A 150-year-old experiential inn offering life in the snow country
Located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, “Yuki no Ie Furusawatei” is a 150-year-old renovated traditional house that welcomes only one group per day.
Standing by the Shinano River, this 150-year-old farmhouse has been reborn as a retreat that preserves the wisdom and beauty of life in Japan’s snowy regions. During its renovation, many valuable historical artifacts—including letters from the Edo period—were discovered, giving the house a deep sense of local history and heritage.
The inn’s concept is “live like a local in a snow country.” Guests can meet locals and enjoy seasonal activities, experiencing the warmth and lifestyle of snowy regions. From picking wild plants in spring to dealing with three-meter snowdrifts in winter, visitors can feel the rhythm of life in nature.
Peaceful and spacious stay
Relax and unwind in a spacious, tranquil setting.
Peaceful and spacious stay
Relax and unwind in a spacious, tranquil setting.
Morning walk before breakfast
oin the owner for a morning stroll to a local shrine — a special experience to connect deeply with the community.
Accommodates up to 10 guests
“Yuki no Ie” is a private traditional house available for one group per day, accommodating up to 10 guests.
Homemade breakfast by local mothers
A heartwarming breakfast that truly makes you say “delicious.” Each bite carries the gentle flavor and spirit of snow country life — nostalgic and comforting.
Satoyama rice terrace trekking
Enjoy guided trekking through the rice terraces and hear stories of the land, creating a warm bond beyond a typical trip.
Kuromoji tea and sasa-dango
Experience a rare moment as hot water is boiled on-site and Kuromoji tea is freshly brewed, paired with traditional rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Dinner
The dinner at Yukinoya Furusawa-tei is very flexible, letting guests enjoy it in their own way. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you can cook your own meals with ingredients you bring, or order a local ingredient kit—either a local chicken sukiyaki set or a Tsuma pork shabu-shabu set—and prepare it yourself. Cooking during your trip is sure to be a memorable experience. Guests also receive a gift of Uonuma Koshihikari rice, which can be cooked in a traditional clay pot for dinner or taken home as a souvenir.
Breakfast
Homemade breakfast by local mothers
Local Niigata mothers prepare a freshly made countryside breakfast right before your eyes.
Breakfast
Homemade breakfast by local mothers
Enjoy fluffy Tōkamachi-grown Koshihikari rice nurtured by snowmelt water, along with simple yet deeply flavorful dishes made from seasonal ingredients.
Breakfast
Picking vegetables in the backyard
Take a short morning stroll to pick vegetables from the backyard — ingredients that become part of your breakfast.
Breakfast
Fresh local produce
Taste Niigata’s signature fresh vegetables and wild mountain plants.
Breakfast
Fermented and preserved foods
Discover the wisdom of winter life through traditional fermented and preserved foods unique to the region.
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Hot Spring
Although Yukinoya Furusawa-tei doesn’t have a natural hot spring, guests can relax and soak in the atmospheric tiled bathroom, easing the fatigue from travel. The inn is 150 years old, but the water facilities have been renovated, keeping them clean while preserving the charm of the traditional farmhouse. Guests appreciate being able to enjoy the nostalgic ambiance comfortably.
The retro-style bathroom exudes a calming, familiar atmosphere. Many visitors mention it’s perfect for “resetting after a trekking day” and that even female travelers found it comfortable.
For those who wish to enjoy a full-fledged hot spring during their stay, Matsunoyama Onsen, one of Japan’s three major medicinal hot springs, is about a 30-minute drive away. It’s a great option to include in your itinerary if you want to combine the Yukinoya experience with a classic onsen bath.
Room
Yukinoya is a private, whole-house stay in a traditional Japanese farmhouse, accommodating up to 10 guests (one group per day). The rooms retain thick, aged beams and wooden ceilings, offering a spacious and tranquil environment for a relaxing stay.
Experiencing the clever solutions developed over 150 years and seeing the connection between past and present is a highlight of staying at this farmhouse. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a leisurely, immersive journey through history and tradition.
Room
Bedding
For comfort, both beds and traditional futons are provided.
Room
Bedding
For comfort, both beds and traditional futons are provided.
Room
Dining area with an irori hearth
The dining space retains the feel of an old earthen floor, featuring a central irori hearth where guests can gather and enjoy meals together.
