Anaba Lodge
“Anaba” in Japanese means “secret spot” or “hidden gem” which aptly describes the
Ani Ski Area, which is relatively unknown as a Tohoku powder and tree skiing haven. Ani is almost like having a private ski hill and ski touring/splitboarding mountain. The lodge is a remote outpost at the base of the Ani Ski Resort and is run by powder fiends who know how to set you up to get the most out of Ani and the backcountry of Mt. Moriyoshi.
The ski lodge has been fully renovated since its former days as a pension, and includes a great lounge area where you can mingle with like-minded powder chasers, and/or sit at the bar and enjoy an après ski beverage.
Where is Anaba?
Anaba Lodge is the closest accommodation to
Ani Ski Resort, located in a small pension village just 1km down the road from the Ani Gondola. A shuttle can be provided up to the ski area in the morning. For intermediate riders and above, it’s possible to ski/ride down to the lodge from the Ani ski area.
See the
Ani travel page for more on location and getting there.
It’s best to have your own wheels to get to Ani, which will also give you the flexibility to explore other ski areas in northern Tohoku.
If you don’t have a car you can get a train to Aniai Station, which is 20 minutes drive from the lodge. The train is a cute little one carriage diesel train. From the station you get to Anaba Lodge via a reservation for a share taxi service, which will cost you about ¥2,000 per person. This taxi service is available up until 6pm.
Guest Rooms
All rooms utilise modern shared bathrooms, which are on the same floor as the guest rooms.
Standard twin rooms
- 2 single beds
- 1-2 person occupancy
- Desk and chair
Deluxe twin rooms
- 2 single beds
- More spacious room with sofa in addition to desk and chair
- King room
- King size bed
- Desk and chair
Facilities & Services
- Private guiding for Ani
- Touring skis, splitboards for rent
- Après ski bar
- Drying room and ski & snowboard storage
- English & Japanese speaking hosts
- High speed wifi throughout the lodge
- Parking
- Space invaders machine!
Meals
Breakfast is provided which includes great coffee (real coffee), cereal, fruit and some cooked fare such as eggs and sausages with toast.
Dinner is also provided. The main dish provided varies each evening and includes plenty of hearty fare such as Japanese hot pot, vegetarian Mabo Dofu, sushi, and fried chicken.
Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
There may also be nibbles, such as smoked radish dip with crackers, which is an Akita specialty.
The bar has a good range of beverages on offer including draft beer, sake, whiskey, wine and spirits.
