with a tumble dryer. The staff, bless their hearts, were amazing. They immediately offered me a welcome drink (a very necessary sake!), and the concierge actually helped me track down my lost bag. Seriously, THAT kind of service is gold.
Now, there was a slight hiccup. My initial room was a bit noisy due to a nearby construction site. I mentioned it to the front desk, and they immediately moved me to a quieter room. The room itself was spacious and, dare I say, cozy. That bed… Oh, that bed. I think I slept for 12 hours straight and woke up feeling like a new person.
The Quirky Observation
One thing I noticed? The hotel is filled with a mix of serious skiers, families, and a smattering of, shall we say, eccentric individuals. It gives the whole place a really fun, laid-back vibe. It feels like a real community.
My Emotional Reaction
Honestly? I loved this place. The staff were fantastic, the spa was divine, and the views from the pool were jaw-dropping. The minor hiccups were more than made up for by the overall experience.
My Rating:
Would I recommend Unbelievable Pension EastMount Awaits? Absolutely! It's not perfect, but it's got a ton of heart, great amenities, and a location that's hard to beat.
Here's My Offer to You:
Book your stay at Unbelievable Pension EastMount Awaits! and get 10% OFF your stay! Plus, receive a complimentary pass to the spa and a free drink at the bar.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Book during the next 7 days and receive a free upgrade, provided one available.
Click here to book and use the code "HAKUBAFUN" at checkout!
Don't wait! Hakuba's powder is calling, and EastMount is waiting! You won't regret it. Go shred!
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Luxury at CGH Residences & Spas, Oree Des Cimes, France
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, bullet-pointed travel brochure. This is me, trying to wrestle a Hakuba itinerary out of my brain after a week in Pension EastMount. Prepare for the glorious, messy reality.
Hakuba Hakuna Matata: A Love-Hate Letter in Schedules
Day 1: Arrival – "Oh God, Did I Pack Enough Socks?"
Morning (or What Passes for It After a Red-Eye): Land at Narita. Ugh. The airport itself is… fine. Efficient, clinical. But after a 12-hour flight, all efficiency blends into a blur of stale air and existential dread. Must. Get. Coffee. Find the train – thank the heavens for the helpful (and incredibly patient) Japanese staff. Questionable decision to wear my "comfy" travel pants. They're now permanently creased.
Afternoon: Train to Nagano. The landscape starts to shift. More green. More mountains. My Instagram feed gets a boost. I'm already "that tourist" snapping photos of every rice paddy. Find the bus to Hakuba. It's a winding, dizzying ascent. Feeling queasy. (Should've skipped that last onigiri.)
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at Pension EastMount. Oh, this is where the magic (and the potential for disaster) begins. The owner, bless her heart, greets us with a smile so wide it's practically radiating warmth. Rooms are cozy… and a bit… small. I swear, my backpack takes up half the floor space. Unpack. Realize I forgot my book. Damn. Wander around Hakuba village. It's charming! Like a postcard come to life. Find a local ramen place. It's… chef's kiss. Pure, unadulterated noodle gold.
- Rambling Observation: The air. Crisp. Clean. Breathing it in feels like a spiritual reset. Like all the city grime is just, poof, gone. But also… the silence. It’s loud. If that makes any sense. It's the kind of quiet that makes you self-conscious about chewing.
Day 2: Skiing – "Falling Down is Just a Part of the Journey"
Morning: Gear up. Rent my ski equipmnent from the village shop – the boots feel like medieval torture devices. Head up the mountain. Okay, this is… exhilarating. And terrifying. I am a beginner, and the snow is not forgiving. Spend more time on my backside than on my skis.
Afternoon: Spend half the day stuck on the bunny hill, I'm pretty sure the instructor is starting to feel sorry for me. Another half is spent on a run that should have been easy, but I fell. Repeatedly. Almost ran into a small child. Apologize profusely. Try to look like I know what I'm doing. My legs feel like they've aged a century.
Evening: The onsen. Finally. I soak my aching muscles in the steaming water, staring at the snowy mountains and thanking whatever deity governs hot springs. Order a beer. Maybe two, who's counting? Dinner at the Pension. Simple, hearty, delicious. Sleepy but happy.
- Quirky Observation: The Japanese people. They ski with such effortless grace. Meanwhile, I’m a clumsy penguin, desperately trying to stay upright. Seriously, what is their secret? Is it the bamboo? Do they meditate on the mountain? I must find out.
