A Cozy Lobby and Fireplace in One Welcoming Space: Villa Ichinose Greets Guests with Warmth

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Shiga Kogen’s Ichinose area where you can truly relax and unwind, Villa Ichinose is not to be missed. Located at an elevation of 1,680 meters and surrounded by beautiful mountains, the scenery has a special atmosphere reminiscent of the European Alps. Set amid this natural beauty, the inn’s quiet and warm welcome is one of its greatest charms.

Villa Ichinose began with the idea of “creating an inn inspired by a village.” The current owner is the third generation, and the inn’s history dates back to around 1962. The present building was rebuilt during the second generation, around 1972. At the time, the surrounding infrastructure was far from what it is today—roads, water, electricity, and telephone services were still limited. Stories such as laying telephone lines themselves and making contributions to NTT and Chubu Electric Power speak to the strong determination that has sustained this inn in this mountain community.

The greatest appeal of this historic inn is its relaxing lobby space, seamlessly integrated with a fireplace. The moment you step inside, you can feel that this is not merely a place to sleep, but a place where you will want to spend time. Rather than a lively inn geared toward large groups, it is especially well suited to families, older couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy skiing in peace. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the inn has placed even greater emphasis on individual guests, refining its atmosphere into one that is quiet, comfortable, and genuinely relaxing.

In the lobby, guests can enjoy dark-roast coffee for just 200 yen per cup. The price is certainly a pleasant surprise, but that is not the only reason it is so popular. Spending time by the warmth of the fireplace with a steaming cup of coffee in hand is a simple luxury unique to Villa Ichinose. It is not flashy, but it leaves a lasting sense of comfort. Spaces like this are rare—and quietly precious.

Meals are served buffet-style, with Japanese cuisine forming the foundation. The menu is also designed with international guests in mind. The inn has been welcoming inbound travelers for about 15 years, and some overseas guests reportedly stay for as long as one month. It also offers vegetable-based menu options for vegetarian guests. Please confirm details directly with the inn when making a reservation. The fact that repeat guests continue to return year after year is likely due to this flexibility and welcoming comfort.

Hospitality is at the heart of what the inn values. Staff provide clear guidance even for first-time visitors and take care to ensure that guests can feel at ease in an unfamiliar place. The entrance and interior design, which immediately convey a sense of relaxation, also reflect this approach. According to the official website, the inn is well equipped for a comfortable stay, with Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and electric kettles in all rooms, baths available 24 hours a day, and an excellent location directly in front of the ski slopes and bus stop. During the winter season, a Y Shop convenience store is also located next to the entrance, making the inn convenient for extended stays and workations.

In Shiga Kogen’s Ichinose area, Villa Ichinose is more than just a place to stay—it is an inn where you can recover your own sense of time amid the quiet. Take a moment to unwind in the fireplace lobby and let the mountain scenery soothe you. For those seeking a calm and restful stay, the appeal of this inn will resonate deeply. The reason it has been loved for so long may lie not in extravagance, but in the atmosphere that makes guests think, “I want to come back here again.”