Okuibuki

“I visited Okuibuki on the final day of a three-day weekend. I found the parking to be well-organized, with parking fees collected upon entry. I'd suggest arriving by 6 am if you wish to secure a spot in the closest lots, particularly on busy weekends. I appreciated the efficient guidance provided by the early morning security team. Regarding the Kids Park, it was a delightful experience. The website mentions free sled rentals, but I discovered that they also lend out snow toys such as shovels, buckets, and snowball-making items. However, during peak hours, the availability of these toys and play equipment may be limited. The park seems to be an enjoyable spot for children around the age of two.”

“I visited Okuibuki, a ski resort nestled in the mountains of Shiga Prefecture. Despite many ski resorts around the nation grappling with snow shortages in recent years, Okuibuki stands out due to its generous snowfall. While reaching the resort involves a mountain drive, requiring either studless tires or tire chains, it appears all-season tires suffice when there's not too much snow. I recommend carrying chains and putting them on as the slope steepens. The resort is conveniently designed with the entrance, information center, lift ticket office, and rental counter all located close together, minimizing the need for extensive walking. This layout might seem a bit cramped, and it can indeed get quite crowded depending on the time of day. However, a notable plus is the cleanliness of the toilets - a significant point, considering many resorts overlook such details. I do wish there were more eateries and resting spots throughout the resort to help disperse the crowds. Although Okuibuki's facilities and environment may not rival those in Gifu and Nagano, given its easy accessibility from within the Kinki area, it offers an overall satisfying experience.”

“My experience at Okuibuki was less than satisfactory. The staff did not seem welcoming towards foreigners, which was quite disappointing. The areas for changing and making payments were overly congested, adding to the discomfort. Also, there seemed to be limited space for beginners to practice skiing, with the only option being to enrol in a skiing class.”

“I visited Okuibuki on a Saturday, drawn in by its reputation as one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the Kansai region. However, my experience was marred by the overwhelming crowds. The lift platform was chaotic, with unclear instructions from staff leading to constant interruptions and slow movement. The platform itself was also quite sloped and slippery. The restaurants were equally crowded, with long lines at the cash register crisscrossing the food pick-up area. The resort seemed to be operating beyond its capacity, with an apparent focus on attracting as many customers as possible. Safety was another concern during my visit. I noticed many snowboarders from the Kansai area sitting directly on the ski slopes. Despite this being a hazard, the patrols seemed to ignore them, leading to frequent collisions. Despite claims of a 2 meter snowfall, I could see the ground in several places, leading me to question the accuracy of these claims. I felt that the lift ticket was also overpriced, offering no discounts or coupons. Overall, I found my visit to Okuibuki to be a disappointing waste of time. I have no intention of returning to this ski resort.”