Day 3: Snowshoeing – "Embrace the Freeze, It's Beautiful! "
- Morning: Sign myself up for a snowshoeing tour! It's a magical experience. Snow crunching under the shoes. The forest is absolutely silent (besides my breath). The guide points out animal tracks. Feel like I'm in a Disney movie. The air is so crisp it almost hurts.
- Afternoon: Reach the summit. The view? Breathtaking. Like, actually takes my breath away. A panorama of snow-capped mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. Take about a million pictures but none of them do any justice for the moment. The snacks the guide set out are lovely, but the cold is starting to seep in.
- Evening: Back at the Pension. Hot tea, a warm bath, and a feeling of complete and utter serenity. I never want to leave.
- Emotional Reaction: This snowshoeing experience? It was… perfect. The silence, the solitude, the sheer magnificence of the landscape. I felt a deep sense of peace, a connection to nature I rarely get. It was, hands down, my favorite part of the trip. I could stay there forever.
Day 4: Hakuba Village Exploration – "Lost in Translation (and a Convenience Store)"
Morning: Explore the village properly. Visit the local shops – buy souvenirs (and more snacks). Admire the traditional architecture. Wander into a random temple. Breathe in the incense and try to understand. Try to communicate with locals. Fail adorably (or so I hope).
Afternoon: Attempt to navigate a convenience store. Struggle with the automated coffee machine. Buy the wrong kind of yogurt. Accidentally buy a spicy snack, regret it immediately. But it was a good kind of regret. Discover a hidden cafe. The coffee is strong, the cake is divine.
Evening: Another Ramen. It's the carb-loading I need, and my taste buds are thanking me. Back at the Pension, I have some time to relax.
- Opinionated Language: Convenience stores in Japan are a national treasure. Seriously, you can get anything there. From instant ramen to fresh pastries, and the staff is always so helpful. It’s a cultural experience in itself, and one I thoroughly embraced.
Day 5: More Skiing (Or, "Embracing My Inner Penguin, Part Deux")
- Morning: Back on the slopes. Determined to redeem myself after the first day's humiliation. Try different runs. The green ones are still a challenge. Actually make it down a blue run without completely wiping out! Victory!
- Afternoon: More falls. More laughter. More snow down my pants. But I’m getting slightly better.
- Evening: More onsen. More beer. Prepare for an early morning flight.
- Rambling: I can't believe how sore I still am. But the feeling of accomplishment from even attempting to ski? Worth every bruise. And the views! Oh, the views. They just make everything else fade away. That's the beauty of Hakuba, it's a place of serenity.
Day 6: Departure – "Goodbye, Snow-Covered Mountains. I'll Be Back (Eventually)"
Morning: Pack. Say goodbye to Pension EastMount. I was sad to leave that place, but I was sure to visit again. Head back to Nagano. Train to Narita. Airplane.
Afternoon: Ugh. The long flight. So. Tired. So. Grumpy.
Evening: Home. The familiar comfort of my own bed. And the sweet, sweet memory of the mountains.
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving Hakuba felt like leaving a dream. The crisp air, the friendly people, the stunning scenery… it all felt so… alive. I miss it already. I’ll be back. Maybe next time I won’t fall so much. Maybe.
Important Notes (or, My Imperfections Exposed):
- Packing: Pack for every possible weather scenario. I didn't. Regret it.
- Language: Learn basic Japanese phrases. Even a few words make a difference. (And don't be afraid to use Google Translate!)
- Food: Try everything. Seriously. Even the things you think you won't like.
- Pace Yourself: Don't try to cram too much into each day. Just relax, breathe, and enjoy being in Hakuba.
- Embrace the Mess: Travel isn't always perfect. Embrace the mishaps, the wrong turns, the moments of utter confusion. They make the journey unforgettable.
- Lastly: I highly recommend Pension EastMount. The people are amazing, the location is perfect, and the onsen is pure bliss. Just be prepared for the small rooms. And maybe pack extra socks. You'll need them.
Hakuba's (Secret-ish) Gem: Unbelievable Pension EastMount - Your Questions (and My Rambling Answers)
So, EastMount... Is It *Really* Unbelievable? Like, Actually?
Alright, let's be honest. "Unbelievable" is a pretty hefty claim. But... yeah, mostly. Look, I've stayed in my share of pensions (mostly because my budget screams "frugal traveler"), and EastMount is... different. Think cozy meets quirky meets, uh, a little bit of everything. The owner, Mr. Saito? Forget Michelin stars, this guy deserves a trophy for pure hospitality. He’s this short, wiry dude who's always bustling about, speaks some killer English (surprisingly!), and seems genuinely *thrilled* to have you there. That alone is half the battle, you know?
