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What are the check-in and check-out times?Glad you asked! Your villa is ready and waiting for you from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. If you're coming after 18:00, it's important that you contact us in advance. Arrivals after 6PM without notice may be treated as a cancellation or a no-show and charged in full. If you're arriving early or plan to linger a bit after check-out. We have a perfect place for you. Relax at our exclusive guest lounge (2nd floor of the restaurant), open from 9:00–18:00. Check-out is by 10:00 AM. Late check out is generally not allowed. This is to give our team sufficient time to sparkle everything fresh and lovely for the next lucky guest. If you plan to leave early to visit the Snow Monkey Park or go somewhere nearby, we're happy to keep your bags for you and you may collect it anytime until 18:00.
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Where’s the nearest convenience store & market?Lawson at Yudanaka Station is 7 mins by car (or a scenic 50-min walk!) Seven-Eleven along the R292 is 5 mins by car
Where can I shop for groceries?
Check out Tsuruya Ippongi or Aeon Nakano, about 10 mins by car. They offer a good selection of local and international ingredients for your villa cooking adventures. -
Are there snacks and drinks in the room?
Yes! Tea.Coffee. Juice. And milk for the little ones!
Your fridge is stocked with complimentary water, apple juice, fresh milk, gelato, Yebisu beer (for those 21+). We replenish it daily.
Plus, there's a snack basket available for purchase that is perfect for mid-movie munchies.
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Can you arrange a private car with a driver and English-speaking guide?Absolutely! Book directly here and let them know you’re staying at Hotarutei. Enjoy a premium ride, plus private or group tours if you wish!
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Is there a drying room for ski gear?Yes! There’s a shared room to store your gear. It’s not locked, but it’s generally safe. Feel free to keep your equipment in your room for peace of mind.
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What’s inside the villa?
So glad you asked! Your villa, comes with:
Washer/Dryer + laundry gel
There also is a drying rack as an option
Mini-kitchen & cook set, plates and cutleries, chopsticks, Salt, pepper and olive oil
Microwave & Toaster
Fridge stocked with beverages and local gelato
Nespresso machine + pods/decaffenaited also available
English tea and green tea
Large Smart TV
Floor heating
Yogibo Drop
Desk for working (if you must)
Organic cotton PJs, body and face towels, foot mat, Yukata
Personal care sets.
Onsen-your private hotspring bath fed with 100% onsen water known for its therapeutic benefits.
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Tell me about the villa’s onsen!Sure! Your private onsen bath is being fed continuously with 100% natural hot spring water, no recycling. It's rich in sodium and potassium. It's being adjusted with fresh tap water to keep the temperature just right between 40 - 43°C. Spring type : Simple hot spring that is perfect for everyone including those with sensitive skin, children, and the elderly. "Simple," means neutral pH / Low tonicity / High temperature. It offers benefits like relieving tense muscles, soothes fatigue, supports circulation, softens the skin and leaves it silky-smooth. Most importantly - it helps you clear your mind and invites deep relaxation :) Imagine yourself soaking in onsen water that nourishes both your body and soul! ⚠️ Important Onsen Guidelines. While our natural hot spring is gentle and soothing, we kindly ask guests with the following conditions to refrain from onsen bathing: High blood pressure (hypertension) Heart conditions During pregnancy Recent surgery or major illness Under the influence of alcohol Extreme fatigue or feeling unwell If you’re unsure, please take extra care or enjoy a shorter soak. Your wellbeing always comes first.
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Can you store my bags before/after check-in/check-out or ship them to my next hotel?
Of course! Drop your bags with us anytime from 9:00–18:00.
Want them forwarded to your next hotel? Just share the address and we’ll handle the shipping for you. Once packed, bring your bags to the front right away. Shipping fees will be reflected on your statement.
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Are there stairs in the villas?
Yes.
Villa A: 12-step staircase to the lower bedroom. Villa B: Split-level design with short 4 steps and 7 steps connecting the bedrooms to the living/ kitchen, and bath areas.
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How many people can comfortably stay in the villas?
Each of our villas sleeps up to 6 guests, with two on extra beds. Each bedroom features two full-sized beds that can be joined for an extra-luxe sleep or to make for an extra-large snuggle zone with the little ones!
More than 6 in your party? Book both villas and have them exclusively yours!
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What’s your cancellation policy for stay?For Direct Bookings & Website Reservations: Regular Season (March–Nov): Same day: 100% 3 day prior: 80% 7 days prior: 50% 14 days prior: 30% OTA Bookings (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.): Cancellation terms follow the OTA’s policy. Winter & Holidays (Dec-Feb, Obon, Golden Week): 60 days prior: 100% 90 days prior: 20%
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Is Hotarutei completely non-smoking?Yes. Thank you for not smoking! Our entire property, inside and out; villas, restaurant, balconies, entrance, parking lot is strictly a "No-Smoking Zone", e-cigarettes included. ⚠️ Any signs of smoking (smell, ash, butts, cigarette burns, stains, etc.) will incur a ¥200,000 cleaning fee per incident. Thanks for keeping the air fresh for everyone!
