Noyosano Sato in Akiyamago

Perched on the back of Mount Naeba, up in the heights of Akiyamago, is Noyosano Sato. It is a really unusual place to stay, as instead of your usual hotel you have lots of individual cabins connected by a central walkway to the main building.

You get a sense of what you are in for on the drive up as the road twists up into the mountain past rivers, waterfalls and rock walls. Everywhere you look there are trees and nature.

Noyosano Sato is tucked away in a little hamlet with great views. You can walk off the premises straight onto a trail that leads you through the autumn woods up to Mount Naeba. You'll fall asleep at night to the sounds of the wilderness just out of the back of your hut. It really is an amazing location, especially if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the best things about staying in one of the huts here is the traditional fireplace in the center of the room. A charcoal brazier burns away and you can sit around it as people used to do in days gone by, swapping stories of your day.

The whole experience is very much like a 5 star camping expedition and this hotel is really one of the hidden gems of Snow Country. Autumn is one of the best seasons to stay here as this area has some of the best autumn colors in the whole country.