The term "l'alpage" finds its roots in the alpine regions of France, specifically referring to the highlands during the rejuvenating spring and summer months. Drawing inspiration from these breathtaking landscapes, our guests at HOTEL de L'ALPAGE can relish the tranquil vistas of lush green pastures. Nestled within the scenic Tateshina highlands in Nagano, our hotel offers a quaint setting, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the serene beauty reminiscent of the alpine landscapes that inspired our name.

The hotel lobby boasts double-height ceilings, adorned with a skylight roof that bathes the space in natural light throughout the day. The thick walls, combined with floor-to-ceiling arched windows, not only amplify the luminosity but also offer guests an immersive panorama of the lush nature enveloping the hotel. Adding to the charm are paintings of various sizes, reminiscent of a typical French household, adorning the walls within.

Diverging from the conventional Japanese construction model, the hotel is a testament to the French way of doing things. Every detail, from the architecture to the interior decor, is meticulously crafted to emulate the distinct charm and elegance found within French design and lifestyle.

I was born into a family where my father, an affluent businessman with a passion for French cuisine, and my mother, a French literature major, shaped my upbringing. Blessed with frequent trips to France during my childhood, our encounters with a French businessman enriched our experiences across diverse regions of the country. The lifestyle in Frace left an indelible mark on me. The houses we visited were bright, comfortable living spaces infused with warmth, emanating a distinctive homely vibe. The double-height ceilings, a common feature, didn't impose a sense of pressure; instead, they offered a feeling of relaxation, providing ample space to be savored.

The French homes I visited were adorned with spectacular paintings, seemingly placed there since their inception. Each house narrated a unique story through its construction, decorations, and interior designs, seamlessly weaving together to form an integral and captivating part of the home.

The construction of the houses followed a conventional and orthodox approach, utilizing natural materials like stones and wood to a significant extent. Paint is applied sparingly, coupled with the slight inclusion of uneven elements contributes to the overall homely charm. Rather than fixating on distinguishing between good and bad, there's an appreciation for the beauty found in the entirety of the structure. This sentiment extends beyond quaint villages to the heart of Paris.

Having personally experienced the profound sense of comfort during numerous visits to France, the realization struck me that creating a luxurious high-end hotel might not capture the essence of what I cherished. The shift in focus led us to create a space that mirrors the warmth of a welcoming home, giving rise to the establishment of our current hotel, HOTEL de L’ALPAGE. In this realization, the emphasis shifted from extravagant luxury to the creation of a sophisticated yet homely atmosphere. I firmly believe that true relaxation is found in a refined ambiance that exudes excellence and sophisticated comfort.

This philosophy extends to our culinary offerings. Despite my father's limited knowledge of French, he effortlessly grasped the essence of every menu during our restaurant visits. My initial encounter with France, during my infancy, marked the beginning of a week-long culinary exploration. Subsequent visits allowed us to forge a friendship with a French acquaintance, opening the doors to experiencing both homemade French dishes and fine dining.

The culinary approach at our restaurant mirrors this journey, aiming to elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients. I firmly believe that the essence of any cuisine lies in bringing forth the authentic taste of the components used. By achieving this goal, we aspire to create dishes that, even after days of savoring French cuisine, remain invigorating and never tiresome. This aspiration forms the core of our restaurant's concept: "fine dining to enjoy every day."

Thank you for staying with me this far! Our sincere wish is for our cherished guests to experience a truly relaxing time, making you feel as if you're in your second home. This philosophy is at the heart of our hotel, and every member of our dedicated staff is eager to extend a warm welcome as you step through our doors. We look forward to the pleasure of hosting you and ensuring your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be.

HÔTEL de L'ALPAGE Owner – Hirosuke Tobe