Residence Yasushi

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Mt. Chokai | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Hokuryu lake | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2024

Here at Residence Yasushi and Himecho@Yasushi, we're dedicated to providing an exceptional winter experience for our guests. We're currently undergoing exciting improvements to ensure your comfort and convenience throughout your stay.

At Residence Yasushi, we are enhancing our accessibility: we're replacing the elevator to improve accessibility for all guests. This upgrade will ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
Seamless Connectivity: We understand the importance of staying connected, especially during vacations. That's why we're upgrading our wifi network to provide a faster and more reliable internet connection. This will allow you to effortlessly share your winter adventures with loved ones back home, or simply relax and browse the web at your leisure.
Fresh and Inviting Atmosphere: We're committed to providing a clean and comfortable environment for our guests. Our team is conducting a thorough cleaning of all our facilities, ensuring a fresh and inviting atmosphere for your arrival.
We're confident that these improvements will contribute to an unforgettable winter experience at Residence Yasushi and Himecho@Yasushi. We eagerly await your arrival and especially for this winter season!

Paradise Slope | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Skiing Slope | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

2023-2024 White Season

As the last of the leaves begin to fall and the first snow blankets the village, Nozawa Onsen becomes
a bustle of winter activity.

Unlike the peaceful quality of summer, winter in the village is a magical time filled with packed restaurants, local events, and winter Matsuri (祭り). The most popular being the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (野沢温泉道祖神火祭り).

At the heart of the village its age-old hot spring, Ogama, bubbles with life even in the coldest months. Many locals and visitors alike can be seen visiting the different onsen and exploring the snowy streets for the freshest Oyaki (おやき). Nozawa Onsen, is a gateway to winter adventure,
with its immaculate trails and fresh powder, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. Days start
early on the slopes, as people head out to enjoy a few hours filled with skiing and snowboarding. For
those less inclined to extreme sports, the village offers a variety of other activities such as snowshoeing and tours up to the mountains to catch the local snow monkeys playing and bathing in the springs.

But it's not just the thrill-seekers who are drawn by Nozawa Onsen's winter season. Strolling through
the lantern-lit streets, one can't help but be charmed by the village's serenity. Not only a ski resort but a valley filled with historical landmarks and natural beauty. A place that offers something for everyone.

Here at Residence Yasushi, our team will be working hard to prepare our facilities for our guests’ own winter experiences. We look forward to welcoming you this winter season.

Flowers in the Village | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Spring in Nozawaonsen | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2023

Nozawa onsen, a snowy delight in the winter, is just as magical in the summer.

Hidden in a valley, surrounded by green mountains and farmlands, the village comes alive in the green season when delicious mountain vegetables like Fukinoto (蕗の薹), Warabi (蕨) and countless others are harvested by locals and eaten in a variety of different ways from pickles to Tempura.

This season we are excited to watch the village turn into a hiker’s destination with green
paths, blue lakes, and the sounds of summer in the mountains.

Hokuryu lake, a fifty-minute walk or a twenty-minute easy bicycle ride from Nozawa Onsen, is at its peak from May to August. Offering a variety of water activities such as fishing and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as grassy areas perfect for a picnic or going for a walk. On site you can also find a restaurant and a host of rental options, truly a great place to spend a day.

During the summer season there are also a variety of festivals or Matsuri (祭) such as the bamboo shoot festival in June. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the outdoor beauty of the village while enjoying traditional bamboo shoot based foods, some craft beer or gin from the village, local sakes and wines, or some famous Nagano apple juice.

Feel relaxed and healed by the quiet tranquillity of the village while doing any of the many summer activities offered by the village. Whether it be soaking in one of the local onsen, mountain biking, or enjoying one of the hiking trails around the village you’re bound to leave feeling refreshed.

Soon after we’ll be excited to start preparing for the winter season. Here at Residence Yasushi, our hotel manager Keisuke and his team will be working on taking bookings, preparing rentals, and getting the hotel ready for our guests.

Nozawaonsen chair lift | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

2022-2023 White Season

Residence Yasushi, Himecho@Yasushi, and the Nozawaonsen ski resort open on November 26, 2022 for the new winter season!

We are preparing for what will certainly be a very special winter. The team at Residence
Yasushi and Himecho@Yasushi are thrilled to welcome you to this special place. The long range
forecast calls for above average snowfall. Our staff are busy hiring rental equipment, scheduling
lessons and making dinner reservations. For best results contact us for dinner reservations as
early as possible, the best spots fill up quickly.

