the Kinta Naeba

The resort hotel is only about a 5 minutes walk from Naeba ski resort, and felt cozier and better maintained. The hosts were attentive and well mannered, both the gentlemen and ladies. The building’s exterior hints at brutalism, the entrance at art deco, and the room itself is traditional Japanese.

The owner’s hospitality made our stay at The Kinta in Naeba feel special. He was exceptionally kind, approachable, and knowledgeable about the area, and gave us helpful tips on local dining and hidden ski spots. His son also deserves a mention: he picked us up from and dropped us back at the bus station, and cooked and served excellent food in the restaurant. We loved the lodge’s design, with traditional Japanese touches alongside modern comforts. The wood accents, artwork, and layout all add to its serene, cozy feel. Our spacious room was impeccably clean and had a lovely view of the snow-capped mountains. Private onsen bathing, tasty breakfasts and dinners, and relaxing common areas made it easy to settle in after a day on the slopes. Don’t skip the restaurant. We had an unforgettable time. Whether you’re visiting Naeba to ski or simply enjoy the area, I can’t recommend The Kinta highly enough. It’s a family run hotel with a wonderful owner and all the amenities you need for a comfortable, enjoyable stay.

The Kinta is family run, and the owner goes out of his way to make sure your stay is comfortable and memorable. The staff are very friendly. Breakfast is homemade and tasty, especially the bread. We also had the three course dinner one night. At JPY 4,000 per person, it was delicious and great value. It takes roughly 8min to walk to the South Gate, where you can rent gear, buy lift tickets, and use lockers for small items. The Kinta also sells lift vouchers for less than the official ticket price. There are tasteful paintings and artworks throughout the accommodation, and the owner is happy to explain who made them and where they come from. Highly recommend staying here.

The rooms are really spacious, and the ski resort is close enough to walk to. The onsen was lovely, especially the outdoor part overlooking the small river. Service was impeccable at check-in and at both breakfast and dinner. I definitely recommend dinner, and would recommend staying here.