About Us
In 2023, Guesthouse Yukiakari was an abandoned and vacant Akiya. Now, it is a home for many guests who want to experience a Japanese winter.
About Shingo
Hi, I’m Shingo, the owner of Guesthouse Yukiakari.
I grew up in Japan and have always loved traveling, spending time outdoors, and experiencing life in different places. Since I was a teenager, I’ve traveled by bicycle, worked at ski lodges, and spent time helping out on farms through WWOOF/Workaway.
After 5 years of traveling, I moved to Shinano in 2023, and decided to make a life here. I started farming and now run my own small farm, growing sweet corn and rice without pesticides.
As I spent more time here, I came to love the quietness of this place. The mountains, the fields, the snow, and the simple rhythm of life here.
That's why I wanted to open Guesthouse Yukiakari.
I hope this can be a place where people can slow down, enjoy the powder snow, experience a different side of Japan, and discover a little of the culture and everyday life of the Japanese countryside.
Come for the snow, enjoy the stillness.
The Story of Guesthouse Yukiakari
When I moved to Shinanomachi in 2023, my father often came to vist. After running a Yakitori business in Tokyo for 25 years, he dreamed of living a quieter life surrounded by nature. During his visits, he slowly realized that Shinanomachi was the place where he wanted to spend his retirement. Together, we slowly started looking for an old countryside home.
A local real estate agent told us about a beautiful property before it was even listed on the market. As soon as we visited, we fell in love with the mountain views and the peaceful atmosphere. We decided to buy it right away.
At that time, we had absolutely no experience with DIY or renovations. Over the next two years, with help from local carpenters, neighbours, and even travellers who happened to visit, we slowly renovated the house by hand. Now, we are excited to see our vision come to life and host travellers from near and far.