Our team this Season is made up of great people from places near and far. Keisuke will be the
guest services manager. He and the rest of the team will be working hard to make your stay
supremely memorable and relaxing. Erina is in charge of the kitchen. Her food is soulful and
creative. Just the thing before hitting the slopes or onsen. We will offer western and Japanese
style breakfast this winter. Shannon and Ed from Australia will be helping with front desk and
shoveling duties.
We are so excited for the snow to fall and people from near and far to join us at Residence Yasushi, get in touch with us for more information and reservation!

Staff | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Nozawaonsen Village | Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2022

Green season in Nozawa Onsen has begun. Now is the time to escape the confines of urban life. The mountains are waiting to be climbed. The relaxing Onsen waters are here to rejuvenate your body. Breathe the clean air. Take a nature walk, sample local delicacies, challenge yourself with a bicycle hill climb. Soon will be the time for picnics in alpine meadows, wildflower viewing and more vigorous pursuits.

Summer ski slope from 6/18
Zip sky ride from 5/14
Nasky park from 5/14
Mountain bike course from7/6
Summer gondola from 7/6

Our in-house chef will continue to create spectacular breakfast and afternoon tea. We will be hosting
Yoga retreats in partnership with Shi Zen yoga and healing. Our guests' positive feedback has garnered a 9.7 rating on booking.com!
I would further like to thank all our guests from this past season for their support and patronage. Please come visit this green season to enjoy another side of Nozawa Onsen.

Himecho@Yasushi | Nozawaonsen, Japan

2021- 2022 White Season

Residence Yasushi, Himecho@Yasushi, and the Nozawaonsen ski resort open on November 27, 2021 for the new winter season!

The snow canons will be in action before then to allow visitors to ski at the mountain top from the start. That being said we already had a number of days of natural snow as early as October, a promise of a cold and snowy winter!

At Residence Yasushi, our Chef’s Japanese and Western type set breakfast will continue to be available this season having had so much success last year. Of course our classic dishes remain on our menu, but look out for new winter creations to surprise your palate. A Dinner Package is also available in collaboration with Gochisou Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - located within our Residence Yasushi complex, reservations are taken from 6 pm every day, except Wednesdays - the choice for a three set meal is taken from their main menu. Do try their incredible cocktails as well!

The central location of Himecho@Yasushi in the village continues to provide families & groups of friends with a perfect accommodation to explore and enjoy the 2021 winter season together. With the continued service and assistance of the concierge of Residence Yasushi, we hope this will allow you to concentrate on enjoying your stay with us.

Get in touch with us for more information and reservation!

Nanao Waterfall | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2021

Hello Friends, after the cold and powdery Winter season, now it's time to get enjoy the Summertime!
We are thrilled to have been through another season with you and see that year after year you enjoy our facilities and delicious food! Most of our team is still in the village ready to make your summer unforgettable too. Nozawaonsen is an ideal base to explore the northern Nagano area, with plenty of waterfalls, lakes, mountain views accessible by car, walk, or mountain bike. Other ideas of activities include summer ski, canoeing, Stand up paddle, yoga retreats, climbing, and of course Eating!

Do not miss the many coupons and vouchers available with the Nagano prefecture at the moment and hopefully soon again with the National GoTo Travel campaign. Keep an eye on our social media to be updated with the latest opportunities!

This summer in order to help with the social distancing we will welcome private groups and to our hotel for some exclusive Yoga Retreats and Gourmet experiences. We also open to individual guests on weekends and public holidays but only at 50% capacity in order to be able to provide our guests with a maximum of comfort and peace of mind.

We are looking forward to welcoming you and do not hesitate to get in touch with us!

Skiing | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

2020-2021 White Season

Residence Yasushi and the Nozawaonsen ski resort are opening this week and with perfect snow conditions right from the start!

Almost 2 meters of snow at the mountain top after a few days of consecutive snowfall and it's not going to stop for a few days. All the local people are saying that it is going to be a very snowy year and so far they are right! It feels really good to re-open our beloved Residence Yasushi after a difficult summer disrupted by the vagaries of quarantine and travel restrictions.

Now that winter is here and a lot of snow with it we are going to enjoy our favorite season of the year. We have adopted a number of procedures to guarantee the well-being of our guests while staying with us. Despite our 5 stars review on cleanliness, we have updated our cleaning protocol to include even more care both in public areas and in guests' rooms. Our Chef has adopted a different method for your breakfast, instead of a buffet, you will have the choice between a Japanese or a French/Western type set breakfast. The food changes every day to make sure that you always enjoy new delicious and balanced food. Just let us know about your choice the night before!
If you fancy, this year you can also choose the Dinner package option too as we have a partnership with Gochisou Restaurant. Located within our complex, they will take your reservation at 6 pm every day, except Wednesdays - you have a flexible choice for your 3 set meal as you choose this from their main menu. Do try their incredible cocktails as well!

