Inaka Lodge is built as a year-round base set in a quiet valley in northern Nagano, between Shiga Kogen and Mt. Myoko, close to Obuse, Nozawa Onsen, and the snow monkey hot springs. The lodge is a quiet renovated farmhouse that blends traditional Japanese elements with modern comfort. Many of the original ceramics, furniture, books, and decorations have been restored and reused to preserve the house’s authentic character.

We’re Adam & Laura from Slovakia (yes, that’s in Europe), and we’ve been on the move since a few days after we turned twenty. Living in Ireland showed us what kindness between strangers looks like. Winter in the Austrian Alps taught us that this is how we want to spend every winter from now on. Canada was where we learned work–life balance was a thing, hiked mountains, lived out of a camper, and spent endless nights around fires with friends. Japan blended all of those things that mattered to us. And the truth is, this wasn’t a plan... It wasn’t the cities or the tourist spots, honestly, not even famous Japanese powder, that made us stay. It was inaka. “Inaka” means countryside. It’s simple. It's about neighbours leaving vegetables at the door, mornings where you hear nothing except wind in the trees, and people who always have time for one more conversation.

WINTER SEASON The mountains around us get 10–12 meters of snow each year and rise up to 2,300 meters. There are slopes for everyone, from first-time skiers to deep-snow chasers and park riders. Over 30 ski resorts are within a 30–45 minute drive, including Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Madarao, Ryuoo, X-Jam, and more. GREEN SEASON When the snow melts, these same mountains turn into a playground for hiking, biking, camping, and wild onsening. Trails cross high ridgelines, mountain lakes, and cedar forests. In summer, small farm stands pop up along the roads, selling fresh vegetables and homemade pickles.