This simple, two-star lodge tucks perfectly into Japan’s snow-covered landscape, just a snowball’s throw from the premier slopes of Gala Yuzawa and Naeba. We found basic but comfortable air-conditioned rooms, though you’ll need to share bathrooms with other guests – a small trade-off that keeps prices reasonable. The on-site restaurant whips up a mean vegetarian curry, and the bar offers a welcome spot to warm up after a day on the slopes.
The downsides? Shared bathrooms might not suit everyone’s comfort level, and the rooms lean toward the minimalist side. But if you’re after a no-frills base camp for your skiing adventures, this hits the sweet spot.
This lodge works especially well for budget-conscious powder hounds, couples seeking a laid-back mountain escape, and families who prioritize slope access over luxury amenities. The flexible check-in times and dietary accommodations make life easier for international travelers adjusting to Japanese time zones. Think of it as your cozy mountain home where the staff’s politeness and the proximity to world-class skiing more than make up for any basic amenities.
This hotel earned its place in our top 7 hotel picks in Minami Uonuma.
Good To Know
- Lodge TONBO is located 2.1 km from Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, providing convenient access to renowned ski slopes.
- The 2-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, shared bathrooms, free parking, free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar.
- Guests praise the hotel’s polite and helpful staff, with a rating of 9.6/10.
- The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, including a popular vegetarian curry dish.
- Flexible check-in and check-out policies, with the possibility of varied cancellation and prepayment options.
Hotel Overview
Lodge TONBO – Ishiate is a 2-star hotel located in Niigata, Japan.
It’s rated 8.6 out of 10 based on 80 reviews, with guests particularly praising its location.
The hotel is situated 2.1 km from Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, 26 km from Naeba Ski Resort, 5.9 km from Maiko Snow Resort, and 2.5 km from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.
Niigata Airport is 136 km away.
Guests have rated the location 8.5 out of 10, with the hotel being a popular choice for couples.
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as amenities like free parking, free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar.
Location and Accessibility
The Lodge TONBO – Ishiate is conveniently situated, with the nearest ski resort, Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, just 2.1 km away.
Other popular ski destinations, like Naeba Ski Resort and Maiko Snow Resort, are within easy reach at 26 km and 5.9 km respectively.
Guests seeking a ski vacation will appreciate the lodge’s proximity to these renowned slopes.
For those traveling by air, Niigata Airport is located 136 km from the property, providing a straightforward commute.
The lodge’s location has been particularly praised by couples, who rate it 8.5 out of 10 for its desirable setting.
Accommodation Options
At the Lodge TONBO – Ishiate, guests have several accommodation options to choose from. The lodge offers a range of room types, including twin, triple, and double rooms, as well as standard twin rooms with shared bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, towels, slippers, and free toiletries. Guests can also take advantage of the lodge’s other facilities, such as the free parking, free WiFi, on-site restaurant, and bar.
| Room Type | Occupancy | Bathroom Type |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Room | 2 | Shared |
| Triple Room | 3 | Shared |
| Double Room | 2 | Shared |
| Standard Twin | 2 | Shared |
Facilities and Amenities
Along With the accommodation options, Lodge TONBO – Ishiate offers a range of facilities and amenities to enhance guests’ experiences.
The lodge features free parking, free WiFi, and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, including special diet menus. Guests can also enjoy a private hot spring bath with advance booking.
Other popular facilities include a bar, family rooms, and board games/puzzles.
The lodge’s amenities include flat-screen TVs, towels, slippers, free toiletries, and luggage storage.
With its convenient location near multiple ski resorts, Lodge TONBO – Ishiate provides a comfortable and well-equipped base for winter sports enthusiasts.
Guest Experiences
Guests at Lodge TONBO – Ishiate have consistently praised the property’s polite and helpful staff, who earned a remarkable 9.6 rating.
Reviewers highlighted several aspects of their stay:
- The lodge’s proximity to nearby ski lifts, which made accessing the slopes a breeze.
- The accommodating staff, who went above and beyond to ensure guests’ comfort.
- The delicious vegetarian curry served at the on-site restaurant.
- The clean shared bathrooms and the availability of a private hot spring bath (with advance booking).
Guests also appreciated the cozy dining area, the stunning views from the lodge, and the selection of board games, which provided entertainment during their downtime.
Dining and Cuisine
Alongside the accommodation and facilities, Lodge TONBO – Ishiate offers a dining experience that delights its guests.
The on-site restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, catering to various dietary needs with special diet menus available upon request. Guests have praised the restaurant’s offerings, particularly the vegetarian curry dish.
Visitors also mentioned enjoying the welcome drink of royal milk tea, a thoughtful touch that sets the tone for their culinary experience.
The cozy dining area provides a comfortable setting for guests to savor their meals and connect with fellow travelers.
Policies and Rules
Although the check-in time is from 15:00 to 21:00 and the check-out time is from 08:00 to 10:00, guests can discuss alternative arrangements with the accommodating staff.
The lodge has flexible cancellation and prepayment policies that vary by accommodation type.
Children of any age are welcome, but cots and extra beds aren’t available.
Pets aren’t allowed, and parties/events are prohibited.
Guests under 18 must check in with a parent or guardian.
Key policies at Lodge TONBO – Ishiate:
- Flexible check-in and check-out times
- Varied cancellation and prepayment policies
- Children welcome, but no cots/extra beds
- No pets allowed; no parties/events permitted
How to Book
Booking a stay at Lodge TONBO – Ishiate is straightforward. Guests can check room availability and rates on the hotel’s website or through online booking platforms. A secure online reservation system allows direct bookings.
Travelers can select their preferred room type, number of guests, and dates of stay. Payment is typically required upfront, though policies vary by room type. Cancellations and modifications can be made, but fees may apply.
The hotel’s friendly staff is available to assist guests with any booking inquiries or special requests. With a convenient location near multiple ski resorts, Lodge TONBO – Ishiate is an appealing choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Shuttle Service to the Nearby Ski Resorts?
The property does not offer a shuttle service to the nearby ski resorts. Guests will need to rely on their own transportation or public transportation options to reach the ski areas from the hotel.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Special Packages for Winter Activities?
The hotel doesn’t mention any specific winter activity packages, but guests can book the private hot spring bath in advance. The lodge’s proximity to several ski resorts makes it a convenient option for skiers and snowboarders.
What Are the Payment Methods Accepted at the Hotel?
The hotel accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, major credit cards, and potentially mobile payment apps. Guests should inquire about the specific payment options accepted upon check-in.
Can Guests Request an Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests can request an early check-in or late check-out, but these are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. The hotel’s standard check-in time is 3 PM and check-out time is 10 AM.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for Repeat Guests?
The hotel doesn’t explicitly mention any discounts or special offers for repeat guests. However, it’s always worth inquiring directly with the property, as they may have promotional rates or loyalty programs available that aren’t detailed on the website.
The Sum Up
Lodge TONBO – Ishiate offers a cozy and convenient base for exploring Niigata’s snow-covered landscapes. With its proximity to popular ski resorts, air-conditioned rooms, on-site restaurant, and amenities like a private hot spring bath, the lodge caters to the needs of both couples and families seeking a memorable winter getaway. Guests consistently praise the polite staff and wide array of activities available, making it an ideal choice for a snow country retreat.