Washoku no Yado Ippo (Tekuteku)

A log-house ryokan in Madarao Kogen run by a sushi chef

Washoku no Yado Ippo (Tekuteku) is a log-house ryokan standing in the forest at an elevation of 800 m on the lower slopes of Mount Madarao. The owner, a sushi chef who trained for 10 years at a sushi restaurant in Niigata, makes the most of a location relatively close to the Sea of Japan to source fresh seafood, and serves a sushi kaiseki dinner that finishes with nigiri sushi. So that every group gets full attention, the ryokan takes only 3 groups a day. In the log-house dining room, where the thickest log is about 40 cm across and the scent of wood lingers, you can spend a calm, unhurried time with jazz playing.

Guest rooms and whole-property bookings

There are 4 guest rooms in all. Rooms 101 and 102 on the first floor are Western-style rooms with a bath and toilet, while rooms 202 (Western-style), 204 and 205 (Japanese-style tatami rooms) on the second floor are attic-style rooms without a bath or toilet. When the building is not booked as a whole, rooms 204 and 205 are used together as a pair, with 204 as a relaxing room and 205 as the bedroom - an arrangement recommended for families with young children. The ryokan holds up to 12 guests, and parties of 6 or more can book the entire building. For a three-generation trip or a trip with friends, having the dining space to use freely is part of the appeal.

What families with children will appreciate

Beside the dining room is a comfortable shared space stocked with picture books and toys, so it doubles as a play area for children (sound carries easily here, so please keep it quiet). There are set child rates, and booking at a child rate also includes children's amenities. Anyone who would rather not eat raw fish can have sushi prepared without it, with advance notice - one of several touches that let the whole family enjoy the meal. Yukata are available to borrow (400 yen each, advance notice required), and there is a ski drying room.

A base for activities

The lift area at Tangram Ski Circus is about a 5-minute walk or about a 3-minute drive away. Madarao Kogen is about 10 minutes by car and Lake Nojiri about 5 to 10 minutes by car, making this a handy base for skiing and lake activities. Surrounded by forest, the terrace is a place to spot wild birds and squirrels, and sometimes a Japanese serow, and the night sky fills with stars.