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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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