Finding accommodation near ski slopes can be incredibly challenging, especially during the peak winter season. With this in mind, I made sure to start my search months in advance when planning a snowboarding trip to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Area in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, last winter. That’s how I discovered Chenda International Hotel, the place we entrusted to provide comfort and relaxation during our trip—and it truly delivered. It turned out to be the perfect retreat after long days on the slopes. In this post, I’ll share a detailed look at why Chenda International Hotel is an excellent choice for your next ski adventure. Here’s a rundown of my experience.
Location and Accessibility
Chenda International Hotel is conveniently located just a short distance from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Area, one of Japan’s top winter sports destinations. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which is easily accessible from Tokyo—just 80 minutes from JR Tokyo Station via the Joetsu Shinkansen. This makes it an ideal choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Getting from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Chenda International Hotel:
Since driving wasn’t part of our plans, one of the main reasons we chose Chenda was its shuttle service. The shuttle bus is free and operates on a fixed schedule, which you can easily check on their website for timings and destinations. If you opt for this service, the pickup and drop-off point at Echigo-Yuzawa Station is located right outside the station building, in the left parking area.
For those arriving by car, the hotel offers plenty of parking space, and its location along the main route to the ski area makes it easy to access.
Proximity to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Area
The ski area is fantastic, offering a mix of trails for all skill levels. As an intermediate snowboarder, I loved the variety of runs, but there are also plenty of beginner-friendly slopes and more challenging courses for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, especially on clear days.
Thanks to the ski resort’s expansive terrain on Mount Ishiuchi, there are multiple slope entrances to choose from. The closest one to Chenda is the Hatsukaishi Entrance, located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. This entrance provides access to two beginner-friendly courses: Hatsukaishi Family and Kamoshika.
For other entrances, such as the Main Entrance or North Entrance, while they are technically walkable, I highly recommend taking the hotel’s shuttle bus. It’s much more convenient, especially on snowy days when walking can be challenging.
Room: Cozy and Functional
The room I stayed in at Chenda International Hotel was not only clean and minimalistic but also surprisingly spacious, making it an excellent choice for travelers bringing along bulky ski or snowboard gear. The twin-bedroom setup featured two single beds with crisp white bedding that were cozy and inviting for a restful night. The dark, striped carpet added a modern touch, while the generous floor space provided plenty of room to organize and store equipment without feeling cramped. This was a huge plus, as I didn’t have to trip over my gear or worry about finding space to dry things out after a day on the slopes.
The room was thoughtfully equipped with practical amenities, including a wooden desk with a matching chair, a kettle, and a wall-mounted mirror, creating a convenient spot for quick tasks like preparing tea or organizing personal items. A large window framed by sheer and blackout curtains allowed natural light to brighten the room during the day, and the wall-mounted air conditioning unit ensured a comfortable temperature regardless of the season.
The attached compact bathroom was another practical highlight. It featured a small sink with a mirror above, a flexible faucet that served both the sink and the attached bathtub and shower, and a Japanese-style toilet with a built-in bidet function. The shower area, while compact, was efficiently designed with a white geometric-patterned curtain and provided all the essentials for a refreshing post-ski rinse. The overall cleanliness and functionality of the bathroom made it a seamless part of the stay.
Overall, the room was far from luxurious, but its combination of coziness, functionality, and spaciousness made it an ideal base for a ski trip. Whether you’re traveling light or bringing all your gear, this room is well-suited to accommodate your needs.
Dining Options
For those who prefer to dine in, Chenda offers an on-site restaurant called CONCO, conveniently located on the second floor, just beside the lobby. Both breakfast and dinner are served as all-you-can-eat buffets. The menu frequently features Niigata specialties, including koshihikari rice, fresh seafood, and comforting hotpots—ideal for recharging after a chilly day outdoors.
Dinner Review
During my stay at Chenda International Hotel, I had the chance to dine at their in-house restaurant, CONCO, which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet-style dinner. Based on my experience, this was a fantastic way to refuel after a long day at the slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama. The spread featured a mix of traditional Japanese and Western-style dishes, giving guests a variety of flavors to enjoy.
One of the first things I noticed was how well-organized the buffet was, with a long table beautifully arranged with different dishes. The selection included fresh vegetables, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and various side dishes, all presented on vibrant, traditional ceramic plates. A large pot of steaming hot soup sat at one end, perfect for warming up after being out in the cold.
Another section of the buffet had a more substantial offering, with trays of hot, freshly cooked dishes like stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, and what appeared to be a comforting dish of stewed pork or beef. The balance of flavors and textures was impressive, catering to different palates while maintaining an authentic Japanese touch.
One of the highlights for me was the sashimi station, where fresh cuts of tuna, salmon, and other seafood were arranged on a wooden serving platter, garnished with shiso leaves and shredded daikon. The fish looked fresh and vibrant, and the option to dip it into soy sauce with wasabi made it a simple yet indulgent treat.
In terms of essential details, dinner at CONCO is available from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, making it a convenient dining option after a full day of skiing or snowboarding. The price per diner is 3,500 yen, which I found reasonable given the variety and quality of food offered.
Overall, my dinner experience at CONCO was satisfying. The quality and variety of the food exceeded my expectations, and the cozy, welcoming ambiance of the restaurant made it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty hot dishes or delicate sashimi, this buffet offers something for everyone—an excellent dining choice after a long day in the snow.
Service: Warm and Welcoming
The staff at Chenda International Hotel were genuinely one of the standout aspects of the stay. They were incredibly helpful and friendly, from the moment I checked in to the moment I left. Most of them spoke English well, so communication wasn’t an issue. They also helped me look up the shuttle stop locations and gave me tips on the best slopes to hit at Ishiuchi Maruyama.
More Tips for Your Stay:
Book Early: The hotel is especially popular during ski season, so be sure to reserve your room well in advance to secure your preferred type.
Relax in the Onsen: Don’t miss the opportunity to unwind in the hot spring baths—they’re the perfect way to soothe your muscles after a day on the slopes. The closest onsen is at Hatsukaishi Onsen Ishiuchi Yungparunas, the hotel next door. As a guest of Chenda International Hotel, you can even enjoy a discount!
Stock Up on Snacks: One downside of staying at Chenda is the lack of walkable convenience stores nearby. If you take the shuttle bus to dine at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, remember to grab some snacks for late-night cravings.
Pack Warm Clothing: While the hotel is cozy and heated, Niigata winters can be bitterly cold. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re heading to the Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Area and want a cozy, convenient place to stay, I’d definitely recommend the Chenda International Hotel. It’s not a luxury resort, but it has everything you need for a comfortable and hassle-free ski trip. The location, warm hospitality, and thoughtful amenities made it a great home base for my snowy adventure.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Between the proximity to the slopes, the onsen, and the hearty meals, it’s hard to go wrong with this hotel. Just make sure to book early, especially during peak ski season!
Access Map:
Quick Info about Chenda International Hotel:
Address: 927‐1 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6372, Japan
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 10:00 AM
Website: https://chendahotel.com/
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