Echoland Madarao

The hostess cooked the meals herself, and the care came through in every delicious, comforting dish. It really felt like home-cooked food shared with family. The house was warm and cozy, with a comforting feel that made it easy to relax. Everything was very clean and well looked after, too. It was a peaceful, heartwarming stay, and I'm grateful for the hospitality. I'd love to return. 🥰

The public areas were roomy and cozy, and Echo and her husband Takashi were warm, attentive hosts. They speak Japanese, English and Chinese, so even with my English mixed with a few clumsy Japanese words, we had lively conversations. Echo serves a no-menu dinner, and her Japanese-style fried rice and Japanese-style pasta were a delightful surprise. I spent a pleasant, heartwarming week at Echoland this summer. The wooded setting, with cicadas singing, was healing for someone like me who lives in the city all year. My room was clean and tidy, with a strong Alpine look. I stayed in the “Austrian Room,” and apart from the distinctly Japanese-style bathroom, I could almost have thought I was in a lodge in the Austrian Alps, lol. The bathroom had a separate shower and toilet. It was spotlessly clean, though the compact Japanese size felt a little tight for me. There was no air conditioning, but a ventilation fan kept the air fresh, and the cool mountain nights meant it never felt stuffy, even in midsummer. Highly recommended for a peaceful summer break to relax and recharge.

The dining room was a friendly surprise, where it was easy to meet people from around the world who love skiing and nature. We made some interesting friends during our evenings there. Echo, one of the owners, is an expert piano player, and she kindly played a piece while we were having dinner. It made our night. Breakfast and dinner were available for a modest fee, and the room was very clean and nice. We spent a week here for a snowboarding training course, and it was such a lovely stay. The young couple who own the place clearly love Madarao and put their hearts into making it welcoming and comfortable. The ski resort is only a few minutes away by car, and the owner drove everyone there each morning. The area is quiet and beautiful, and we slept very well. I'd definitely stay here again next time.

They offered good food at very reasonable prices, and free transfers to the ski area that they adjusted to suit our preferred times. The room was warm, though the heating took a little while to kick in, so turn it on before bed. It's a lovely, beautiful house near Madarao ski resort, and the owner was very hospitable. This isn't a perfect Japanese Ryokan inside the resort with an onsen and ski-in/ski-out access, but I felt I got more than I paid for. Having a separate bathroom and toilet is rare in a Japan ski resort lodge.