about miscu
miscu is made up from an anagram of music. we like the way the word miscu sounds, it’s amusing that it sounds better than music.
The Inn
miscu is a small, wood-built mountain lodge in the scenic Tanigawa area of Minakami, part of the quiet hillside neighborhood known as Walnut Village (Kurumi Mura).
Built around 1980, the inn was one of the first three constructed in Walnut Village, which itself was part of Japan’s second-earliest planned lodge community. The building retains the solid charm of its era, with a classic A-frame silhouette, natural wood interiors, and views of forested hills and the small Tanigawa River below.
Scenery
Our garden winds up a long gravel stairway and blooms wildly through the seasons, soon giving way to snow in winter. From the dining room or garden (and two of the guest rooms) you can see small mountains across the river. The 20 second walk to a mountain stream also provides a breathtaking view of Manaitagura, part of the Tanigawa mountain range which gives this area its name.
Accommodations
Inside, miscu offers four Western-style guest rooms, two simple rooms and two cozy studios, each with single beds, heating/air-conditioning, a small refrigerator, and a TV. Toilets and bathing areas are shared in the relaxed style of a traditional Japanese pension: separate men’s and women’s restrooms with washlets, and two spacious Japanese-style baths (ofuro), each with a shower and a small changing area. Between the baths, you’ll find sinks, mirrors, and hairdryers, perfect for a calm morning or evening routine.
Food
On the first floor, guests may use the shared kitchenette and dining area from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is equipped with a microwave, toaster, hand drip coffee setup, electric kettle, water dispenser, and hand-washing sink. We provide dishes and utensils and handle all dishwashing.
While we do not offer full meals, guests are welcome to use the kitchenette for simple food preparation. Each morning, we provide complimentary locally baked bread or bagels, along with free coffee or tea and simple condiments such as butter and jam.
Area and Access
In summer, guests can relax in the garden and barbecue gazebo, or take a short walk down to the clear, cold mountain stream below the inn to cool off in fresh snowmelt water. In winter, miscu becomes a peaceful home base for skiing; we are only three minutes by car from White Valley Ski Slope and close to many other world-class Minakami slopes.
Both English and Japanese are spoken, and we can arrange pick-up and drop-off at nearby Minakami Station upon request. Jōmō-Kōgen is approximately 20 minutes by car. Parking for guests is available about 100 meters from the lodge.
While our lodge is a little timeworn, it’s clean, warm, and full of character; a relaxed place to rest, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of Minakami.
Non-smoking indoors. No pets allowed.
A small outdoor smoking area is located in the far side of the garden.
used records and books
coming soon – miscu used records and bookstore will be on the first floor of the inn.
Rooms
Deluxe Studio 201
Our Deluxe Studio offers the most space as well as a private washlet toilet room. The front and back rooms are separated by a door for extra privacy. The back room fits two single beds and has a TV, table and lamp, vented fan heater, AC/heater and windows overlooking the wooded area behind the lodge. The front room has a single bed, cozy couch and table, refrigerator, nightstand and lamp, and a small balcony overlooking the back of the lodge. One more single bed can be set up in the front room as well if requested.
Twin Room 203
Our cozy Twin Room has good sunlight and two single beds. Amenities include a built in heating/AC unit, TV, night table and lamp (in addition to the overhead room light), with a small refrigerator and cozy chair duo on the opposite wall. The inside wall includes two shelves, a bar suitable for hanging long coats or dresses, and a towel drying bar.
Mountain View Twin Room 204
Our mountain view twin room has two single beds, with room for another to be added if reserved for three guests. Amenities include a built in heating/AC unit, TV, night table and lamp (in addition to the overhead room light), with a small refrigerator and seating area. The inside wall includes two shelves, a bar suitable for hanging long coats or dresses, and a towel bar.
Mountain View Studio 205
Our studio with a mountain view has a front living area with a small balcony featuring a gorgeous view, couches, table, refrigerator, vented fan heater, in-wall AC/heater, and TV, as well as a back sleeping area with two single beds – one can be added if booked for three guests – a shelf, hangers, and towel drying bar.
Entire Inn
Your Own Private Mountain Hideaway
Reserve Miscu Inn exclusively for your group and enjoy private use of the entire lodge. The inn includes four guest rooms (a mix of standard rooms and studio-style rooms) and can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it ideal for family gatherings, ski trips, workshops, or nature retreats.
Guests have access to all shared spaces, including the dining and lounge area, two shared baths, outdoor areas, and a full kitchen once used by the previous owners as a restaurant. The kitchen is rustic but well suited for group cooking, with a large refrigerator, gas burners, tabletop convection oven, sinks, and ample counter space. Bedding is prepared according to the number of guests included in the reservation. Some rooms or beds may not be set up if not required.
Children & Occupancy
Children are welcome. Due to the layout of the inn, we ask that guests supervise children at all times. All guests, including children, count toward the room’s maximum occupancy.
Access
Address
127-14 Tanigawa, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1619, Japan
Tel: +81-278-25-9662
We recommend arriving by car. In winter, an AWD vehicle with winter tires is strongly recommended.
By Car
From Tokyo
Via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, exit at Minakami IC, then follow local roads to Tanigawa.
Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes.
From Niigata
Via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, exit at Minakami IC, then follow local roads to Tanigawa.
Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes.
Parking
Free guest parking is available (up to 8 cars) about 100 meters from the stair path to the lodge. You may park temporarily near the rock wall at the base of the stairs to unload luggage. Please note that the gravel stair path to the lodge is somewhat long.
Shinkansen (Recommended)
From Tokyo
Take the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jōmō-Kōgen Station (approx. 70 minutes). From there, take a relay bus or taxi to Minakami Station, then travel by car to the lodge.
Total travel time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes.
From Niigata
Take the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Niigata Station to Jōmō-Kōgen Station. Continue via relay bus or taxi to Minakami Station, then by car to the lodge.
Total travel time: approx. 1 hour 35 minutes.
Local Train
From Takasaki
Take the Jōetsu Line to Minakami Station (some trains require a transfer at Shin-Maebashi).
Approx. 70 minutes.
From Echigo-Yuzawa
Take the Jōetsu Line to Minakami Station.
Approx. 50 minutes.
Station Pick-Up
We may be able to offer pick-up or drop-off at Minakami Station with advance reservation, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance.
While availability cannot be guaranteed due to scheduling, we are happy to accommodate whenever possible.
By Air
From Haneda Airport
Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station, then JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, take the Jōetsu Shinkansen to Jōmō-Kōgen Station. Continue by relay bus, taxi, or car to the lodge.
Total travel time: approx. 2 hours 15–20 minutes.
From Narita Airport
Take the Keisei Line to Nippori or Ueno Station, then continue by JR to Tokyo or Takasaki, and onward to Minakami Station.
Total travel time: approx. 4 hours.
Contact Us
For reservations please see information on our Rooms above. For any other requests or questions please use this form.