But the *truly* unbelievable part? The food. Oh, the food. More on that later. Just… prepare for a carb overload of the delicious variety. Seriously.
What's the Vibe Like? Is It Super Luxurious or... Rustic?
Rustic. But in the *good* way. Think well-worn furniture that screams "lived-in and loved." Don't expect marble floors and a jacuzzi. This is more about wooden everything and the genuine warmth radiating from the place. It’s like visiting a very cool, very hospitable aunt and uncle’s house. There's a common area with a fireplace (very important in Hakuba!), a library filled with books in several languages (mostly Japanese, admittedly), and a general sense of "chill." It’s not pretentious, which is a massive win in my book.
Also, brace yourself for the "cosy factor." You're going to be sharing space with other guests, and you're all going to inevitably chat. Which, as a slightly introverted person, I found oddly... enjoyable? Maybe it was the sake talking. Definitely the sake.
Food! You Mentioned the Food. Spill the Beans! What's the Grub Like?
Okay, buckle up. The food. Is. Legendary. Honestly, I gained, like, five pounds in three days. Worth it. Mr. Saito is a wizard in the kitchen. He whips up these massive, multi-course dinners that are a delicious blend of Japanese and Western flavors, with a healthy dose of local produce. One night, I swear, I dreamed of the potato gratin. Seriously. The potato gratin. Creamy, cheesy, perfect.
Breakfast is equally epic. Think mountains of toast, perfectly cooked eggs (however you like 'em), and, let's not forget the coffee. Strong, hot, and plentiful. Then, the homemade jam is what really gets me. He had some kind of berry jam the first day that I still think about, and I don’t typically like jam! I'd take that over a boring bowl of lukewarm cereal any day. Be warned: portions are *generous*. Pace yourself. You’ll thank me later.
Okay, So, How Do I *Actually* Get There? Is It a Pain in the Rear?
Depends on your patience level, and your luggage situation, *ahem*. Okay, look. Hakuba is a bit... off the beaten path. That's part of its charm. You'll likely fly into Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), then take the train to Hakuba. The train ride itself is picturesque, but it can take a while. Then, from the Hakuba station... you can either cab it (the most convenient, but the most *expensive* option) or, for the truly budget-conscious, you can take the bus to a stop nearby EastMount and then walk.
Mr. Saito *might* pick you up from the station - ask him in advance. He's a busy guy, but he’s also such a sweetheart that he might just offer. Don't be shy! I was initially too awkward to ask, and regretted it later when I was hauling my backpack through the snow. Lesson learned: embrace the Saito hospitality.
What About Skiing/Snowboarding? Is It Close to the Slopes?
Yes! And *very* yes! EastMount is super close to the Happo-One ski resort, which is basically the heart of Hakuba's skiing scene. The best way to get there is via their free shuttle bus, and it is very convenient. Seriously, the shuttle is a lifesaver. Because, let’s be real, lugging all your gear in the snow is nobody’s idea of fun after a long day on the slopes.
Also, don't miss the other Hakuba resorts. They’re *all* fantastic. Mr. Saito is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the various slopes and the snow conditions -- ask him for recommendations. He'll even help you book lessons. He knows *everything*. He basically *is* Hakuba.
Any Downsides? Gotta Be Some, Right?
Okay, fair enough. It's not *perfect*. Everything has its flaws. The rooms are a bit on the smaller side. Not cramped, mind you, but don’t expect a palatial suite. The Wi-Fi can be a little spotty at times, particularly in the evenings when everyone is glued to their phones (guilty!). The shower situation is... you get the picture - it's not a luxury hotel.
And, as mentioned before, the whole "sharing a space with other guests" thing might not be for everyone. I'm an introvert, and even I thought it was alright. But if you're craving complete solitude... this probably isn't the place. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. The good stuff *far* outweighs the bad. And for the price? Seriously, it's a steal.
What's the Best Thing About EastMount?
The *atmosphere*. The genuine warmth. The feeling of being welcomed into someone's home, rather than just staying at a hotel. It's the kind of place where you'll happily chat with strangers over sake, share tips about the best powder runs, and leave feeling like you've made a few new friends.
It’s the little things too. Like, the fact that Mr. Saito remembers your name, and what kind of coffee you like. Or the way he always makes sure you're comfortable, even when he’s clearly exhausted. It's the kind of place that makes you want to return, year after year. I know I’m going back. Already booked my next trip, actually. Don't tell anyone though - I don't want it to get *too* popular!