Our Front Desk as always will assist you throughout your stay to make your experience at Residence Yasushi as comfortable as possible and we will provide you with the best activity tips on what to do in Nozawaonsen. Get in touch with us for more information!

Western Breakfast | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

レジデンス寧

洋食の朝食

Japanese Breakfast | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

レジデンス寧

日本の朝食

Cycling | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2020

The snow was late this year but carried into a wonderfully long season. Sadly, by March, few could enjoy the wonderful Spring skiing conditions as the viral outbreak curtailed travel plans everywhere.

As the world grapples with the challenges brought about by the COVID19 outbreak, our village has decided to restrict movement in and out of the village as much as possible. To that end, Residence Yasushi and Himecho@Yasushi will not be taking reservations over the next few months. As many are experiencing globally, this Spring in Nozawaonsen will be a quiet home bound time.

We will review the situation in the summer for the feasibility of an autumn opening, but are very hopeful we will all be able to enjoy winter freely again. Bookings for winter 2020/2021 are now open. We know these are fluid conditions and will be incorporating additional flexibility for guests given the fluid conditions of global travel. We are, for example, offering late pre-payment deadlines for confirmed bookings and will align with global health and travel advisories as they evolve later in the year.

In the meantime, we wish all our friends good health. Keep safe!!

First snow | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

2019-2020 White 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.

Obon | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Obon (お盆)

Obon (お盆) or sometimes, just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist remembrance custom observed over five centuries that has evolved into a family reunion holiday for many in Japan. It is especially prominent in rural communities and is a fixture in family calendars as everyone makes an effort to return together - sometimes to ancestral homes to do some grave sweeping together, sometimes to just have a holiday and reconnect. Everyone stops for a while - even our builders getting historic Himecho ready for our winter guests put down their tools, and prioritises time with loved ones.

The Obon just past was no exception and Nozawaonsen teemed with families. The morning markets (held at 6 - 7.30am!) were crowded; many coming out in their yukatas toting bath essentials as they combined a bit of shopping and snacking with a soak in a favourite onsen. A bonus to waking up early was the lovely cool morning air; the days were very warm!! The bright days encouraged our intrepid sportsmen to explore the many mountain trails around us on mountain bikes or on their own steam. Bikers could take the gondola up to Nagasaka and trail ride down the mountain through the many wonderful trails. Our guests also discovered the many hikes around Nozawaonsen, Lake Hokuryu and the Shinetsu Trail.

The less active enjoyed shopping in the village, the amazing range of good food and restaurants, the soto-yu public baths and ashi-yu foot baths. At the top of the Nagasaka gondola, many just brought books and relaxed in the sofas laid out, enjoying the view and the much cooler weather! Admittedly, we found our guests often came back after lunch to enjoy the air-conditioning in their rooms too!

As we head from summer into autumn, the colours in the forests behind will come in and the weather will cool. Autumn is one of our favourites periods here. Come visit us if you are here for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, or if you’d like to enjoy the rich autumn colours and taste the seasonal cuisine of the area. We hope we’ll have a chance to introduce the delights of the Fall here to you!

Village market | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Green Season 2018

Our first white season this winter has been a thrill. We’ve so enjoyed welcoming guests from all around the world and introducing Nozawaonsen. It was again, another outstanding season for skiing and snowboarding. Guests celebrated our fabulous breakfasts and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing apres-ski drinks at Gochisou and soaking in our private onsen. As much fun as we had on the slopes, we had more in the village discovering new activities together - from snow shoe walks to onsen-hopping, culinary lesson and learning local handicrafts. Bad weather days became a good excuse for skiers to join non-skiers picking up new skills, sampling the fabulous food at restaurants that only open for lunch and uncovering delightful hidden corners of the village.

Of course, Nozawaonsen’s Dosojin Matsuri fire festival in January stands out not only amongst the other many festivals in the village, but in all of Japan (officially designated a national cultural treasure). There are other delightful festivals throughout the year and it has been a real delight to discover them alongside our guests. As the village draped on her green cloak of spring, snow festivals evolved into celebrations centred around harvests - most recently one focused on the delicious, succulent bamboo shoots that emerge in early spring.

