A hillside home in Matsunoyama, Tokamachi (Niigata) — deep-snow country, surrounded by rice terraces. A farmhouse where one party at a time stays, with three tatami rooms and a ten-mat living room — up to 11 guests. Extended stays and pets welcome. Two minutes by car to the nearest hot spring (Ikoi-no-yu); four minutes to the Matsunoyama Onsen town (Taka-no-yu), one of Japan’s three great medicinal hot springs.
A three-storey house of timber and reinforced concrete, 286m² in total. The second floor — including the entrance and all bathing and cooking rooms — is yours alone, one party at a time. Tatami rooms, futons, a wide living room. Left as-is, in the old way — perfect for family and friends to gather.
Around us, one of the snowiest regions in Japan (over 4m / 13ft of annual snowfall — true Niigata snow country, what skiers call "JAPOW"). Two minutes by car to the nearest hot spring (Ikoi-no-yu), four minutes to the Matsunoyama Onsen town, three minutes to the local ski field. Within driving range of Nozawa Onsen (48 km / 59 min), Kagura (54 km / 1h13m), Naeba (70 km / 1h32m), Myoko Akakura (87 km / 1h38m), and Hakuba Happo-One (142 km / 2h35m) — Japan's legendary powder belt. Licence No. M150062846.
This spacious 286m² residence was once home to the owner of what is said to be Japan’s largest nameko mushroom production operation, in Tokamachi — Japan’s leading nameko-producing area. Still active from early morning at the worksite, the former resident found the house too large for everyday living. Amamizushima Hills has inherited the building as a private one-party-per-day stay, preserving its original Shōwa-era atmosphere.
A few modern conveniences — like the 75-inch TV (VOD only; no terrestrial / BS / CS) — are quietly added for comfort. But beyond that, we’ve deliberately left the Shōwa-era atmosphere of the house intact, without major renovation.
Tatami rooms with futons. Lay them close together with family, or further apart — the wide tatami floor is yours to arrange as you like. The house is not new, but cleanliness is the one thing we will never compromise on.
Only the second floor is used (119.24m²). Three rooms, a living room, the wet areas, entrance and corridor — all yours, one party at a time.
* Kitchen, bath, basin, toilet, hall and corridor are also on the second floor. The first floor is available as garage and garden.
Open filed floor plan (PDF) ↗Kitchen, bath, washroom, garden, garage and more — tap to enlarge.
Flat rate regardless of party size. Split among eleven, that’s about ¥3,600 per person per night.
For gatherings without overnight: up to 25 people. The ~12-tatami kitchen/dining, the 10-tatami living room, and the 8-tatami Guest Room 2 can be opened up into one continuous space by sliding back the fusuma — over 40 mats of room for funerals, reunions, retreats, photo shoots.
Things to know before you book. An old farmhouse operates a bit differently from a regular hotel.
Over 4m of snowfall a year. One window, four different worlds. Open year-round.
Matsunoyama Onsen stands with Arima (Hyōgo) and Kusatsu (Gunma) as one of Japan’s three great medicinal hot springs. Its source is not volcanic but “geopressure” — fossil seawater trapped in rock layers for some 12 million years, erupting back up at around 90°C. So salty you can taste it, with mineral concentrations over fifteen times the minimum for a therapeutic spring. Known for healing cuts, burns, skin conditions and poor circulation, and for a warmth that stays with you long after you leave the bath.
The closest onsen to the house — 2 min by car, 10 min on foot. Attached to Matsujusou, a Tokamachi senior welfare facility, but you don’t need to be elderly or a local resident: anyone can walk in and bathe. Almost always empty. Hours are short — check before you go.
* Times shown per bath. Use the house’s indoor bath for quick washes, and mix in the public onsen the rest of the time.
Amamizushima Hills welcomes dogs. Because this is an old wooden farmhouse — and out of consideration for other guests, our village neighbours, and most of all your dog’s own comfort — we ask a few things of you. Please read before booking.
We cannot accept responsibility for illness, injury, or trouble with other animals during your stay. Please look after your dog’s health and check the nearest veterinary clinic before travelling.
Ask us firstCats, large breeds, or 3+ dogs — use the contact formFew supermarkets up here, but the food is serious. The places your host goes to.
A ramen shop good enough that chefs from 3-star Tokyo restaurants come to eat here. Their signature dish is hand-pulled noodles made with rice flour and Matsunoyama onsen spring water — served as char-siu ramen, summer hiyashi-chuka, and a yakiniku-don over pork. Your first bowl in Matsunoyama.
A soba shop with its own tempura chef. Delivery to Amamizushima Hills is possible (please arrange in advance).
Near Nasté-View. If you ask in advance they’ll drive you back to the house afterwards. A crossroads of local regulars.
The [SUMMER VENUE] of two restaurants run by the same chef who switches venue with the season. Inside Daigonji Highland Campsite, open late April – early November. Signature dishes: niku-miso-men (meat-miso noodles), sasa-onigiri set, sanmaa-men. In winter (December – March) the same chef moves to Resthouse Yukitsubaki inside Matsunoyama Onsen Snow Park, serving the same menu.
The [WINTER VENUE] of two restaurants run by the same chef who switches venue with the season. Inside Matsunoyama Onsen Snow Park, open while the ski resort runs (roughly December – March), 9:00–17:00 (L.O. 16:00). In summer (late April – early November) the same chef runs Restaurant Kibo-kan at Daigonji Highland — the same signature niku-miso-men, sasa-onigiri set and sanmaa-men are served at both venues.
Matsunoyama’s calendar of rituals and rice work. Time your stay right and you can join in.
The Matsunoyama land around the house — terraces, hamlet, snow.
Practical tips for a mountain-village stay.
Within about fifteen minutes by car, you have most of what Matsunoyama offers.
Feel free to ask about plans and custom arrangements. Writing to us directly is the most reliable (Japanese & English). Booking.com is also available.
2026-03-24 certificate of compliance issued (No. 475).