Tenjin Lodge

Tenjin Lodge

Tenjin Lodge4.5/56
Tenjin Lodge4.5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%
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Tenjin Lodge

Tenjin Lodge

Tenjin Lodge is a great pick for your stay because the accommodation is very oriented to the needs of skiers and snowboarders, and the family run lodge has English speaking owners that are incredibly hospitable. Tenjin Lodge has a range of room types with ensuite bathroom that are either Western or Japanese style, or a family room has a combination. There is also a bunk room that utilises communal bathrooms.

You can stay here as part of Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours.

Where is Tenjin Lodge?

Tenjin Lodge is the closest accommodation to the Tanigawadake Tenjindaira ski area; only 800 metres away. Tenjin Lodge is about 9km north of Minakami in the Gunma Prefecture, and 180km northwest of Tokyo. Okutone Snow Park is a 10-minute drive away, whilst Houdaigi Ski Resort is within a 20-minute drive.

See the travel to Tenjindaira page for more information on the location and getting there.

Tenjin Lodge provides transport to and from the Minakami train station.

Lodge Rooms

The lodge has a range of rooms:
  • double bed rooms, western style, balcony views, ensuite bathroom 
  • twin bed rooms with 2 king size single beds, balcony with views, private ensuite
  • tatami room sleeps 1-4 on futons, balcony views of mountain or river, ensuite bathroom
  • family room, sleeps 4-6 in 2 adjoining rooms, 2 twin beds plus tatami room, ensuite bathroom
  • 6 bed mixed dormitory - utilises shared bathroom
All guests can utilise the shared lodge baths (usually available 5-8pm). The baths are fed by mountain spring water, although they’re not officially onsen because the water is artificially heated.

Facilities & Services

Facilities and services include:
  • communal area with couches and TV/DVD
  • snowshoe tours
  • ski and snowboard rentals
  • ski and snowboard lessons
  • ski and snowboard storage, drying room
  • free wifi
  • complimentary transport to and from Minakami train station
  • advice on local activities and restaurants
Other bonuses of staying here are that the owner can provide guiding at Tenjin and Kagura. See Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours for more information.

Dining and Bar

Breakfast is served at the lodge and you can choose from a simple or mountain breakfast, or a combo. A simple breakfast consists of eggs, toast, coffee/tea and juice, whilst a mountain breakfast includes oatmeal.

You can have dinner at the lodge. They cook one meal per night such as pasta, southeast Asian and Korean dishes, roasts, or nabes (they can also cater for vegetarians). Otherwise there are lots of restaurants in Minakami.

The lodge has a bar so you can buy a beer or other alcoholic beverages and relax on one of the sofas, whilst reliving your experiences of a big powder day.

Tenjin Lodge Book Here

Tenjin Lodge Packages

This property currently has no lifts & lodging packages available.

Tenjin Lodge Reviews

Local Knowledge

26/11/2023

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Couple
  • Guest Age
    N/A
  • Admin Rating
    4

Local Knowledge

26/11/2023
This is the third time we’ve stayed at Tenjin Lodge, so it must have plenty going for it! Lucky the dog isn’t a puppy anymore and whilst some ongoing renovations have occurred to improve the lodge, the fundamentals of what makes this an awesome lodge have remained the same, which includes the vibe, the visitors it attracts, and the local knowledge. And of course, Lucky the powder hound!

Kieren and his staff are so dialled into the local snow conditions and ski areas. Whilst things continue to improve at the Tenjindaira ski area with respect to avalanche control and reliability of opening times, Kieren has a really good handle on what is or will be happening at the hill. If Tenjin isn’t on, then he and the team are across conditions at the other Minakami ski resorts. This knowledge is invaluable and if you get guiding from Tenjin Lodge, then even better.

The lodge has undergone further improvements since our last visit. Our room had hot water in the bathroom, which was probably no minor undertaking to make that happen, whereas in the past we needed to head to the shared bathroom downstairs.

