Arai Mountain Resort (Lotte Arai Resort)

Curator’s Review: "Money Can Buy Happiness Here"

If budget is not your main concern, and you want the absolute best experience in Honshu, go to Lotte Arai.

As a local snowboarder, I usually look for hidden gems. But Arai is different. It is a world-class luxury hotel that happens to be sitting on top of a massive powder mountain.

Why I recommend it: Unlike traditional Japanese ski lodges (which can be old and cramped), Lotte Arai offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and 5-star service.

For Dads: You can ski some of the deepest, steepest "Freeride Zones" in Japan (fully avalanche controlled).

For Moms & Kids: If they get tired of skiing, they can swim in the pool, visit the "Hoshizora Winery," or relax in the high-end Onsen.

The Verdict: It is expensive, yes. But the "stress-free" experience of having everything in one building is worth every yen.