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Is there a shuttle service?Yes! Just give us a 3-day heads-up and we’ll gladly pick you up or drop you off at Yudanaka Station. Share with us : arrival time/date, number of guests, and number of luggage Hours are:15:00 to 17:00 for pick-up and 9:30–10:30 for drop off.
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Is it possible to leave our luggage before check-in and after check-out?Yes, we can store your luggage at the front desk. (Please keep cash and valuable items with you.)
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Are the beverages in the room free of charge?Beverages (water, beer, apple juice, milk, coffee) in the room's minibar are complimentary. One bottle per person per night is provided free of charge. Additional bottles are subject to an extra charge.
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Do you have baby a crib or baby guard?Yes, and we’ll have it ready in your villa if you let us know ahead of time.
FAQ
- Contents:
- for Stay
- for Restaurant
- for Access
- Other
for Stay
About Accommodation
for Restaurant
About the Restaurant
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Do I need to reserve a table in advance?Yes, please! Dinner: Book at least 3 days in advance here Lunch: Advance booking recommended. Walk-ins are accepted in April–November, but seating is not guaranteed.
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What are the cancellation policies of the restaurant?The following cancellation fees apply: Same day to 1 day before: 100% 2 days before: 80% 3 days before: 50% 5 days before: 30%
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Is smoking allowed in or near the restaurant?Nope. Just like the villas, the entire property is non-smoking, - inside and out.
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Do you have private rooms in the restaurant?Yes, we have private rooms available in the restaurant. For details and reservations, please contact us directly.
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Do you have vegetarian options?We offer vegetarian and vegan dishes for both lunch and dinner. Please let us know your dietary preferences when making a reservation.
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Do you accomodate special diets or allergies?We try our very best to accommodate everyone! It is important that you list down allergies/food restrictions at the time of booking so our chefs can thoughtfully prepare your meal. Seasonal ingredient availability may limit some requests. Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free, Vegan meals are accommodated if you contact us at least 3 days in advance. Important Note on Halal Meals We try our very best! It is important that you list down allergies/food restrictions at the time of booking so our chefs can thoughtfully prepare your meal. Seasonal ingredient availability may limit some requests. Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free, Vegan meals are accommodated if you contact us at least 3 days in advance. ⚠️ Important Notes on Halal Meals. Strictly Halal meals cannot be guaranteed. Many traditional Japanese sauces contain alcohol, and our kitchen shares preparation surfaces for all ingredients, including pork.
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What’s the dress code?Dress as you fancy but Smart casual is recommended! We kindly ask you to NOT wear bathrobes, pajamas, flip-flops, or swimwear and anything too casual in the dining room.
for Access
About Access and Transportation
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How do I get to Hotarutei?
Here are your options:
Express Bus (50 min): From Nagano Station, take the East Exit, then go to Bus Stop #23. Get off at the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop and walk 2 minutes.
Taxi (45 min): Same exit. Tell the driver: “HOTARUTEI, Yamanouchi, Hirao 1398-1”.
Train: Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line → Yudanaka Station → 7-min taxi or 10-min local bus to Snow Monkey Park Bus stop.
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Is there parking available?We have parking lots for both the restaurant and guests. Planning to bring a second car? Let us know early so we can check availability.
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Can I reserve a parking spot?Parking reservations are only accepted for guests who have made reservations with us directly. Please contact us directly for parking reservations.
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Are taxis available?
Yes. And if you need one, tell us in advance and we’ll gladly call to book one for you.
Winter tip: Book early because taxis are few and far between in peak snow season.
Approximate fares:
Yudanaka ↔ Hotarutei: ¥2,000 Nagano ↔ Hotarutei: ¥18,000
Other
Other Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring my pet?We adore fury friends too but our Villas aren't equipped for pets. If you're traveling with a certified guide dog or hearing dog, please contact us directly.
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Can you recommend a rental car?While we don’t have a specific partner, there are plenty of rental options around Nagano Sta. Advance online reservation is possible.
⚠️ Important:
- Bring a valid international driver’s permit. Make sure to check it beforehand.
- Use snow tires during winter. It’s the law, and it’s for your safety!
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Do you rent winter sports gear or sell lift tickets?We don’t, but nearby resorts and rental shops do! You can book equipment and passes in advance online or buy onsite at the resort that you are going to.