Shinano Town, located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture and adjacent to Niigata Prefecture, is known for its heavy snowfall. It is a town where visitors can enjoy winter sports and hot springs, as well as active tourism in the summer with activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and trekking. This time, we introduce recommended hotels in Shinano Town, Nagano, a place full of attractions and fun spots. If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out these accommodations.
Various tourist accommodations scattered across the area
Shinano Town in Nagano Prefecture is broadly divided into four main areas: the Kurohime Kogen area, known for its snow park and highlands; the Kashiwabara-Fujisato area, the hometown of poet Kobayashi Issa; the Nojiri Lake area, where visitors can enjoy kayaking and water skiing; and the Tangram Madarao area, a popular resort destination. Among these, the Tangram Madarao area and the Kurohime Kogen area have the most hotels. While there are accommodations around Nojiri Lake, they are fewer in number compared to the first two areas.
Most visitors come to Shinano Town for outdoor activities. After skiing, kayaking, or golfing, people often want to return to their hotels as soon as possible to rest. When looking for accommodations, it is recommended to choose a hotel in the area closest to your planned activities to minimize travel time.
Nojiriko Hotel El Bosco
Nojiriko Hotel El Bosco is a hidden resort hotel designed with the concept of "a hotel for reading." Nestled along the lakeshore and surrounded by lush nature, it exudes the atmosphere of a private retreat. This hotel reminds guests of the importance of cherishing time in nature.
The dining experience at Nojiriko Hotel El Bosco features creative French cuisine with a Japanese twist, using seasonal ingredients from the Joshin’etsu region. While the restaurant maintains a refined French dining style, it also carries a comforting, home-cooked feel. Savoring delicious food while admiring the stunning natural scenery is one of the true pleasures of a resort stay.
Hotel Harvest Madarao
Hotel Harvest Madarao is an annex of Hotel Tangram, offering a relaxing stay in a serene natural setting. Guests can also enjoy the restaurants and relaxation facilities within Hotel Tangram, which is based around a ski resort.
During winter, the hotel attracts many visitors for skiing, but it is also popular in other seasons for its lavender and lily gardens. The view from the Lily Garden Sightseeing Lift is breathtaking! Experience the beauty of Madarao beyond just winter by staying at this charming hotel.
Name: Hotel Harvest Madarao
Address: 3575-8 Furumi, Shinano-machi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Kurohime Rising Sun Hotel
Kurohime Rising Sun Hotel is situated at an altitude of 800 meters. It is surrounded by nature and offers year-round activities such as strolling through a vast field of one million cosmos flowers, forest therapy, mountain climbing, and trekking. On clear nights, guests can enjoy a spectacular starry sky, adding a romantic touch to their stay.
The hotel's head chef, who has experience working at famous dining establishments, prepares exquisite creative cuisine. Guests can enjoy premium dishes, including A5-grade Shinshu beef, and other seasonal local specialties that allow them to experience the changing seasons through taste.
Breezbay Resort Kurohime
Breezbay Resort Kurohime is conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from the Shinano-machi IC on the Joshin’etsu Expressway. Positioned in the heart of the Shinshu Five Peaks region, the hotel is an excellent choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Guests can also enjoy stunning views of the Northern Alps and Matsumoto Plain, with a dazzling starry sky at night.
At Breezbay Resort Kurohime, guests can indulge in dishes made with an abundance of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The hotel is committed to the "local production for local consumption" philosophy, ensuring that visitors fully enjoy the rich flavors of Shinshu. Additionally, guests can savor top-quality beef that meets Nagano Prefecture’s unique quality standards.
Mori no Log Hotel Kamloops
Mori no Log Hotel Kamloops is an authentic Canadian log house accommodation. Guests can experience a sense of forest bathing while staying in their rooms. The hotel is also pet-friendly, making it a popular choice for visitors traveling with dogs.
At Mori no Log Hotel Kamloops, various events are held, including snowboard camps, senior ski camps, junior ski camps, kids' snowboard camps, trekking tours, and wild vegetable foraging tours. This accommodation offers more than just a place to stay, providing guests with a variety of ways to enjoy their visit.
Chiisana Hotel Kaze Kozō
Chīsana Hotel Kaze Kozō is a log house built using the post-and-beam construction method with logs imported from America by a local Kurohime log builder. The dining area, featuring impressive exposed beams, offers stunning views of the Kurohime and Togakushi mountains. The entrance also has a wood-burning stove, creating a cozy American-style atmosphere.
Several accommodation plans are available, and many guests become repeat visitors specifically for the delicious meals served at Chīsana Hotel Kaze Kozō. Guests can enjoy a full-course Italian-inspired meal made with seasonal ingredients, allowing them to experience the flavors of Kurohime.
Nojiri Lake Resort
Nojiri Lake Resort is located right next to Lake Nojiri, with all rooms offering a lake view. Guests can enjoy freshly harvested morning vegetables unique to the lakeside setting. The resort is situated in an area rich with seasonal activities, such as hiking and skiing, attracting visitors from around the world. With its homey atmosphere, it provides a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Lake Nojiri region.
Nearby, guests can enjoy activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking on Lake Nojiri, as well as skiing and snowboarding at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort and Hakuba International Ski Resort. This highly attractive area also offers a variety of other nature experiences, making it an excellent choice for creating summer vacation memories.
Lodge Oakland
Lodge Oakland is a cozy pension-style accommodation located in Kurohime Kogen. Its convenient location—just a five-minute drive to the ski slopes—makes it popular among winter sports enthusiasts. Outside of the winter season, many visitors come to enjoy sports using the nearby grounds, gymnasium, and marathon courses.
With a maximum capacity of 80 guests, this lodge is frequently used for group stays and student training camps. However, it also welcomes individual travelers. The proximity to ski resorts is a major advantage, making it an ideal choice for skiers and snowboarders.
Green Bell Kurohime Kogen
Green Bell Kurohime Kogen consists of seven rental cottages located at the foot of Mount Kurohime. Options include cozy cottage houses accommodating up to five guests, log houses built from solid timber, pension-style villas for up to 20 guests, and pet-friendly lodges. Guests can choose their accommodation based on group size and preferences.
The location provides easy access to Kurohime, Togakushi, Nojiri Lake, and Myoko Akakura, making it ideal for leisure activities. For those looking to ski or snowboard, nearby options include Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, Tangram Ski Resort, and Kurohime Kogen Ski Resort.
Guesthouse LAMP
LAMP is a lakeside guesthouse on the shores of Lake Nojiri, offering a setting immersed in nature. With a warm, playful, and inviting atmosphere, Guesthouse LAMP allows guests to experience a different side of Lake Nojiri. The on-site outdoor school provides seasonal activities for visitors looking to engage in adventure and exploration. One of its unique attractions is a rare wood-fired sauna, offering a relaxing experience not commonly found in Japan.
The guesthouse serves homemade meals made primarily from locally sourced ingredients from Shinano Town. Guests can enjoy these dishes paired with craft beer or wine, creating a slow-paced and enjoyable dining experience.
Shinano town access information
Shinano Town in Nagano Prefecture is accessible via the Joshin’etsu Expressway and the Kita-Shinano Line. For those traveling by car, the Shinano-machi IC is the main entry point, while Kurohime Station serves as the main railway hub. The distance from Kurohime Kogen to the Tangram Madarao area is about 30 minutes by car, making travel between different areas relatively easy. Even if accommodations are unavailable in a preferred area, alternative locations remain within a reasonable distance.
For those relying on trains and buses, a seasonal tourist bus operates between Kurohime Station, Lake Nojiri, and Tangram. However, this service is only available in the summer, so travelers should plan accordingly.