Residence Yasushi

2019 - 2020 Winter Season

This year, we have seen growing interest in visitors coming in spring, summer and autumn - boosted perhaps by the fans travelling between matches of the Rugby World Cup, but largely as a result of independent travellers becoming more adventurous and exploring beyond the major cities. Where language used to be a hurdle many felt they could not surmount, the advent of Google Translate and younger generations who speak English have encouraged visitors to the Japanese isles to venture beyond the urban centres. Japan’s deep culture, gently refined hospitality, natural wonders and mouth-watering cuisine is easily found in even the most corners of these islands. Our guests this green season have revelled in Nozawaonsen’s public onsen thermal baths (admittedly a bit too hot in the summer!), stunning beech forests and mountain trails, and world class cuisine made from renowned local produce. Green season guests have enjoyed pottering around the village markets and those who walked the long distance Shinetsu Trail enjoyed "commuting" from their comfortably cool Residence Yasushi rooms during the height of a sweltering summer!

Our forests are putting on their annual gold and crimson cloaks. Before we know it, these rich colours of autumn will be cloaked in white again. We are thrilled that we will be seeing so many of you again soon! The winter season this year is proving to be very strong and we encourage our returning guests to book early. The amazing Japanese powder is bringing our serious skiers back early in the 2020 but do also take advantage of mixing spring skiing with snow-shoeing, onsen hopping and a trip down south to view for a spot of cherry blossom appreciation. In March and April, Nozawaonsen still offers all the attractions of winter but without the crush and crowds.

At Residence Yasushi, we are putting in the finishing touches to Himecho@Yasushi - a historic house which was previously an old ryokan that is located in the centre of the village. Himecho@Yasushi is located in the quiet Ogama district right beneath the Yu Road travelator leading to the Hikage ski field. The old Himecho was run as a ryokan until the previous owners decided to keep only the restaurant and bar going. We are thrilled to be able to restore the property as a guest house again. Updating this century old guest house with more modern lifestyle elements has been a labour of love and an exercise in creativity when finding solutions to what often appeared as insurmountable conundrums. Where guests had to share one family bathroom in the past, Himecho@Yasushi is proud now to offer five guest rooms and five bathrooms. Guests at Himecho are of course, also welcome to try the private onsens at Residence Yasushi and explore the public soto-yus nearby. Guest rooms are cosy, traditional tatami rooms but with futons that are large enough for the comfort of our taller guests. There are incredible restaurant and dining options on your doorstep - including an early-closing tapas bar in the traditional bar space of this historic house that will be serving quiet snacks for those coming off the slopes hungry. Guests at Himecho will also have access to a small galley kitchen.

Let us know if there is anything we can do to make your stay special. Remember to book services early during the high season as guides, classes, restaurants (everything!) gets booked up quickly. We are so looking forward to welcoming you to our wonderful corner of Japan.