Lodge of the week Yamaguchi Lodge Nozawa Onsen
Yamaguchi means literally “ Mountain Mouth” and it is fitting as the lodge is nestled at the base of the mountain. Owned and operated by Kayako and Shoichi san who have been good friends of ours for many years.
Shoichi was in the Ski Patrol for many years and widely known back in the day as one of the best skiers on the mountain. Helps growing up with the slopes right by your house. He still works for the resort now so Kayako san does most of the work around the lodge helped sometimes by their two lovely daughters.
It is only a small lodge with just 5 guest rooms but that gives it the intimate feel. It has a quaint little dining room with some great breakfast dishes being served up and a living room with nice views out to a pond and up the mountain to the nearby slopes.
Location Yamaguchi Ski Lodge Nozawa Onsen
Mukobayashi slope is just above the lodge and the run used to come back right to the door before the resort put the road in some years ago. There was a little single orange chair there too with the seat the size of a pizza box that was awesome to run on a powder day. Anyway now it is only about 50m to the slopes and an easy walk down into town. Sparena Outdoor Onsen is just up the road and the free Akiha Onsen about 100m the other way. Kaiya Nozawa Office also just over the road if need any help.
The Vibe
Traditional Japanese style rooms, two have their own toilet in the room and are huge can sleep up to 5 comfortabley. Also a twin bunk room with nice views. Kayako works tirelessly to ensure you have a great stay and will give you graet tips on all things to do around town. Showers are communal like most local lodges and not too many to share them with. Should be using one of the nearby onsens anyway!
Availability still have some spots for early January from the 8th for a week and then the end of January and into February so just drop us a mail to sort.
Great little lodge in a fantastic location with friendly hosts. If you can catch Shoichi san get him to give you the good oil on the best slopes and he will no doubt be keen to share a beer with you.
Here is a link to look and book https://www.nozawaholidays.com/properties/yamaguchi-lodge/