Enjoy snow, scenery and ski slopes in style at the Hotel de

For centuries, Tateshina Takako, located in southeastern Nagano Prefecture, has been revered for its majestic scenery. Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, they are rich in natural beauty, with lush forests that change dramatically with the seasons, alpine meadows, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque lakes, not to mention an abundance of hot springs.

During the colder months, the highlands transform into a winter wonderland, with trees and mountains covered in soft white snow, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world with its alpine atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of this scenic area, Hotel de L’Alpage is a hidden gem offering unparalleled service and world-class cuisine, thoughtfully designed to remind you of a French mansion.

The hotel is located on the site of a former noble mansion and exudes European elegance. It’s famous for its fine French food and wine as well as its exceptional architecture and interior design, but it’s also a peaceful haven for enjoying the region’s stunning scenery. Each room overlooks the mountains, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in pristine snowscapes, surrounded by towering cobalt peaks soaring into the sky.

Located in the center of the plateau

Tateshina is a beloved winter resort in Japan: an unspoilt ivory-colored expanse with numerous soothing hot springs and snow-covered trails. However, it’s less well-known to international tourists, which means you can enjoy world-class snow and stunning natural scenery here without the crowds. Hotel de L’Alpage is located within 30 to 60 minutes’ drive of several ski resorts, making it an ideal base for winter sports and adventures. The hotel even has a drying room where guests can store their ski clothes, skis or boots when returning from the slopes.

The hotel is only a 30 to 40-minute drive from Lake Suwa, the largest lake in the Nagano region. The ruins of Suwa Taisha Shrine are one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines and have long held deep spiritual and cultural significance. The hotel’s reception area provides information about the four main shrines that make up the entire shrine complex, and the staff with local knowledge will be more than happy to help you plan the perfect day trip. In recent years, it has also become a pilgrimage site for fans of the critically acclaimed anime and film your name. Director Makoto Shinkai, who grew up in Nagano, uses Lake Suwa as the backdrop for the film’s central crater lake; some of the film’s most memorable scenes showcase its incredible beauty, tranquility and mysterious atmosphere.

cocoon of luxury

Despite all the conveniences Tateshina Kogen has to offer, some guests may prefer to spend the majority of their stay at the Hotel de L’Alpage and enjoy its various facilities. It’s also a great way to enjoy the charm of the area: look out over the mountain views and the clear starry night sky from your spacious, tastefully decorated room; wake up early in the morning and bathe in a large, elegant bathtub with a view of the snow; While you play cards or board games, Bang & Olufsen speakers in every room will play your favorite tunes…

Step out of your room and you’ll find an array of comfortable and luxurious activities within the hotel. Curl up by the fireplace in the winter garden at the hotel’s entrance, or borrow a book from the sensual and sophisticated Library Bar and decompress with a glass of wine or a hot drink; the library houses rare books from hotel owner Hirosuke Tobe’s personal collection, many of which focus on in art and architecture. If you’d like to spend a day soaking in the warm, healing waters drawn from the earth, there are a number of day-trip hot spring facilities within walking distance of the hotel, and the grounds surrounding the hotel are perfect for a short stroll.

The on-site restaurant, Le Jardin, serves seasonal fine yet earthy French cuisine. You can meditate on the snow-covered grounds while enjoying winter cuisine paired with a selection of French wines from the hotel’s spacious wine cellar, before heading to the adjoining bar area for a fine after-dinner drink or a cigar in the dedicated smoking area.

It’s easy to see why Tateshina Plateau is such a popular winter resort, and the Hotel de L’Alpage is one of the most refined and comfortable places to enjoy the plateau’s beauty. It offers a unique experience: French elegance in the heart of the Japanese countryside, coupled with miles of unspoiled nature.

To make a reservation, visit Hotel de L’Alpage website.