Lodge Raven

Such a peaceful, comfortable, affordable lodge, very close to maradao ski resort. It was new and cozy, and I liked having both an attached bathroom and a shared one. So many other hotels have shared bathrooms, which I find really uncomfortable. This was a very good experience.

I stayed near the end of summer on the empty-handed glamping plan. With no traffic around, I could just sink into nature. I also enjoyed using the DeLonghi coffee machine for free, drinking freshly ground coffee while sticking to my digital detox. It was clear how much the owner cares about the lodge and the space. I was the only other guest, which made it feel private, and chatting with the owner was a special part of the stay. It was comfortable and close-knit. The BBQ was a feast: local vegetables, 500g of meat, and rice in a mess kit, all far more than I expected for one serving. They even provided marshmallows. They also kindly arranged the bonfire I asked about in advance. I may have been a needy guest, but they were so kind, and I came away refreshed. This feels like a secret lodge we don't want anyone else to find.

The place hadn't been cleaned. There was dust all over the hallways and stairs. When I tidied the room a little before leaving the next morning, I found a used condom under the bed. It was completely dried up, so I think it had been there a long time. My whole body started itching right away, and I scrubbed myself as soon as I got home. If you're a germaphobe, don't go there!

We added the optional SUP on Lake Nojiri and the all-you-can-eat wood-fired pizza. Both were incredibly fun and delicious. The stars were beautiful, and it was cool despite being summer. On our morning walk we even came across a raccoon. Dinner brought some gnat bites, though, and our legs itched for a while. I wish we'd packed insect repellent. Our family of four stayed in a large, permanently set-up tent during summer vacation. It was surprisingly inexpensive for the Obon holiday, which made us a little nervous when we booked! As the owner said, it isn't luxurious glamping, more practical and comfortable camping style glamping. We bought groceries on the way and stopped at a hot spring before arriving. They supplied almost everything for the barbecue, and let us use the sink in the cottage next door. The barbecue area was huge, with a large table and chairs that easily fit all four of us. The owner joined us for dinner, took photos, and chatted with us. It's such a good place that I almost don't want to tell anyone. I definitely want to return. Thank you!