Room
Tableware
The kitchenware consists entirely of items once used in local homes or passed down from neighbors—nothing was newly purchased, preserving the home’s authenticity.
Room
Facilities
The water facilities have been renovated for modern comfort, and free Wi-Fi is available for a pleasant stay.
Room
Tatami living room
The tatami-floored living area retains its original wooden fittings and paper sliding doors, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
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Activity Programs
The greatest appeal of Yukinoya Furusawa House lies in its variety of hands-on experiences that let guests “live like a local” and the warm interactions with local residents. The snow-country satoyama (mountain villages) are full of seasonal wisdom and traditions, and these programs allow travelers to create memories far beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Terraced rice field trekking
Rice Terrace Trekking
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
A breathtaking landscape of about 200 terraced rice fields spreading across the slopes like fish scales. From rarely accessible viewpoints, you can see the terraces with Mount Hakkai and Mount Komagatake in the background.
Rice Terrace Trekking
Guided Tour
Join a local guide to explore the area while learning about its history and way of life.
Rice Terrace Trekking
Kettle Set & Sasa Dango
During the trek, freshly brewed Kuromoji tea made from branches collected along the way is served at the mountaintop—an unforgettable moment.
Rice Terrace Trekking
Safety Prayer at a Small Shrine
The journey begins with a prayer for safety at a small shrine before entering the mountain. Along the path, you’ll notice old wooden poles once used for drying rice—traces of the region’s traditional lifestyle still woven into the scenery.
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Hoshitoge Rice Terrace Trekking Plan – No Dinner（Yukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay）
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
オンラインカード決済
食事あり
Total69,900/棟 JPY ~
One-Night Stay with Breakfast – No Dinner（Yukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay）
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
オンラインカード決済
食事あり
Total60,000/棟 JPY ~
Access
170 Anyoji, Tokamachi, Niigata 949-8562
By rental car from the airport
Narita Airport: approx. 3 hr 40 min
Niigata Airport: approx. 2 hr 20 min
From Tokyo to Matsunoyama Onsen
Tokyo → JR Joetsu Shinkansen to “Echigo-Yuzawa Station” → about 12 min by car from “Tokamachi Station”
Free shuttle service
Shuttle service available for up to 7 guests from Tokamachi Station (advance reservation required).
Basic Information
Ryokan Name
Yukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay
Address
170 Anyoji, Tokamachi, Niigata 949-8562
Baths
Opening hours
6:00〜24:00
Facilities & Features
×Hot Spring
×Free-flowing hot spring
×Open-air bath
×Large public bath
○Shower
○Whole-house rental
×Sauna
×Bedrock bath
×Within walking distance of the station
×Within a 10-minute walk to the convenience store
○Free parking available
○Free shuttle service available
○Kitchen
×Western-style room available
○Rooms with private bathrooms available
×Pets welcome
Common Amenities
○Hair dryer
○Shampoo and Conditioner
○Body soap and Bar soap
○Toothbrush set
○Towel and Bath towel
○Room wear
×Hairbrush
×Facial toner
×Face wash
×Moisturizer
×Makeup remover
×Shaver
×Shaving gel / Shaving foam
○Refrigerator
×TV
○Tea set
×Washing machine
×Clothes dryer
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there beds in the bedrooms?—
Yes. The house is equipped with four comfortable double beds as well as traditional futons.
What is the dinner style?—
Dinner at Yuki-no-Ie can be enjoyed in your preferred style.
The kitchen is fully equipped, allowing guests to self-cater with their own ingredients. You can also order local meal kits, such as local chicken sukiyaki or Tsumaari pork shabu-shabu, and cook them yourself.
For a more special evening, it’s possible to invite a private chef or use local catering services—please inquire in advance if you wish to arrange this.
Is there a bath?—
Yes. The renovated bathroom blends the charm of a traditional farmhouse with modern comfort. It features a smooth ceramic bathtub and a shower, with multiple washbasins available for convenient use in the morning.
Can we join any activities?—
Yes. You can join unique local experiences such as satoyama trekking and homemade cooking classes led by local mothers and fathers, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Japan’s snowy countryside.
For details or reservations, please contact us via LINE.
