You a laid back traveler? Good. You don't want The Four Seasons? Good. You want better service than The Four Seasons? You got it. 'The Captain', as he is called, runs The Villa Alpen along with his very knowledgable wife and son (who happened to teach in Aspen for 10 years). Obviously, their crew increases during the busy season but... More

I can't say enough about Villa-Alpen! "The Captain" and his staff made my trip to Shiga-Kogen on of the best ski trips I have ever taken. The accommodations are quaint, comfortable, and clean. The meals (Breakfast and Dinner) are truly amazing! The entire staff was completely accommodating and very nice. The environment is very friendly, traveling alone, I meet folks... More

It was cozy.Because owner tract us friendly and kindly.And each room is kept with a room temperature, and I could enjoy communicating with travelers who I got to know first time, especially australian people in the bar room. More

I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful place. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and the owner (the "Captain") is a true character. The rooms are basic but comfortable and quite large by Japanese standards. The bar/lounge area is a great place to meet fellow travellers over a beer by the fireplace. The ski lift is literally 30m... More

Villa Alpen is a wonderful hotel. From the owners, Captain and Hiroko-san, to the entire staff, you will be welcomed as family and not just guests. The rooms are clean and spacious, the food delicious, and all at a great value. Their location in Sun Valley is a perfect ski-in ski-out location to the entire Shiga Kogen trail system. The... More

Just came back from our 2nd stay with Villa Alpen. The furnishings at the hotel are very basic, but it is very clean and you will have everything you need - onsen, breakfast and excellent dinners (included in the price), ski rental, free internet, English speaking owners and English ski lessons (the Okazawa family will either do it themselves or... More

A true ski-in, ski-out location! The lift is literally 50 metres from the front door. As stated in previous reviews, the Villa Alpen might be a little run down due to the downturn in the Japanese economy but the service and hospitality of the English speaking Okazawa family more than make up for this deficiency. We started coming here in... More

This is my fifth visit in five years staying at Villa Alpen. Ski-in /out location with fabulous hosts and fantastic value brings us back each year. Cosy bar, onsen, warm rooms, ski hire, ski lessons, free internet available. Hotel needs updating but the host family /owners with their warm and friendly personalities, who will do anything possible to make your... More

This is our second time to stay at Villa Alpen and we loved it. The owners are so gracious and helpful. The rooms are clean, well kept and dinner is excellent. We'll definitely be back again! More