First Cabin Niseko is one of those new funky modern capsule hotels that can’t quite figure out whether it’s an upscale hotel or budget hostel. In reality it’s a bit of both. The buffet breakfast was quite impressive and what you’d expect of a deluxe hotel, and ditto for the evening meals and adjacent bar (it seemed most guests were buying cheap dinners from the Lawson convenience store out the front to save some yen). The lovely communal lounge & onsen were also what you’d expect of an upscale hotel.

The actual accommodations whilst rather funky, were much more budget oriented considering none of them have ensuite bathrooms. We stayed in a twin room which was very quiet but somewhat cramped (as to be expected) and didn’t make the most of the available space. For example there were only a couple of hooks for jackets, and the design was a bit daft with cupboard doors on shelves and the hand basin, and we generally had to move our luggage out of the way in order to open the door to access the hand basin. The bed was reasonably comfortable (hard as you’d expect) and the heating was very impressive. The toilets were just down the hall, and pyjamas were provided to wear to the toilets, except that they were five sizes too small!

We also had a peek at the cabin rooms and spoke to other guests. They were pretty great for a “capsule” and the ladies had a culture of quietness whilst the boys reported that the open space above the concertina door was a problem with respect to noise transference and it also allowed light in from the hallway.

The location wasn’t ideal, and you’d need to rely on having a car or using the shuttles a lot to get to the Niseko ski resorts and also to get to restaurants in Kutchan. There were a handful of dining options within easy walking distance, whereas most Kutchan restaurants weren’t. Thankfully the shuttle system provided by First Cabin was rather regular.

We’ve marked the value down for First Cabin Niseko considering the high rates (even when they’re discounted) for accommodation that relies on shared bathrooms, and is located not close to downtown Kutchan or the slopes. Admittedly rates for most Niseko accommodation is outrageously overpriced, but there are some well located Hirafu lodge options that also use communal bathrooms for the same price (e.g. Pension Full Note). Or nice hotels such as Always Niseko that are within walking distance of the Hirafu nightlife.
See our video here