
Family-run Nagano inn that’s been in business for more than 50 years has a very modern, very cool amenity.
Located in the town of Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, the Sachinoyu Hotel has a lot of the amenities you’d expect from a mountain inn, like guestrooms with traditional tatami reed flooring, a large communal Japanese bath, and meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. But they also have something no other hotel in Japan has.
自分の居る宿屋の宣伝です。
— 井戸聞多 / Monta Ido (@IdoMonta) May 10, 2021
日本で3台しかないスキーシミュレーターがあります。(スノボも出来る)
雪欠乏症の皆さんはバーチャル体験で上手になって次シーズン迎えてみませんか?夏遊び、テレワークも出来ます。先日のぴったんこカンカンで役者さんも乗ってましたね。 pic.twitter.com/Sceaaw3ctY
That setup, which looks sort of like a super-ambitious arcade game, is a Sky TechSports Ski and Snowboard Simulator. It’s one of juts three units in Japan, and the only one installed at a hotel, with Sachinoyu’s inside the hotel’s attached gym
Because of the high altitude and mountainous terrain of Yamanouchi (which literally means “among the mountains”), Japanese Twitter user @IdoMonta, whose family runs the Sachinoyu Hotel, thinks the town makes for a great training venue for competitive alpine skiers, and the simulator allows them to condition while indoors and during the non-snowy season. Of course, ordinary guests of the hotel can use the simulator too, and the unique amenity gives the inn a special appeal.
出来ますよ。 https://t.co/aPDO5694r6 pic.twitter.com/vvqIk6dnnI
— 井戸聞多 / Monta Ido (@IdoMonta) May 16, 2021
As shown in the above video, the machine can simulate both skiing and snowboarding, and a display provides detailed biomechanical feedback by measuring data such as the angle of the skis/snowboard and the amount of weight the rider is placing on different points. By configuring parameters to simulate different qualities of snow and other conditions, the session can be adjusted to match the user’s skill level, making it a fun and educational experience for beginners and advanced skiers/snowboarders, as well as adults and kids alike.
▼ The simulator can be used by both hotel guests and non-guests, but there’s a discounted price for those staying at Sachinoyu.
こんな動きになります。 https://t.co/BbwURfxYos pic.twitter.com/XB40lOSiMM
— 井戸聞多 / Monta Ido (@IdoMonta) May 11, 2021
Due to its location, the hotel also provides excellent access to the numerous outdoor activities of the Shigakogen highlands, which has numerous hiking trails and ski slopes. But even when you’re indoors, if you’re staying at the Sachinoyu, it doesn’t look like you’ll get bored.
Hotel information
Sachinoyu Hotel / 幸の湯
Address; Nagano-ken, Shimotakai-gun, Yamanouchi-machi, Shigakogen Hirao 7148
長野県下高井郡山ノ内町志賀高原平床7148
Website
Sources: Twitter/@IdoMonta via IT Media, Sachinoyu Hotel
Top image: Twitter/@IdoMonta
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Five of Japan’s best locations to ski and snowboard
Kimono snowboarder captivates Internet with awesome Coming of Age Day video【Video】
Japanese hotel’s amazing mechanized bed rises to the ceiling to give you more floor space【Video】
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events