A perfect few days! The hotel is in a great location, though transportation is generally difficult, making taxis difficult to find. However, various operators offer shuttle services upon reservation. The rooms are clean and tidy, coffee and other beverages are available in the lobby, and the breakfast is delicious and nutritious. We booked a two-day trip with ZIGGIES ADVENTURE JP and had a wonderful time. The tour guide was also very professional. The hotel owner, a handsome Australian gentleman, was very warm and friendly, providing meticulous service and accommodating every request. He explained the surrounding area, provided safety precautions, and provided toys for the children. The hot spring he recommended was also excellent, a 10-minute walk away, with stunning views along the way. Our stay at Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery left us with wonderful memories.

Tucked away from the clamor of the city, this quaint resort feels like a hidden retreat where time slows down. Surrounded by nature’s gentle hush, it offers a serene escape marked by quiet pathways, cozy cottages, and soft whispers of the breeze. Far from the rush and routine, every corner invites calm—perfect for morning walks, unhurried conversations, or simply soaking in the stillness. It’s a peaceful haven where simplicity and solitude come together, allowing you to breathe deeply and just be. Our wonderful host, Craig, went out of his way to ensure we had a truly memorable experience—his warmth and attention to detail made our stay all the more special.

Nothing that I can think of

We had such a wonderful time at Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery. Staying here felt more like visiting a friend than checking into a lodge. Craig and his family are genuinely lovely… warm, generous, and full of helpful local insights. From day one, Craig helped us plan everything: hiking routes, the best nearby restaurants, even the local swimming spot his family visits daily. He even pointed out interesting local wildlife, which added a special touch to our nature walks. The rooms were super comfortable, breakfast was a delight, and the coffee… well, it lives up to the “roastery” in the name. Truly some of the best we’ve had in Japan. We’re already talking about coming back in winter to experience the area’s skiing. Highly recommended.

Craig san & Rika san are wonderful, caring hosts! They were so warm and always helpful. Craig san used to personally help with pick ups/ drop offs to the nearest train station (JR Minakami station) and he'd even go the extra mile to help me get to restaurants in the area for dinner (he had even collected me at 9:00 PM once!) Always willing to share wisdom of living in the area, Craig san would compare and contrast the experiences of living in a megacity like Tokyo vs. living in the quiet wilderness of the Minakami area. The house has been personally renovated by them and I love that it's full of small details -- LOTS of excellent coffee available round the clock if you like! (Usually, hotels serve regular coffee which is cut off after 6:00 PM). The breakfast sets were excellent and containing several smaller items -- a quiche, sometimes a crumble, often granola with yoghurt, and fruits. Plus, more excellent coffee -- I loved their Mocha! The outdoor patio is a welcoming place to sit and work and the WiFi is available there too. The hosts are well integrated into the local community, so everybody knows them, and its a charming place to be irrespective of the season. The property is especially stunning in Autumn/ Fall and Spring.

Breakfast was delicious and pleased everyone in the family. Especially amazing granola. The location was fabulous and lovely surroundings. We will be back in May and excited to see the area once the snow has fully melted. The on-site hosts were very available and kind and when the owner popped in, he was extra welcoming and lovely. I'm sure there are guests that return simply because of his warm hospitality! The big lounge area was simply perfect for us as we were traveling with another family and could gather to play games, drink coffee and even play the piano. So fun! We will be back!

I know it's a coffee roastery : ) and my husband loved the beautiful coffee...would you consider adding a good chai latte to the menu? The brewed tea was plenty good enough...but chai option would make it special! The second night we asked for additional bedding and the hosts were quick to provide. I don't want to critique anything as it was otherwise SUCH a lovely stay, and we will definitely return!

Our stay at Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery was lovely. We arrived a bit late, but the staff were still there to welcome us and check us in. We decided to try the Italian restaurant ‘Small Restaurant Sae’ just up the street, and it did not disappoint. The property is also within a 6-minute drive to a FamilyMart. The room was comfortable, and the bathroom was spotless. Breakfast and coffee in the morning were delicious. We ran into the property owner, Craig, as we were leaving, and he was very kind and gave us recommendations for things to do in the area. We would definitely stay at Tanigawa Valley Lodge & Coffee Roastery on our next trip to Tanigawa!

The host Craig was exceptional, his ability to look after us and all guests was a joy. Nothing is to hard and his local knowledge is unbelievable. It is so peaceful and beautiful particularly when it has snowed. Very local and getting to meet some of the other guests was great. I have owned a guest house previously and had over 40 years in the hospitality and tourism industry and Craig is just a shining example of what a great host should be! Well done to you and your team, and it was wonderful speaking with you.

If you don’t have a car you’re limited for lunch and dinner choices. Also local Onsen etc. Craig ran us around and made sure we could enjoy these and we didn’t miss out. Just better choices and available if you have a car.

Tanigawa Valley Lodge and Coffee Roastery was the perfect winter wonderland stay for us. We were lucky enough to arrive during a period of heavy snow and the entire valley was covered in Japan's famous fluffy, white, powdery snow. The lodge provided sleds and snow shoes for fun and exploration. The Tanigawa Valley and Minikami areas also offer several onsen and skiing/snowboarding options. The Tanigawa Valley Lodge was the perfect place to stay to enjoy the areas activities and breathtaking beauty. The owner, Craig, was incredibly helpful, friendly and hospitable. He has great knowledge of and a love for the area. The lodge also employs visiting bakers and baristas. During our stay, Vincent, Daniella and Pavel spoiled us with the tastiest fresh baked goods and coffee, all of which was included in the breakfast. A great way to start your day! Our accommodation was roomy and comfortable. We opted for a traditional Japanese room and slept on comfortable futons. The shared bathroom and shower facilities are clean, modern and well kept. We also spent a lot of time in the common area meeting other guests, playing board games and relaxing. There is parking available on site, if needed. We did not travel with a car, but found the local transportation options to be sufficient for our needs. The local White Valley Ski Resort was within walking distance and uncrowded during our stay. Prices at the resort were also very reasonable. There are also a couple of restaurants nearby, though the closest supermarket and convenience stores are located in Minikami Town. The lodge is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. For us, Tanigawa Valley Lodge was the perfect stay that we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly unique experience!

There was nothing not to like. We enjoyed every moment of our stay. However, it should be noted that during our stay, the local onsen was not open and seemed to be under repair. This was not a problem as there were other options available nearby.

Everything was great. Craig and all the staff were wonderful and made us feel like home. They had great tips for things to do in the area, gave us rides from/to town, and also helped make reservations. The e-bikes made getting around super smooth. Breakfast and coffee every morning were top notch. And finally the lodge itself was spotless and in a super beautiful and peaceful area, with hikes starting pretty much right outside the door

Since the walls were fairly thin, when others were loud it was a little disruptive, but nothing that ear plugs can’t handle

It’s always a joy discovering a new cozy place to nest for the night. Tanigawa Roastery and Lodge is an excellent, simple but thoughtfully renovated place not too far from Minakami Station. The unlimited locally roasted coffee was incredible, and the vegetarian breakfast served with love by Emma and Robbie (a sweet young Scottish couple here on working holiday) made both of the mornings I woke up here a true pleasure. A big thanks to Craig (the owner and roaster) for picking me up late at Minakami Station! I will be back here again for more adventures!