Ishinoyu Lodge

What a delightful place to stay! Cannot praise the staff enough! They were all so helpful, friendly and accomodating. Some English speaking staff, who were honestly the best we met in our two week stay in Japan. We were told that they don’t get many English-speaking visitors and we were the only ones there, which my teen son and I loved. We love immersing in the Japanese experience when visiting, and this hotel definitely offered this. The rooms were simple but clean and tidy and well appointed. The food was AMAZING. Full three course meals of Japanese dishes offered for breakfast and dinner which all exceeded expectations. The fireplace in the dining room a welcome treat after days in the snow. The surrounds are breathtaking with no other hotels visible from windows and only a beautiful snowy wonderland visible. Particularly enjoyable from the hotel’s onsen! They have ski hire available which had all been booked out during our stay but they went out of their way to help organise hire and collection at another place. Recommendations for ski slopes for our ability were spot on. Complimentary shuttle bus to and from ski slopes and bus stops back to Nagano/monkey park etc, with the loveliest driver. Honestly I don’t usually rave so much in reviews of hotels, but for the price this was a little gem.

I booked this lodge for my husband and his buddies. What a hidden gem. He said he wouldn't have changed anything about it. He enjoyed the wonderful meals , the atmosphere and the patrons 5 stars !

We were mind blown by this place. The staff was super attentive, the food for breakfast and dinner( 4 course meals, plus some buffet items) were spectacular. The room was big and super clean. The equipment dry room was big and warm. They offer free snowshoe tours, they have a shuttle service that will take you to the ski area. We were the only non Japanese guests and we felt so comfortable. The main room has a big firepace that the staff keeps on in the evening. The onsen is well stocked and hot with a beautiful view, but it is closed everyday from 10am until 2pm. I would stay here everytime we come back to Japan.

When first arriving after a very well communicated pick up from the bus stop- the appearance was a bit deceiving. While thoughts of The Shining entered our heads it was quickly removed when our lovely host sat us down and talked with us our desires for the stay. They offer ski and boot rentals, full 5 course meals for dinner and breakfast- and the most thoughtful and attentive service one could have asked for. I would gladly come back anytime to experience their lovely graciousness again.

The staff especially Ms Karki Smriti were really helpful. As we don't speak Japanese, she assisted us on information for the road condition of 292 route as it was snowing and we did not have snow tyres. With her help and advice, we could get safely to our next destination! Very grateful to her! Thank you Ms Smriti!

Nothing!

The lodge was very close to a lot of ski resorts and the lodge had a free shuttle bus that could drop you off and pick you up. If you're going with public transport (like we did) it's about a 10 minute walk from the closest bus and it takes about 2 hours to get there from Nagano station. The staff were super friendly and were always quick to help out. They rent out skis, ski boots, and stocks for those going in the winter season which saves some time at the mountain. The 24hr onsen and tea service was a life saver after some bruised knees and the rooms were cosy and warm.

It would've been nice to have a microwave or kettle inside the room itself - I had to walk up and down the stairs to refill teapot quite a few times. Also, no elevator so only bring what you can carry.