The same convivial atmosphere was evident in the lounge area, the meals were very good, and the bar seemed a particular hit with lots of the guests.

If you’re a powder hound, you’ll want to stay there.
See our video here

Tenjin lodge March 2023

18/03/2023

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Solo
  • Guest Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    2

Tenjin lodge March 2023

18/03/2023
Stayed with Kieren at his lodge for a couple of nights. Great hospitality and location.
Rooms were well set out with plenty of room and had a great aspect over the stream outside.
Perfect spot to stay if you want to check out Tenjin
See our video here

The Place To Get The Low Down

09/08/2018

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Couple
  • Guest Age
    36-50

The Place To Get The Low Down

09/08/2018
This was the second time we’ve stayed at Tenjin Lodge and this visit really emphasised that a huge pro for the place was the ability to get dialed into what’s happening at Tenjin and other nearby ski areas. We were there as part of a Tenjin Backcountry Tour that included guiding so naturally we got the low down on the best ski area to visit each day. However other guests were also able to tap into the expertise of Kieren and the staff about storm patterns, the likelihood of lifts running, and other activities to do in the area. You could stay at an upscale ryokan in Minakami, but then you’d be completely on your own with respect to figuring out the lay of the land, and have to pay many more yen. And you’d also miss out on the great social vibe of the lodge! Transport to local onsens, Tenjin and Houdaigi and are also a bonus if you don’t have a car, and if the snow wasn’t on at either of those areas, they’d probably drive you further afield for a fee.

This is THE place to stay if riding Tenjindaira.
See our video here

Wish I stayed longer!

Will
03/03/2018
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Mixed Group
  • Guest Age
    18-35

Wish I stayed longer!

Will
03/03/2018
Tenjin Lodge is everything you want for a dedicated snow trip!
In a small group, we were guided for four days by the owner, Kieran and couldn’t recommend him more highly.

The day we arrived it snowed 90cm+ and fair to say I barely slept in excitement. In a group of slightly varying abilities, Kieran consistently found clean runs that everyone loved (that feeling when you get to bottom of run and can’t wipe a grin off your face! Also it’s covered in snow from spraying yourself...). No matter what the conditions too, Kieran always has a couple of plans up his sleeve which was the best part of having him guide.

Accommodation is pretty basic, but it’s quality basic - it’s clean, tidy and warm - what more to you need.

Definitely a place I’d go back to. Happily on my own too, everyone was very friendly.
See our video here

Tenjin Lodge

Paul
26/02/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Solo
  • Guest Age
    36-50

Tenjin Lodge

Paul
26/02/2017
One to add to your bucket list.
Nice lodge, great communal vibe.
Super friendly hosts who go out of their way to help.
Highlight? Hiking and riding with Lucky the BC.
Thanks Kieren & Bo
See our video here

Amazing Hosts and Staff

POWDERHOUNDS.COM
25/04/2016
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Guest Type
    Couple
  • Guest Age
    36-50

Amazing Hosts and Staff

POWDERHOUNDS.COM
25/04/2016
We really enjoyed staying at Tenjin Lodge. One major strength of this accommodation is that the owners and staff are incredibly friendly and are happy to share their wealth of knowledge about the surrounding area and the activities on offer. The family vibe added to us being made to feel very welcome, and it was also great to hang out with Lucky the border collie dog and Hana, the owners daughter who was a hoot.

Kieren was amazing and we’d definitely recommend getting him to guide you at Tenjindaira. If you’ve got any energy left, we’d recommend going snowshoeing with him too.

The accommodation is somewhat simple and exactly what you’d expect for the price. The rooms were nice enough and it was great to have a private toilet. The hot bath downstairs was quite lovely for a soak after a day of skiing, although it was a bit cold walking down the corridors (the rooms and common area were heated).

The location is nice next to the river and its proximity to the ski area is a big bonus. Unless you’re looking for luxurious ryokan accommodation, then Tenjin Lodge is a great pick.
See our video here