Once the snow melts, we started work on our exciting new villa addition. One of the oldest historic houses - Himecho, in the heart of the village at Ogama, will become the newest addition to our accommodation offering. Renovations are underway to bring you traditional machiya-style living combined with the exacting standards of comfort we offer all our guests at Residence Yasushi. Ideal for a family or group of friends, Himecho will be ready for the next winter season. This gem of a house is steps away from the Yu Road moving walkway to the Hikage ski area, and steps away from the central Oyu crossroad in the village. Yet, as anyone familiar with Nozawaonsen will know, historic Ogama is a very peaceful and quiet neighbourhood.

There is so much to discover in enjoy in this village all year round. For those who aren’t focused only on skiing, our favourite season is the late summer and autumn. There are fabulous walks, markets, festivals and as always, the therapeutic onsen and amazing food.

Do come and join us for the long Obon break, or if you are following the Rugby World Cup to Japan!!

Path to Shrine | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Opening ceremony | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

December 2018

We're officially opened!!

Residence Yasushi has been welcoming some truly amazing people who’ve been willing to be our pioneering guests.

Thank you to our mayor, village council and neighbours have been incredible in their support. We also have an amazing operational team ready to welcome you. It is no surprise that our first guests have been delighted with the personal touch they have found at Residence Yasushi; our guest relations executives have already been noted for going above and beyond. We can’t always make things happen as we would like, but we will always try our best.

We are simply delighted at how well our rooms, and particularly, our beds have been received!! We’re very proud of our beds. A good rest is restorative beyond most medicines and we made the comfort of our rooms and beds a key focus throughout our planning. Last summer, we went to see how the mattresses were being manufactured - and had customised them further for greater comfort! Our bedding and linens were selected to ensure the best sleep experience - the ultimate in understated quality.

The attention to detail throughout shows. We realise that no holiday is complete without great food and have worked on our breakfast buffet. The focus on quality, local ingredients and a broad-enough (but not so broad it encourages waste!) offering each morning has been very well received indeed. We are delighted that our guests love it!

And finally, to everyone who gave us a shot in these first weeks, THANK YOU!!! Thank you for believing we were worth trying out. Thank you for your feedback and support. It’s guests like you that make this venture fun and rewarding!

We hope you’ll come back soon!!

Opening with sake | Residence Yasushi, Nozawaonsen, Japan

Autumn Work Week 2018

Final stretch.

We have been busy in Nozawaonsen this wonderful autumn week. The works at Residence Yasushi are moving along at an impressive clip now!! So exciting to see the progress we’ve made over the summer and hats off to our building contractors who have managed it all smoothly.

Our furniture has arrived and the guest rooms are being set up. Take a look at some early shots below. Pretty happy with the results so far. Hope you are as excited as we are to see them fully done!!

Views from the windows of the rich autumn colours outside make a stunning backdrop for the rooms - a fortuitous break as most of the decorative items have yet to be unpacked. There is still some work to be done in this last month of autumn but not much more.

This is one of our favourite seasons in Nozawaonsen. It is not as crowded - only the domestic cognoscenti come to enjoy the onsen baths and hiking trails. Although not every restaurant is open, the best of the local places offer ample choice. We ate at a different restaurant nearly every meal (but of course, had to repeat our favourites at least once!!)

Admittedly, we avoided the last of the construction work and stayed at Residence Yasushi’s sister property Himecho, which is right in the heart of the village. It was a less than five minute walk to everything.

Interestingly, this working stay has also had consequences for Himecho. Himecho was slated for a full renovation but after spending a week here, we are revising those plans. Himecho deserves to be kept as much as it is and always has been as possible.

It is a gem of a house - 150 years old and still solid and warm. There may not be modern en-suite facilities for every room but that wouldn’t be an authentic way of living in such a historic old house. Having become afficionados of the daily bath, we found the family ofuro a joy for the days we were too tired to drag on our yukatas and totter down to Oyu (the nearest soto-yu public bath).

We hardly used the very large kitchen. The family who lived here before ran it as a ryokan and restaurant. Plans are underway to continue that tradition by having the incredibly talented Chef Kameda of Maison de Nature at Obuse run this as his winter venue. Watch this space!

We look forward to seeing you soon at

Residence Yasushi

Address

8853-1 Toyosato,
Nozawaonsen,
Shimotakai District,
Nagano Prefecture
389-2502, Japan

Contacts

Email:
res@residenceyasushi.com

Telephone:
+81 (0)269 670 527
Message:
m.me

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