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RONENAI BASE Accommodation Review | Enjoying a wood-fired bath, private sauna, and a secret hideout for adults

Area
Furano, Biei, Tomamu
Posted date
Last updated: September 14, 2023
Route 213 connects the town of Biei to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. In the hamlet of Ronenai, located along this route, a unique inn opened in 2021. Its name is "RONENAI BASE".

This inn, run by a wife who loves mountains and a husband who loves the sea, is truly a "secret hideout for adults," where you can enjoy a wood-fired bath heated with spring water from the Daisetsuzan Mountains, a private sauna they built themselves, and elaborate home-style cooking.

I recently had the opportunity to stay there, so I'd like to share my experience.

1. A secluded inn nestled in Rokonenai at the foot of Mt. Asahidake.

RONENAI BASE

"RONENAI BASE" is characterized by its triangular roof. The owners fell in love with its appearance at first sight and decided to open a guesthouse there. The owner couple are both nature lovers and outdoorsy people who enjoy winter sports. The wife is a former professional snowboarder.

"Let's keep skiing for a lifetime!" was the motto, and "RONENAI BASE" was born from the desire to create a warm place where people who deeply love not only snow-covered mountains but also the great outdoors can gather.
RONENAI BASE
When I was cycling around Hokkaido in the past, this inn was located along a road I had cycled along on my way to Mount Asahidake, so even though it was my first time staying there, I felt a sense of nostalgia.

2. Currently undergoing renovations. "RONENAI BASE" continues to evolve.

RONENAI BASE
Upon entering "RONENAI BASE," you'll be greeted by a spacious and inviting lounge area. This warm and inviting space, reflecting the owners' personal tastes, allows guests to enjoy interacting with the owners, staff, and other guests.
RONENAI BASE
In addition to enjoying nature, RONENAI BASE also values ​​human connection and fun. The husband, who loves DIY, is renovating the guesthouse every day with his friends.

However, he says that he's been so busy with work and leisure lately that he doesn't know when it will be finished (lol). It's interesting to see a guesthouse that is constantly evolving!
RONENAI BASE
All the rooms have been renovated, and a second wood-fired bath and sauna was recently completed. The room I stayed in this time was a "Twin Room with a Spacious Raised Japanese-Style Area." It was a small room, but it was very comfortable and clean, and I had a very pleasant stay.

3. Heartwarming communication is also a major attraction. Enjoy luxurious home-cooked meals.

RONENAI BASE
RONENAI BASE is a cozy inn with a total of four rooms. That's why all guests gather at the same time and enjoy their meals together in the lounge area. However, the tables are separated, so there is a comfortable distance between guests.
RONENAI BASE
The natural-style dishes, made with an abundance of local ingredients, are the kind that make your body feel happy with every bite. From homemade shumai and steamed local vegetables to fried chicken with Wassamu cabbage and paella packed with the flavors of seafood, everything was absolutely delicious.
RONENAI BASE
For example, I enjoyed communicating with his wife, asking things like, "We put a little extra effort into these french fries, can you guess what it is?" It was a heartwarming time filled with eating, talking, and learning—all of which made me happy.

Memorable experiences during a trip can greatly enhance the overall satisfaction of the experience.

4. Feeling completely refreshed! Wood-fired bath & sauna

RONENAI BASE
During your stay, you can use the wood-fired bath heated with spring water from the Daisetsuzan Mountains and the private, homemade sauna for one hour. You decide on the usage time when you check in.

The bath, heated by the owner using firewood, has a high far-infrared effect, and the chlorine-free groundwater has a delicate feel that permeates the body.
RONENAI BASE
The sauna is hot but has just the right amount of humidity, and when you do the self-löyly (pouring water on the hot stones), the temperature rises with a sizzling sound. To finish off, you can take a dip in the ice-cold spring water bath or enjoy the fresh air in the outdoor space where there's a light dusting of snow.

I had such a wonderful bathing experience that I felt like I had been reborn. I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, as if all the negativity I had been accumulating had been washed away.

5. A journey connected to ordinary moments

RONENAI BASE
I enjoyed chatting with the staff at "RONENAI BASE" at checkout time. When I asked for their advice because I was unsure where to go that day, they thoughtfully considered my options and suggested a cafe where I had lunch. I had a truly wonderful time.

Today, I rediscovered that it's because of accommodations like this that a travel cycle is created, making you want to return again and again, rather than just staying for one night. I'd like to visit again in a different season.

RONENAI BASE

Address
Rokkonai Post Office, Rokkonai (no street number), Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
TEL
0166-76-7895
In/Out
16:00-21:00 / until 10:00
HP
https://www.chillnn.com/17e34929b6a25d

Please make your hotel reservation here.

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

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