Iwate

Mr. Kenichi Nishioka, the driver, was very responsible. He picked us up and dropped us off on time, and hiring a car was perfect for our trip. Now we have another travel option.

The price was high, but the convenience was undeniable. They picked me up from the hotel, and while the driver was a bit reserved and didn't say much, it was still acceptable – at least he didn't try to strike up a conversation, which could have been awkward. Highway tolls and parking fees were added, so the actual price was a bit higher. It was a great travel experience, saving me the hassle of queuing, transferring, and parking; I could just get out and start exploring.

Booking a package online is convenient. This time, the cruise to Nibixi Harbor was amazing, with stunning snow scenery. It's definitely worth a trip in winter. The chilly weather paired with a hot pot meal was truly a treat for the soul.

I visited the Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple and felt the overwhelming weight of history. It's hard to believe it was built over 900 years ago, as the interior decorations and golden shine are still beautifully preserved to this day, and I was amazed at the high level of faith and technical skill of the people of that time. Immersing myself in the quiet space, I felt as if I was being immersed in the glory and prayers of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, and it was a valuable experience of coming face to face with history beyond time.

There was a fair amount of snow. The course wasn't too crowded and was easy to ski on. There was a good variety of restaurants, which was nice.

The ski resort will store your ski parcel. There is a locked ski and snowboard stand on the grounds, so you can access it with a small rental car. I minus one star because I couldn't properly store my skis even though it was a ski stand. The layout is empty and good for practice.