This lodge is very cosy, it was very comfortable and clean. Think country cottage style. The pillows and low beds, were very comfortable and the Onsen although shared (seperate) for men and women was always empty when I used it. So no problem with communal bathing!! The breakfasts were a mix of japanese and western food and the family was very kind. We booked through Nozawa Holidays and tried to get accommodation at Kaiya Lodge, they reccomended this lodge and it was very comfortable and in a good location not far from the ski locker. I would stay here again. Please note, there are no private bathrooms just the onsen with the showers and stools. It was actually fine, and the hot water onsen was soo good after a long day on the slopes.
We spent 6 nights at Ginrei and loved it. We had two rooms, one for our 3 kids (10, 11 and 13) and one for the adults. It's a simple place - tatami mats, comfortable futons, a table and built in wardrobe etc, like most Japanese-style accommodation. Our room had a separate shower room and sink, but the kid's room used the communal facilities which, like the whole place, were spotlessly clean. We didn't even use our shower because the onsen / bath house in the building was wonderful. As well, the drying room for our ski gear was all we needed, the breakfast was simple (some Western, some Japanese) but just what we wanted, there was a communal area to hang out in before dinner, and the couple that run it were super helpful and lovely. It's a 5 or 6 min walk to the main gondola (uphill) and a 5 min walk to the main restaurant and shopping street (downhill). If you expect 5 star Ginrei isn't that, but we were very happy and would definitely go back.
We had a week in Family House Ginrei, and couldn’t have asked for more. The rooms were big - they gave us 2 on the top from so had the bathroom for ourselves, and the breakfast was great. Bath awesome
We had a great stay at Family House Ginrei in Nozawa Onsen with our two kids (11 and 6). Mostly Japanese and Ozzies here. They have an onsen and it is very clean. Breakfast is very Japanese. Lovely authentic place. The Ski is great with kids in Nozawa! And so many Little restaurants. Staff and guests were so nice and even gave our kids presents.