Lodge Matsuya

Our stay at lodge Matsuya in Nozawaonsen was great. The proprietors were very kind and will accommodat most requests. The property was very quiet in mid April, as most of the skier crowds are not around. There were only a couple other guests so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. We used the public onsen across the street, but the lodge onsen is also available if the public one is too hot for your taste. If you understand the bathing situation then you will be happy here (if you're a Westerner, make sure you know there are no showers at lodge Matsuya as this could come as a shock to you). Breakfast at the hotel is fairly basic, but ample, and the service is amazing. The common areas are spacious in the hotel and the views are always great of the mountains and the gardens in the hotel.

The hosts at lodge Matsuya are great. The location is pretty convenient, close to shops and restaurants and a reasonable walk from nagasaka gondola. Be warned that you must plan to use the public onsensas there are no showers at the lodge. As a westerner this was a bit of a surprise, but a nice experience all around. Also you can purchase a discounted lift pass from your hosts at the lodge (saved 800 yen on my 3 day ticket)