I had already entered all the information for my traveling companions at the time of booking so we could check in right away, but I was disappointed that I had to go over everything from scratch at the front desk. However, since the place was fully booked that day, I realized it must have been quite a challenge to accommodate that many guests in such a remote mountain location. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was amazing, and we had a wonderful time. It would be nice if there were private rooms.

Every year, I stay at various mountain huts in the Northern Alps several times. Since the pandemic, all the huts have limited occupancy to allow for extra space in each room, but this time at Hakuba Oike Sanso, they were accommodating six people per room. There were no roll-down curtains or partitions, so we were sleeping in the old-fashioned style—with strangers right next to our faces—and we had to be careful even when turning over in bed. I heard there were several tour groups and the lodge was fully booked, but I was surprised at just how crammed it was.

They cram too much in. It's absolutely terrible. The food is terrible in the morning, too. Dinner portions are small as well. The service is decent.

I injured my leg on the first day of this trip, so on the second day, I had no choice but to give up on continuing the ascent and head back down. On the morning of the second day, a member of the mountain patrol—or someone like that—who was staying at the lodge noticed that I was having trouble walking and offered to help; they applied tape to my leg. Thanks to them, I was able to make it back down. Thank you very much. When I finally went to the hospital, it turned out I had a fracture. Although I managed to make it down, this hike really brought home the dangers of the mountains.

I'm satisfied with the meals and the service, but as for the rooms, even in shared rooms, I think it would be nice to have a simple partition to maintain some privacy.

Thank you very much for your hospitality. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in changing the dinner menu for the second day to make it different from the first, as a consideration for guests staying multiple nights. Both the hamburger steak and the fried dishes were absolutely delicious. We also appreciated that the dining hall was open outside of meal times, which allowed us to enjoy a pleasant stay at the lodge. Both the dining hall and our room were spotlessly clean. Along with my memories of Mt. Hakuba, I’m sure I’ll always remember Oike Lodge fondly.

Even though it was the height of summer, it was freezing cold outside, but I was deeply touched by the receptionist’s thoughtfulness upon my arrival and the warm bath that had been prepared for me. Both dinner and breakfast were absolutely delicious, and I was able to enjoy a wonderful time at the mountain lodge with my roommates. Due to bad weather this year, I had to give up on climbing Mt. Hakuba, so I look forward to staying with you again next year. Your advice on descending to Renge Onsen was also very helpful—thank you very much.

There was plenty of food. A 3-tatami-mat room is too cramped for six people. I’d like to go back if they offer private rooms in the future, but unless they improve the restrooms (there have been more and more restrooms being renovated lately), I’ll probably just pass this one by.