Stay Local, Explore Freely.

Kijimadaira is just 99 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station, then it's a 15-minute drive to the village. We offer free transfers from Iiyama Station to your lodge (daily, 8am–5pm) — just share your train time at least 2 days ahead. Taxis and a winter shuttle bus also run from the station, and we're happy to advise on car rental when you book.

A car is the best way to experience rural Nagano. It lets you explore the mountain scenery at your own pace and reach the best local restaurants, sights, and ski resorts. Foreign visitors need an international driving permit to drive in Japan.

The Kichi Collective provides car rentals with your stay, subject to availability, and commercial options are available at both the Iiyama and Nagano Shinkansen Stations.

Everything you need for a home-style stay is provided. Each lodge has a full kitchen, bedding, linens, towels, soap, shampoo, Wi-Fi, and a washing machine. For stays of 5 nights or more, housekeeping and fresh linens come after every 3 nights (none on the final two nights of a stay). Just bring your clothes and personal items.

Kijimadaira is great in every season. In winter, ski the local runs or visit nearby resorts, 15–45 minutes away. Soak in hot springs, go snowshoeing, or try local crafts like soba making and washi paper. In the green season, hike, cycle, and enjoy nature walks and village festivals.

Ski season runs from mid-December to mid March. Kijimadaira gets deep, reliable snow each year. The runs are well groomed and the slopes are quiet. It's a calmer choice than Japan's big-name resorts, and great for families and beginners.

Nearby bigger resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Madarao, Shiga Kogen and Myoko Kogen usually offer spring ski days, taking the season into end Apr/ early May, depending on weather conditions.

Yes — Kijimadaira Ski Resort is one of the most family-friendly ski hills in Nagano. The slopes are wide and gentle, and lift passes are affordable. Non-skiers have plenty to do too: hot springs, snowshoe walks, local crafts, and great food.

See our Explore section for ideas.

Rural Japan runs mostly on cash. Many local shops and restaurants don't take foreign cards. Bring Japanese Yen with you — ATMs at 7-Eleven stores take most foreign cards. Your lodge booking can be paid by card; payment details come with your reservation.

For winter stays — especially the holiday season and the peak powder months of January and February — book at least 6 months ahead, as our lodges fill quickly. We recommend 3–4 nights to settle in and explore properly, but we're flexible. Send us your dates and we'll do our best to fit you in.

Our policy is tiered — the earlier you cancel, the less you pay. Full details come with your booking. We strongly suggest travel insurance for all stays. Make sure it covers trip changes, medical care, and snow sports. It gives peace of mind in the mountains.

Yes — we speak English and support our guests from first enquiry to check-out. Rural Japan can feel hard to navigate; we make it easy. Reach us by email, WhatsApp, or Line at any time — before, during, or after your stay.