We have the local knowledge for our guests to discover the best terrain in the region
Owners Ben and Ruka first moved to Myoko from Tokyo in 2015. They started off with a small airbnb style investment near lake Nojiri while ben worked as a tailguide. When the stars aligned, Gozan Lodge was purchased and renovated from an old "minshuku" style pension to emulate the simplicity and quality of serviced Alps huts which they visited in their travels of Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia. The lodge has been initially built and renovated using locally milled Japanese cedar and we have re-furbished many features of the building to retain its original charm. We aim for Gozan Lodge to be comfortable and social with great value focused on local food, drink & artists. Most importantly we want our guests to leverage our 10 years of experience we have had riding the many resorts and backcountry options in the srea to truly make it the best ski holiday they have ever had!
Ben is originally from Australia but has lived in Japan since 2011. Ruka was born in the US but has lived in Japan most of her life. They were married in 2015 and moved out to the mountains shortly after, abandoning the city life for something more enjoyable and mentally sustainable.
Ben is working on the pathway to be a mountain guide and currently holds Japan Avalanche Network Operations level 1 (CAA Equivalent) and WildMed Wilderness First Responder 80hrs certifications. They both love the backcountry in all seasons but spend the summer surfing typhoons and farming in Western Japan.
Lucy is a German Shepard - Labrador mix that joined our family in 2020. Born in Aomori, she is fit for winters in Myoko and is the ultimate powder hound. She will be welcoming guests and enhancing their stay with her charm.
