Marvel at the night sky

Living in a brightly lit city can make spotting even a handful of stars arduous. Ginzandaira is the complete opposite: here the night sky hangs over you in all its breathtaking glory. Far from all sources of light pollution, the valley does not even have streetlights. Step out after dark on any clear night and you’ll be treated to a cosmic spectacle featuring thousands upon thousands of glistening stars, making it easy to view constellations and planets, as well as meteors and satellites making their way across the heavens. For the best views, book your stay during the new moon.

Picnic blankets, star charts, and LED lanterns can be borrowed for free at the hotel. Be sure to wear warm clothing when going outside at night.

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Meditate by the water

A short walk or bike ride from the hotel, the coves and rugged shores of Lake Okutadami have plenty of charm for enthusiastic anglers. Get up early and stroll to the lake with your gear in tow for the chance to reel in some iwana (whitespotted char), an East Asian species of trout that grows up to 60cm long here, or wakasagi (Japanese pond smelt), a small and tasty species usually eaten grilled or as tempura. And even when the catch leaves something to be desired, the tranquil waters and striking mountain views are sure to offer soul-soothing satisfaction.

Fishing boat rental can be arranged through Ten Stories Oze, but we do not have facilities specifically for anglers and encourage practicing catch and release. Also note that fishing is not allowed in the rivers around Ten Stories Oze, which are part of a nature reserve.

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Trek through a fairytale landscape

Ginzandaira sits in the heart of Japan’s “snow country,” where clouds filled with moisture from the Sea of Japan collide with cold mountain air to produce massive snowfall every winter. The area around Ten Stories Oze gets covered by up to six meters of the white stuff in midwinter and snow remains on the nearby slopes until early summer. Snowshoeing tours, a magical way to experience the monochrome landscape’s otherworldly beauty, are offered at the hotel once the warmth of spring sets in and trails can be dug through the drifts.

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Snowshoe Guide tourl ¥5,500/2 hours (snowshoes, stock, trekking poles, gloves, knit hat, snow wear, drink and snack)

Note: Avalanches are uncommon in spring but can occur. Guests unfamiliar with snow and local conditions should not go snowshoeing without a guide.
Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and mid-cut or high-ankle hiking boots.
Note that rentals do not include accident insurance or compensation for eventual damages. Please acquire your own travel insurance.

Taste the bounty of the wild

Adapting to a harsh climate and relative isolation, the people of the mountainous region around Ginzandaira have over the centuries developed a distinct culinary culture centered on fermented or otherwise preserved food and local ingredients such as wild herbs, game meat, and freshwater fish. This tradition and the rich bounty of the surrounding mountains inform the artisanal, innovative cuisine served at Primitif, our in-house restaurant located in the property’s main building.