Excellent meals and host. Toshi-san has done an incredible job managing the guesthouse by himself. He drove me to the slopes every morning, and shared fresh local produce with me during meals. Toshi specially prepared some wasabi and Japanese rice for me to bring back home when he found out that I really liked them! Also found out during the stay that Toshi went to the same university as I did nearly 50 years ago, so we had a good time sharing our experiences. Toshi is one of the most experienced pension-owners in Madarao and is extremely knowledgeable about the community. Will definitely be back next year for my snowboarding season!

The first and foremost is the service and hospitality provided by the owner (Toshi san) and his staff. Although this has been mentioned in all the reviews, I just want to add a bit personal experience. On the day before our checkin, Toshi san’s wife had a fall and was hospitalised. Toshi san spent the whole night at the hospital after her surgery. Yet he still came in and helped us check in. We only found out this after he checked us in. Also I left my reading glasses in the room after checked out. We were in the hurry to go to Liyama station since all Shinkansen were cancelled due to the earthquake the day before. Toshi san found my glasses and then mailed to my address in Tokyo next day. Toshi san and the staff will help at their best of you ask. They make you feel you are staying a home from home! Also the food (breakfast and dinner) here is delicious. The information on booking.com was incorrect. They offer breakfast and dinner. They also serve different meals each day (Western or Japanese).

None

Maybe we were lucky to share the pension with respectful guests, or maybe the rooms had better insulation than most places, but it was really quiet. The beds were old but comfortable and the hosts were very helpful. Breakfast and dinner were good, too!

The facilities are a bit dated and dusty. I wouldn’t have had an issue, but “mountain prices” are ridiculous this year: the basic room with shared toilet and baths was more expensive than a nice hotel room in central Osaka…

Toshi and Yoshi were an absolute pleasure to stay with. There accommodation and amenities were clean and homely. They were very accommodating providing us with breakfast each morning before driving us up the mountain to snowboard. There hospitality was second to none and I could not recommend any accommodation more. If you are looking to stay in Madarao, look no further then Madarao Elm Pension. Both hosts speak great English and provide many insights into the history of Madarao and surrounding towns while always providing 10/10 service. We are hoping to re-visit Madarao and will look no further then Yoshi and Toshi’s place. Thankyou again to Yoshi and Toshi. You made our trip much more memorable!!! We hope to see you again soon!

Very friendly, family run pension. The staff are extremely friendly and inviting. It is very comfortable and the dinners and breakfasts are delicious, home-made Japanese dishes. Warm and good wifi. Excellent shared bathroom facilities plus a bathing area.

Distance from the centre of Madarao Kogen but this is reflected in the lower price of the property.

Very relaxed location, staff were welcoming and helpful. Room was basic but would be excellent value for 2-3 people. Good meals.

Was a bit of a walk from the lifts and bars/restaurants but the owners gave you a lift to the mountain each day, so not a massive issue.

The owners Toshi and Yoshi were wonderful hosts and Yoshi cooked some of the best Japanese food that I have had on this mountain. They offer transfers to/from the ski fields each day which was much appreciated. Staying at the Madarao Elm is a great option for those who are looking for an authentic experience.

Warm and friendly atmosphere and a host that couldn’t do enough for us

The property had everything but if one thing could be improved by the inclusion of a drying room for Skiers otherwise it was fantastic 😎

The hosts are phenomenal people. Unfortunately, I was sick one day (the worst for a solo traveler) and they made sure I was ok and looked after me. I couldn’t find the place on the map, Toshi told me to call him and he will pick me up. Truly wonderful people.

A very lovely place to stay. The owner Toshi is a wonderful host. He picked us up from the bus stop, prepared an excellent dinner and breakfast. The beds were very comfortable and the shower/onsen was amazing!