Meet The Team
We have a great local and international crew here taking care of our guests.
Luke san
Luke has been with us since the start and is a champion.
His parents run hotels and he has worked in the airlines, so has a long and successful history in hospitality.
He receives the most outstanding comments from our guests and his energy, enthusiasm and love of Nozawa Onsen and taking care of our guests is amazing.
He is fluent in Japanese and Italian, and a connoisseur of the food and culture.
Also a great guy to be friends with on a powder day as knows all the good spots!
Mariko sama
Mariko works together with Luke to manage Lodge Nagano and recently they took their relationship to the next level tying the knot this year.
Mariko is a tireless worker and always genki.
She will help you with anything you need from the best places to eat to what time the train leaves to Okinawa.
Speaks perfect English with an Aussie accent and, did I mention (Mariko makes me say this!), is a great snowboarder!
Mark san
Mark is a laid back Aussie guy who, with his wife Yoshi, manages our properties and he’s very much a hands on sort of guy.
Mark first came to ski Japan in 1992 and worked in the Ski Patrol in Nozawa Onsen for many years.
He’s very knowledgeable on everything to do with Nozawa Onsen and will be happy to share his knowledge with you and make sure you have an amazing stay in this beautiful part of the world.
Yoshi san
Yoshiko keeps Mark organized and is an important key in running the Lodges with her unflappable manner and style.
Yoshi was born in a country ski area not far from Nozawa Onsen and went to University in Osaka and has lived in Australia off and on for many years.
Her English is perfect maybe even better than Marks’!
Kai kun
Kai kun is one of the newest members of the Team and already one of the most popular!
Started skiing and onsening from 8 months old and has never looked back!
Doesn’t do a lot of work around the Lodges – he’s often found asleep when he should be working (!) – but always has a smile for everyone. Speaks Japanese and English – all of 10 words!
Mark 2 san
Mark 2, as he is known (and as he says, the upgrade is always better than the original!), has become a common friendly face in Nozawa Onsen.
Originally stayed as a guest has come back to lend a hand for many seasons now.
When not doing his regular gig with Cisco Systems, Mark can be seen fine-tuning our Internet or a pair of rental skis.
Also very handy with the camera – some of his or wife Julie’s photography can be seen around the properties and on the web site.
Ikeda san
Ikeda san owns Mitsubachi Maya – the Lodge across the road where we introduce guests when we are full.
He is the happiest man in town and can fix anything. He is often working around our places to ensure everything is perfect for your stay.
Always ready with a smile, Ikeda is a pleasure to be around.
Michiko san
Michiko san is Ikeda’s wife and probably the reason he is so happy!
A lovely lady and whizz in the kitchen, Michiko quickly becomes a favourite among guests.
A very gentle and caring soul that takes great pride in ensuring our guests have a stay to remember.
Kerri san
Kerri runs our booking office and will make sure that we find the best accommodation to suit your needs.
Being a Commerce graduate and mother of two, Kerri is very organized and methodical.
Has been up to Nozawa Onsen to ski many times with the family so knows the answers to any question on Nozawa Onsen, how to get here and lots more to help make your holiday perfect.
Tini san
Tini is our Swiss Instructor/ Mountain Guide and Jack of all trades. In his other life he is a Pilot with Swiss Air but his passion is the Mountains. Has been in Japan and Nozawa Onsen on and off for over 20 Years and will gladly show you around the mountain on skis, snowboard, snow shoes or even paraglider!
It would probably be easier to list the languages he doesn’t speak being fluent in Swiss German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Swedish, English, Japanese, Indonesian and even Thai. Confident he can communicate with most of our guests!
