Hotel Grand Tenku

True to its name, “Tenku,” the view overlooking Lake Tazawa is breathtaking. Both dinner and breakfast feature a wide variety of beautifully served dishes to enjoy with all five senses (even breakfast came in 10 different bowls). In an age when buffet-style dining is common, this was a truly delightful experience.

Get off at a bus stop about 40 minutes from Tazawako Station (Shinkansen) and walk through heavy snow to reach the property. It’s an ideal location for enjoying the snow. True to its “sky” name, you can take in breathtaking snowy scenery. Even if it’s snowing heavily outside, the building is warm and comfortable. I stayed for two nights, and they provided a free shuttle to Tazawako Ski Resort, so it’s also recommended for skiers. The Onsen after skiing was amazing. When I visited, the snow on the road was nearly 2 meters deep—an irresistible setting for snow lovers.