Hotel & Condominium Hitohana
Hotel & Condominium Hitohana is one of those rare finds—a place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into the home of an old friend, except with better service and culinary offerings. It’s the kind of hotel that feels as though it was specifically designed for travelers who don’t just want to pass through but want to settle in, explore, and actually enjoy where they are.
Accommodation and Amenities
Now, let’s talk about the rooms, because they are something special. The Deluxe Hollywood Twin, for example, takes two humble twin beds, pushes them together, and—voila!—you’ve got something approximating a king-sized bed that’s perfect for families, especially those wrangling small children. It’s like someone finally realized that kids, much like socks, have a habit of getting lost during the night and need to be kept within arm’s reach. But it’s not just the beds that make these rooms shine—each one is equipped with a fully functional kitchen, complete with electric stoves, a vent, and an assortment of cooking utensils. Perfect if you have a hankering for some home-cooked noodles after a long day on the slopes. And for those traveling with pint-sized companions, the hotel provides children’s pajamas and slippers—because nothing says “family-friendly” like dressing your offspring in tiny, hotel-branded loungewear.
Dining Experience
When it comes to food, the hotel doesn’t disappoint either. The aptly named Restaurant Kanza has garnered rave reviews, with guests consistently praising the breakfast and dinner offerings. The restaurant not only serves up delicious food but does so against a backdrop of stunning views of Furano’s rolling landscape, which, depending on the season, might either be blanketed in pristine snow or lush with greenery. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, the hotel also hosts complimentary wine tastings—a brilliant idea for anyone who thinks the best way to recover from a day on the slopes is with a bit of fermented grape. And if you’re traveling with kids (or simply abstain), they’ve thoughtfully included snacks and juice for younger guests.
Staff and Service
The hotel’s staff are nothing short of wonderful. Described by many as both “friendly” and “sincere,” these are the kind of people who don’t just hand you a room key but who organize ski shuttles, book restaurant reservations, and provide expert-level local recommendations with the ease of someone who’s lived in Furano their entire life. Guests even mentioned an English-speaking receptionist who went above and beyond to ensure their stay was seamless. In short, if there’s a problem, you’ll likely have a staff member solving it before you even know it’s there.
Transportation and Location
Hitohana is situated conveniently close to the Kitanomine ski slopes, which, if you’re a skier, is essentially the Holy Grail of locations. It’s just a short shuttle ride away from the action, though, if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you could always take the 15-minute stroll. Mind you, depending on how icy things are, this could either be a pleasant walk or an impromptu ice skating session. There’s also a shuttle to Furano Station, and for those who’ve rented a car, free parking is available. Given how easy it is to get around, Hitohana makes an ideal home base for exploring the region.
Facilities and Extra Touches
But let’s not forget the hotel’s myriad other features, all of which seem designed to cater to the weary traveler. There’s a large communal bath (onsen), perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long day of skiing, and a rain shower in each room for those who prefer a more private soak. Then there’s the lounge—a cozy, impeccably designed space where guests can sip on complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks while marveling at the view of Tokachidake. For an added touch of modern luxury, the hotel provides free use of a laundromat (because no one should have to choose between clean socks and skiing) and offers Netflix on its smart TVs. In a country where television options can sometimes be bewilderingly sparse, the addition of Netflix is a veritable godsend.
The lounge, in particular, deserves its own mention. Decorated in a minimalist, Japanese aesthetic, it’s the kind of place where you feel like you should be contemplating the meaning of life while sipping green tea and gazing wistfully out at the mountains. There are books about Furano, plenty of space to relax, and enough natural light to make even the grayest of winter days feel bright.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s hard to overstate just how impressive Hotel & Condominium Hitohana is. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just provide a bed for the night but offers a fully immersive experience in hospitality. Whether you’re there with a significant other, the whole family, or even on your own, the combination of warm service, excellent facilities, and thoughtful extras make this hotel the perfect place to base yourself while exploring Furano. It’s no wonder so many guests leave with plans to return—after all, it’s not every day you find a hotel that feels as welcoming as your own home, with the added bonus of someone else making your bed.