Ishinoyu Lodge

The staff were friendly, and the meals were delicious.

There are fireflies around the inn.

I picked this lodge for a ski trip because I prefer somewhere quieter than busy areas like Takamagahara and Ichinose, even if it’s a bit farther from the slopes. It turned out to be the right call. The shuttle to the slopes was punctual, and the service was excellent. The building seems to be reinforced concrete, so soundproofing was great. Dinner wasn’t the usual all-you-can-eat ski lodge buffet, which let us relax. The full-course meal was nicely presented and tasty, and the restaurant fireplace crackled now and then, adding a refined feel. The staff were efficient and friendly throughout. I took off one star because the ceiling heating vent sometimes made a pretty loud whooshing sound, presumably from a central heating system. There didn’t seem to be a way to switch it off, and it woke me several times during the night. I got used to it by the second day, though (lol). The airflow volume may vary by room. I wonder if there was an off switch somewhere. The layout seemed well suited to the flow of skiers and snowboarders. Overall, I think it’s a good place for adults to unwind.

Seven of us, all ski friends, came back for the first time in more than 20 years. The owner has changed, but the inn still has the same quiet, peaceful atmosphere, a real contrast to busy Ichinose. The Japanese-style rooms are a little old, though well maintained and very clean. The friendly staff helped make us choose this inn after we checked several other places because one friend has allergies. The Western-style course dinner was delicious, and the free drink service had a good range of options. It was also great that we could bathe for free after checkout and skiing. We had a soak in the hot spring, drank coffee, then headed home promising to come back.