Nozawa Onsen has a great range of traditional ryokan-style accommodation options for those wanting a more authentic Japanese experience, and Residence Yasushi is a fantastic choice for those seeking one with a little extra comfort and luxury.
Residence Yasushi is a new property (which is unusual for Nozawa Onsen) and split into a main hotel area and a separate four bedroom lodge. The hotel itself boasts Japanese rooms with comfortable futon mattresses on tatami matting floors, and a small living area with couches to relax and spread out. These are ideal for two people, however the Deluxe Twin rooms and Suite rooms feature an additional daybed for a third guest. There are also smaller Compact rooms, which have a Western queen bed, ensuites, a small storage area but no living space, however, these rooms are a great option for those who seek a more westernised bedding option as opposed to futon beds. The hotel building features a bi-lingual reception and concierge to assist with any requirements, a lounge area with a cosy fireplace, and a small restaurant and bar. Two bedroom family suites are also available which combine a Compact room and a Suite room, ideal for small families. All twin beds can be pushed together to make a king bed, and ensuite feature either a shower over bath with toilet or shower and toilet.
The four bedroom Residence Yasushi lodge is located right next door to the hotel, and has five twin Japanese rooms, each with elevated futon beds and tatami matting. These do boast the additional luxury of a seating area in each room, plus the lodge has an additional room with a kitchen and living area, so a perfect option for families or groups of friends (particularly those who enjoy self-catering ski vacations). The Japanese rooms can also be reserved individually from the October prior to each ski season.
Location-wise, Residence Yasushi is in a perfect spot in the village, barely a 10 minute stroll to the moving walkway that takes you to the Hikage base area. One of the most well known (and most beautiful) onsens, Akiha-no-Yu, is also only a 10 minute walk away, and Shin-Yu is barely a few doors down the road - two great choices to soothe those weary skier legs! Yasushi also boasts an onsen on site for use exclusively by those staying at the hotel and lodge. The onsen can be booked for private use. Guests are very close to the Nozawa Onsen Morning Market, as well as many of the local shrines and temples, which are incredible to explore in Winter (if they're not buried in lots of snow!).
Access to Yasushi is quite easy from the village centre, and it is only a 5 minute walk for those arriving from the train station on the shuttle bus. There is a resort bus that operates throughout the season which stops right out the front of the hotel, however, it operates less frequently.
Residence Yasushi is a wonderful Nozawa Onsen lodging option for solo skiers, couples, and families who seek a little more luxury to their Japanese ski vacation, and enjoy a few more Western comforts.
