I was skiing in Japan last year and stayed at a delightfull little inn in Narita only 200m from the historical gardens and temple complex.
It's called Kirinoya Ryokan and the proprietor will pick you up/drop off from the railway station and the inn has a very traditional japanese feel about it.
Outside the door of my room was a large glass fronted cabinet full of armour and sundry items related to the samurai.
Downstairs is a built in tea room that acts as a display of armour and possibly a shrine to the owners family.
I have no idea how genuine the artifacts are but it is very reasonable in price and worth a stay.
If you let Katsumata-san know when you are at Narita town station (there is a direct train from Hakuba) (http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi) he will come and pick you up. The hotel is 200m from the most beautiful gardens and temple complex.
The “beds” are futons on the tatami mats and you eat trad Japanese food prepared at the Inn.
I found the Kirinoya in the Lonely Planet Guide to Japan.
Narita station is only 12mins from the airport and it is about $2 for a ticket although they don’t always charge you .
I hope this is of some assistance.
Im the reviewer 'Fossil'

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... Kanto.html