nomanomori — Hotel in Chino

A stay to remember! We live in Tokyo and have been planning a stay at nomanomori for quite sometime, and it came to fruition last weekend. We’ve always been to the more touristy side of Nagano (Hakuba etc.), surprisingly Chino area had quite a lot of serene locations along the Venus line road, yet not many visitors.

The moment we entered nomanomori and received by Sen-san with a big smile and greetings in Tamil(language of my hometown Chennai India), we knew this one was going to be special. Sen-san is full of life, never a quiet moment (in a good way) when she is around and she gave a full tour of the property. Not just tamil, her English and Japanese skills are no less than a native speaker.

She introduced us to Taka-san (her husband who is Japanese), and we were surprised to know they run the place all by themselves with no help. You could really tell, the amount of effort maintaining the property, great attention to detail with the interior decor and lighting, things carefully and thoughtfully placed, and every corner kept spot clean.

The rooms were quite spacious, and the private bath just what we needed after a tiring day. At dinner we tasted Taka-san’s collection of some good local Sake, had long casual conversations with our hosts about all kinds of topics.

The next morning I took an early morning walk to Tateshina waterfalls just a KM away from the property. We were even lucky to see spotted deer crossing the road and passing the property backyard, and yeah lots of colorful birds too. Breakfast was delicious with fresh ingredients and homemade bread. We happened to carry some South Indian filter coffee and Sen-san was kind enough to brew it for us and we enjoyed a cuppa together after breakfast.

Although it was short, we knew for sure that we were going to visit again, probably in the fall or...

I arrived at NOMANOMORI without the slightest clue that this would be one of my best travel memories. ||||The owner couple is kind and friendly and they make you feel like home. The thoughtfully decorated lodge is filled with lovely ornaments and woods and gives an aura that fits so perfectly well with the surroundings. ||||My room was larger than I had expected, with a double bed (the pyjamas was one of the most comfortable I have worn), a bathroom, simple amenities and the like, and a view that one cannot find elsewhere – full of lush green and the smell of woods. ||||After a good night’s sleep (there is no air conditioner nor electric fan but it is quite cool after dusk), the birds’ singing would wake you up in the morning, when you will be served with a beautiful plate of breakfast, heartily prepared by the owner couple using local ingredients (the homemade bread is particular good). A deer together with its entire family (they are shy and meek) may walk by and say hello while you enjoy your food!||||There is a study room where you find books and postcards and an electric massage chair. You may also enjoy a hot bath (reservation in advance required (just put down your name) to make sure there is no fuss) on the first floor. Everything was carefully arranged.||||Overall, a lovely stay in a lovely place. Great stop-by for my exploration in the highlands area of Chino. Recommended to everyone who prefers something other than a traditional...

I arrived at NOMANOMORI without the slightest clue that this would be one of my best travel memories. ||||The owner couple is kind and friendly and they make you feel like home. The thoughtfully decorated lodge is filled with lovely ornaments and woods and gives an aura that fits so perfectly well with the surroundings. ||||My room was larger than I had expected, with a double bed (the pyjamas was one of the most comfortable I have worn), a bathroom, simple amenities and the like, and a view that one cannot find elsewhere – full of lush green and the smell of woods. ||||After a good night’s sleep (there is no air conditioner nor electric fan but it is quite cool after dusk), the birds’ singing would wake you up in the morning, when you will be served with a beautiful plate of breakfast, heartily prepared by the owner couple using local ingredients (the homemade bread is particular good). A deer together with its entire family (they are shy and meek) may walk by and say hello while you enjoy your food!||||There is a study room where you find books and postcards and an electric massage chair. You may also enjoy a hot bath (reservation in advance required (just put down your name) to make sure there is no fuss) on the first floor. Everything was carefully arranged.||||Overall, a lovely stay in a lovely place. Great stop-by for my exploration in the highlands area of Chino. Recommended to everyone who prefers something other than a traditional...