Lodge Mashu

Everyone at Lodge Mashu was so kind and helpful during my four-night stay. There’s a language barrier, but their instant translation device worked really well, so communicating was no problem. If you need a ride to or from the train station, remember to book it ahead of time. I felt lucky to find a room here when places around Yuzawa were so expensive during ski season. The room I booked suited one or two people and was spotless. The whole lodge is clearly kept very clean and well maintained, which says a lot about the care they put into it. The location is especially handy if you want to stay away from the main crowds. Lodge Mashu is closest to the North Entrance of Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, and the slopes around there are quieter. The Main Entrance is also about eight minutes away. I’d recommend staying here if you’re coming to ski at Ishiuchi Maruyama. 👍🏻

We spent the night here before heading to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort. It’s a standard guesthouse. There’s on-site parking, but it’s best to contact them when you book. Bath towels, towels, and toothbrushes were given to us at check-in, and you can use the bath until 10pm. Drinks are sold in vending machines, so you can’t bring your own. Instant noodles and some other things were available at the front desk. We slept comfortably in a warm room and had a warm breakfast before skiing, so we were generally satisfied. If you’re expecting better service, though, you should choose a different resort hotel.

The breakfast at this guesthouse was delicious, and they thoughtfully drove us to and from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It’s also just a five-minute walk from the north entrance of Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort. We had a fantastic stay!

We stayed one night and had a two-day lift ticket. I left my car in the inn’s parking lot and went skiing. When I finished and was about to leave, the innkeeper asked what I was doing and how long I planned to stay. I explained that I was skiing because I had a two-day ticket, and then they demanded an extra fee. I’ve skied at Niigata resorts many times and stayed in lots of different places. I’ve never been treated this way before, and I won’t use this inn again.