Where to Stay in Niigata | Sustainable Escapes with Outdoor Activities
Let us introduce some “treasures of Niigata Prefecture.” These snowy and rural landscapes, which have been preserved through the efforts of many people, are perfect spots for experiencing the rich culture and nature that has taken root in the region. Discover where to stay in Niigata Prefecture and gain new insights on sustainable visits that benefit this beautiful and unique area of Japan.
Satoyama Snowshoe Experience – Trekking tour in snow-covered beech forest
Matsunoyama Onsen Hot Spring Resort is nestled in the deep snowy mountains on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures. Legend has it that about 700 years ago, a woodcutter saw a hawk resting its wounded wings and discovered the hot spring that gushed forth from it.
Around Matsunoyama, beech trees, some 100 years old, are growing all over the area. The area is so beautiful that it has come to be known as “Bijinbayashii” (Beauty Forest). At the end of the Taisho period (1912-1926), the trees were cut down for charcoal and left bare. The following year, the beech trees sprouted and grew even bigger, and the area was once again protected as a habitat for wild birds.
In winter, the “Beauty Forest” is usually covered with 3 meters of snow. Here, visitors can enjoy winter trekking with snowshoes. The sight of snow glistening in the sunlight in the silver-walled beech forest is spectacular.
If you apply in advance, guests of Matsunoyama Onsen Hot Spring Resort can rent clothing and boots for the snowshoeing experience free of charge. In addition, a local guide that knows the countryside well will be provided, allowing you to safely explore through the snow. Enjoy walking with locals to discover the hidden charms of the snow country.
Address: 49-1 Matsunoyama Yumoto, Tokamachi City
*Snowshoe experience tours are offered by several operators.
Snow Peak HEADQUARTERS Campfield – Outdoor experience in the town of artisans and traditional crafts
Sanjo City in Niigata Prefecture is known as a town of artisans and traditional crafts that produces high-quality metal products. It is also the birthplace of the globally popular outdoor brand “Snow Peak.”
Located on the grounds of the company’s headquarters in Sanjo City, the Snow Peak HEADQUARTERS Campfield sprawls over an area of about 50,000 square meters.
Situated on hilly terrain, the campground offers a vast prairie landscape in the spring and a snow-covered white world in the winter. On fine days, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, and at night you can see the beautiful starry sky with no surrounding lights coming in.
Snow Peak HEADQUARTERS Campfield offers a full range of services that can be enjoyed without the need to prepare camping equipment. For example, the “empty-handed camp plan” and “empty-handed BBQ plan” allow you to try out camping without having to bring your own camping equipment. Enjoy an easy, high-quality outdoor experience by using Snow Peak’s camping equipment, which is made with techniques and traditions inherited from the town of manufacturing.
Other plans include a stay in “JYUBAKO,” a mobile house jointly developed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and Snow Peak, allowing you to choose a plan that best suits your individual needs*.
During your stay you also can enjoy FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS, a resort facility that combines hot springs, dining, and lodging. FIELD SUITE SPA HEADQUARTERS opened in April 2022. This center can be used as a day spa, so those who do not use the campground also can enjoy it.
*Some plans are not available during the snow season.
Hours: 9:00 – 19:00 (closed on Wednesdays)
Address: 456 Nakanohara, Sanjo City
Satoyama Jujo THE HOUSE – Private traditional Japanese style accommodation with a spectacular view
Minamiuonuma City, located in the southeastern part of Niigata Prefecture, is known for its heavy snowfall, one of the heaviest in the world, and also for producing “Uonuma Koshihikari,” the most delicious rice in Japan.
In Uonuma, there are plans to develop Satoyama Jujo THE HOUSE IZUMI in various locations in the future. This project aims to preserve and connect traditional Japanese buildings that were constructed more than 100 years ago to this area and keep them for another 100 years. Visitors can stay in a 150-year-old village headman’s house (the house of a village headman in the old days), which has been fully renovated and made into an old private house for rent.
The 182-square-meter interior of Satoyama Jujo THE HOUSE IZUMI retains the atmosphere of an old private house, yet is well insulated and comfortable. The house has a well-designed space with masterpiece furniture and contemporary art. The thick pillars and beams of Japanese elm that support old private houses are now difficult to find, and the number of people who have the skills to build old private houses has been decreasing. This project aims to preserve such valuable old private houses for the future.
The area surrounding the accommodations is filled with peaceful terraced rice paddies and majestic mountains. Winter in Uonuma sometimes brings snowfalls of more than 3 meters. And on clear mornings between fall and spring, a sea of clouds appears at a very high rate. You can enjoy the abundant natural surroundings from the comfort of your room or while soaking in the open-air baths.
Meals can be enjoyed at Satoyama Jujo THE HOUSE IZUMI, which received one star in “Michelin Guide Niigata 2020,” or at a fine local restaurant. It is also possible to cook food bought outside in the indoor kitchen.
Address: 671-1 Amanosawa Iemoriyama, Minamiuonuma City
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