The Brueys Lodge @Tangram — Hotel in Shinano

Wrapping up a picture perfect fall mountain getaway at The Brueys Lodge.

When our group of girlfriends was given the rare opportunity to escape Tokyo for a few days and spend time soaking in the nature of Madarao we jumped at the chance and hopped on the Shinkansen to Iiyama.

The train ride was quick and and easy, then we were greeted at the the station by our hosts, Adam and Kate. The lodge has been renovated from top to bottom and everything is fresh and new. The owners have put a ton of careful thought into every detail of the hotel and it translates into the experience we had during our stay.

Each room has a unique design that adds a fun personality. Linens are of a high quality, bath towels are thick and fluffy, pillows are just the right combination of soft but not flat and the down comforters feel warm and cozy but not oppressively hot. The bed was comfy, there were plenty of outlets for my phone and electronics and multiple lighting options depending on my mood. The neighborhood is charming away from any sort of traffic or noise but easily accessible to day trip attractions in Nojiri, Myoko or Madarao.

A personal highlight was in the early morning hours I caught a peekaboo view out my window of the sunrise, it turned the sky and mountain the most stunning shades of pink and purple.

The heart of the hotel is down in the main dining room and lounge space. The drinks are cold, the space is cozy and the the music is on point. It is flanked by a set of wrap around windows that looks out over the forest giving you the feeling of being in a treehouse. We were lucky to catch the last of the spectacular fall leaves and the reds, oranges and yellows were like a visual symphony. We loved the experience of eating our meals while gazing out the windows or just sharing stories with friends we don’t ever seem to have enough time with.

Our hosts could not have been more genuine or more helpful. They were accommodating and supportive whenever we needed something and made us feel like they were welcoming close friends into their home more then guests to a hotel. Would highly recommend putting this place on your list whether you’re coming from overseas or just looking for a place to reset...

Staying for 7 nights, on night 5 now and loving every minute, I don’t normally leave reviews but just had to jump on here now and let the world know. The Brueys lodge is only a 4 min walk to lift 6 on Tangram. You’re on the runs in 10 mins. They have a warm cocktail bar for apres that is open late and a restaurant serving up delicious food from an international chef. The owners (Bruey and Kate) and staff make you feel like royalty. Bar is open late but is downstairs and away from the rooms, so you wouldn’t even know people were having drinks and chats till 12am. The beds are super comfortable, I’m sleeping like a baby. I like Madarao but this lodge at Tangram and the surrounding restaurants have a way more traditional feel, so you can have amazing food, yum drinks, have a great time, meet a bunch of nice travellers but not feel like you’re just in another over run, sloppy bar full of drunk travellers. Worth every cent!!! The owners have been in talks with locals to open up their guest only restaurants to the public and two have agreed. We ate at both of the restaurants and both had set menus - the food was incredible!! 5-7 courses and so delicious. I have 2 more nights left here and I’m already planning my next trip back. This is the lodges first season too… what!? First season and already doing amazing things....

One of our dreams for our honeymoon was to go skiing in Japan and we were so lucky & grateful to have booked with The Brueys! Kate and Adam, as well as the whole staff, create an amazing atmosphere where you feel warm, welcomed, guided through not only an amazing experience at Tangram mountain (the slopes are walking distance to the lodge and the powder was epic in mid Feb!), but everything else from transportation, booking a snow monkey tour (also a dream), to onsen etiquette (so special!).

The rooms are beyond comfortable - I learned that they custom made a lot of things like their fluffy and huge towels! - and have gorgeous views which really made us relax and fully embrace nature after being in the city.

Can we talk about the food?! The Brueys has an amazingly talented chef who cooked delicious and healthy meals for dinner each night. I miss some of those dishes right now!

Best of all, Kate and Adam have a cute dog named Mr Frizzle Chan who embodies their whole vibe - they are awesome, loving hosts who really want each of their guests to enjoy their time, which we did to the fullest. Staying at The Brueys was the absolute highlight of our honeymoon across Japan (no joke!) and we are so grateful we found them and the community they've created. Can't wait to go back. Thank you...