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#02

Tokamachi

Hinanoyado Chitose

A ryokan where you can experience the full potential of hot springs

This hot spring ryokan is located in the mountains in one of the snowiest places on earth, and is surrounded on all sides by rich nature. There are plenty of chances to experience local nature and culture activities here. It is leading the way in the region in the utilization of its spring waters that emerge at very high temperatures.

Surrounding
Environment
& Location

Hinanoyado Chitose is located in the very heart of Matsunoyama Onsen. It is a small hamlet that is part of Tokamachi in Niigata prefecture, and is also home to beautiful rice terraces and picturesque beech forests. Surrounded on all sides by nature, the people here are used to living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the countryside. It is an area that receives masses of snow in winter and the scenery in that season is delightful. The outdoor baths with views of the seasonally changing colors are also a big draw.

Environmental
Conservation

The area where Matsunoyama Onsen is located, Tokamachi in Niigata prefecture, is well known for its views of beautiful rice terraces. These are rice fields that have been layered into the mountain slopes like a series of steps. Chitose contributes to environmental conservation but using these terraces to grow their rice, and also head out into the mountains to gather wild plants and mushrooms. When humans venture into the mountains in this manner it helps to maintain the borders between them and the wildlife, and maintains the balance in between the countryside and its ecosystems.
The potential in the hot springs at Matsunoyama Onsen is also being explored for other avenues other than bathing. They've implemented a system of binary geothermal power generation which has a low environmental impact, that takes advantage of the high heat of the waters that come out of the source at around 90 degrees. At the moment the electricity is being sold to an electricity company but there are plans to use it in the onsen in the future. The onsen waters from Matsunoyama Onsen are rich in minerals so onsen mist is being sold as a skin toner too. The power generation and development of local products is being carried out by a town-run travel agency called "Manma" which the owner of Chitose has been instrumental in setting up.
Another point worth mentioning is that Chitose has two electric vehicle chargers.

Local Community
& Culture

Dinner at Chitose is an impressive affair with a meal packed with regional ingredients and the culture of Matsunoyama. Each item on the menu has a story behind it which increases the enjoyment of the meal as guest savor unique items from Yukiguni such as fermented ingredients, traditional cuisine, pork slow cooked in the heat of the onsen water, and a hot pot that captures the essence of the rice terraces. Breakfast too is full of dishes from Matsunoyama heritage including rice that has been grown on the rice terraces perched on the mountain slopes.
There are a range of activities run by the local tourism agency which is operated by the town called Manma, such as learning to make the slow cooked onsen pork that is used in the meals, or cooking bread made with onsen water and rice flour over the traditional irori hearth.
Over eighty percent of staff at Chitose come from the local area, the ryokan itself takes a leading role in events in the region, it is always welcoming of offering work experience to the local community.

A ryokan where you can experience the full potential of hot springs

Sakura Quality An ESG Practice

"Sakura Quality An ESG Practice" certification is an SDG certification mark for accommodation facilities targeting Sakura Quality certified facilities. This certification standards have been approved by the GSTC. The 17 goals of the SDGs were organized into 172 criteria, and experienced researchers conducted on-site surveys to support through efforts. The certification mark is provided to facilities that have been evaluated by the certification body as thoroughly addressing the SDGs in a Japanese way on a daily basis.

Sakura Quality

Sakura Quality is a system for rating accommodation providers that are Safe, Secure, and Sincere. Sakura Quality marks are awarded to accommodations based on their Safety, Security, and Sincerity as well as their consistency in maintaining these, so that travelers from all over the world can enjoy safe and comfortable stays.

A-Grade Gourmet

A-Grade Gourmet is a culinary rating system that recognises efforts to maintain the traditional food culture that is representative of a region, and to pass this culture on to future generations. Assessments are made on elements such as the ratio of local products and seasonings used, working relationships with local producers, as well as taste.

TIMELESS YUKIGUNI

TIMELESS YUKIGUNI is an accommodation brand that provides modern travelers with a genuine experience based on the nature and culture of Yukiguni which has been passed down from previous generations, while considering the effects on the future local economy, society and environment. We strive to provide a wonderful stay through our accommodation, cuisine, and cultural experiences.

Information

Address49-1 Yumoto, Matsunoyama, Tokamachi-chi, Niigata
Phone025-596-2525
URLhttps://chitose.tv

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