A Place You’ll Want to Return to for “Chu Nabe”: Chuhotel, a Relaxed and Comfortable Inn in Ichinose, Shiga Kogen

When an inn has a signature specialty, the trip becomes a little more memorable.
That is because, beyond the scenery and snow quality, you gain one more reason to visit: “I want to go there to eat that.”
In Ichinose, Shiga Kogen, one representative example is Chuhotel.
This inn has a specialty that regular guests look forward to every year.
It is “Chu Nabe,” a hot pot made with Hatcho miso.

This inn operates mainly during the winter season and has a history of about 38 years.
Since second-generation owner Moichiro returned to his hometown, the inn has deepened its own unique appeal.
There are about 30 guest rooms.
The lobby and dining room have wood-burning stoves, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel naturally at ease.
It is not overly formal, yet it is genuinely comfortable.
Chuhotel has that pleasant comfort of a relaxed, easygoing feel.

An Inn That People Visit for Its Hot Pot Has Real Strength

The greatest appeal of Chuhotel is, without a doubt, its hot pot.
Among them, the signature Chu Nabe is the dish that symbolizes this inn.
It is a mixed hot pot made with Hatcho miso, giving it a character you can only experience here.

The hot pot options are not limited to Chu Nabe.
There are four varieties: boiled dumpling hot pot, borscht hot pot, mixed hot pot, and Chu Nabe.
Being able to choose according to your mood that day or the way you want to enjoy your stay also feels very much like this inn.

What is especially memorable is that some regular guests come specifically for the hot pot.
The food at the inn becomes a reason for staying there.
That is not easy to achieve.
An inn with strong food leaves a lasting impression.
Chuhotel is exactly that kind of inn—a place where the pleasure of eating has become part of the inn’s very appeal.

A Natural Space Where the Warmth of Wood Stoves Feels Just Right

Inside Chuhotel, there is an atmosphere that feels somewhat handmade, as if it has grown naturally over time.
In both the lobby and dining room, you will find wood-burning stoves.
The interior feels less like something that was completely designed from the beginning, and more like a space that has taken shape naturally through the life of the inn.

For example, guests apparently respond well to playful elements such as a swing, and that sense of freedom in the space is also part of the inn’s appeal.
Rather than polished luxury, it offers a warmth that makes you want to linger.
In the winter highlands, that kind of place to settle into is truly welcome.

After spending a day in the snow, you return to a lobby with a wood stove.
That alone somehow makes the journey feel richer.
Chuhotel is an inn that understands that feeling well.

Loved by a Wide Range of Guests from Japan and Overseas

Chuhotel welcomes a wide range of guests from both Japan and overseas.
Among inbound travelers, guests from Australia and Taiwan tend to make up a large share.
Some visitors also come after spending time in Niseko or Hakuba, suggesting that the appeal of Shiga Kogen is gradually reaching a wider audience.

Among Japanese guests, many are mature couples, retirees, and families during the year-end and New Year holidays.
In other words, this inn does not lean too heavily toward one particular group; it is well suited to people who want to spend time at their own pace.

Not too lively, not too closed-off, and with real enjoyment built into the meals.
That balance may be one reason it is supported across nationalities and generations.

The Owner’s Own Way of Life Is Connected to Shiga Kogen

What is striking about Moichiro’s story is how deeply connected he is to Shiga Kogen, including his activities outside the inn.
Rice cultivation, char fishing, serving as a director of the fisheries cooperative, gathering wild vegetables, and mountain rescue.
Just seeing those words lined up makes it clear that this inn is not merely a base for tourism, but an inn that exists as an extension of mountain life.

There was also a time when wild vegetables were served at the inn, and the perspective of someone who truly lives on this land likely comes through in the food and conversations as well.
In this kind of inn, there is a persuasiveness different from luxurious facilities.
It is “an inn run by someone who knows this place.”
That also leads to a sense of reassurance during the stay.

Memories of the Olympics and the Challenges Seen Today

The Nagano Olympics were a major milestone for the region in the minds of many people.
At Chuhotel, they were involved in course preparation during the lead-up, and memories such as pin badge exchanges also remain.
At the same time, due to road restrictions and entry controls, there was also the impression that business at the inn saw fewer guests.
A major event does not necessarily bring a tailwind to every inn.
That realistic perspective is also an interesting part of this area’s history.

As for current challenges, there is the difficulty of summer in Ichinose.
With limited activity capacity, it can be harder to communicate the area’s appeal as clearly as in winter.
Even so, the coolness at an elevation of 1,600 meters, autumn foliage, and high-altitude training environment are definite strengths unique to this place.
How these strengths will be used going forward is something to watch with interest.

Shiga Kogen Is a Treasure, and That Is Why He Wants to Preserve It

Moichiro’s message is very straightforward.
Shiga Kogen is a treasure. I want to continue as long as I can and preserve it for skiers.
Those words express everything about Chuhotel very well.

There is a signature hot pot, wood-burning stoves, and an atmosphere where guests can relax without feeling self-conscious.
At the same time, there is a strong core desire to carefully protect this place.
That is why this inn is not merely “an interesting inn,” but a place you want to visit again.

If you are looking for an inn in Ichinose, Shiga Kogen where you can relax a little, yet still feel fully satisfied,
Chuhotel is definitely one to keep in mind.