Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari

Amazing getaway from the city

This place locals go to for special breaks, it is rural, the transfer from train station took about 30 minutes. Our room was spacious, It had elevated sleeping area, something between bet and sleeping on the floor. Most notable was food. We stayed for two nights and had two Kaiseki-style dinners, served in dinner hall. It was 7 or so course set menu, different on two days. We also had breakfasts there also a gastronomic experience. Hotel has own Onsen bath for guests, traditionally gender separated. Special thanks to hotel's staff, who went beyond what one would expect to help us out when we departed to station without wallet. Pay-by-phone doesn't really work there. To make sure our day plans are not ruined, they took us back to hotel and to the Magome town 66km away to catch up with trail schedule.

The hotel was proposed and booked through our travel agent as part of a package - I was absolutely shocked when I subsequently checked out the price. 77400 yen or 480 euros for a 21m2 room for 5 people! And this is the entry level price! The ryokan was very nice, the communal area and onsen very pleasant, the free shuttle to the station appreciated and the food very creative, but there are plenty other 4 star ryokan in the area for a fraction of the price.

This was our first experience of a traditional Japanese Ryokan, and it more than lived up to expectations. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable. We were a little unsure of sleeping on a futon on the floor, but it was fine actually. Service and hospitality from all staff was outstanding. The quality of food for both dinner and breakfast was first class, although not all of it necessarily to western tastes - all part of the experience though!

Conclusions: I stayed for two nights at Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari - and the stay is unforgettable. Everything’s was perfect - location, view at the mountains, the staff, the Onsen and the food was amazing. The staff speak some english. If you are nearby them you need to stay at this hotel - it is worth the money. Review: When I arrived at Kiso station the hotel car was waiting outside, where the driver approach me. After 40 min drive I arrived to the hotel, where i got a really warm welcome by the staff. The staff also gave a tour round the hotel, where they tried to explain about everything including the clothes, I could wear during my stay, but I did not really understood what I was told - more about this later. The hotel is located in Kaida Highland in a very small villages - it is so peaceful. There are some farms in the neighborhood, where you can see the small Japanese horses, I did some hiking in the mountains nearby. The nature is very beautiful. The room was amazing - except for the height on the doors. I have chosen a room in western style, because I do not like the Japanesse beds. The room had a balcony with perfect view at the mountains and the sunset. There was a bathtub on the balcony which was amazing, when you have been hiking the most of the day. Breakfast and dinners is included, and the food is amazing. It is Japanesse courses and they tasted really well. The staff and the chief tried to tell about the menu, but it was very difficult to undertand them, but it did not have any impact on this amazing experience. Before dinner you can have a glass of wine or beer in the cozy living room next to the restaurant. In the aisle outside the rooms you will find some clothes - kimonos. One white and one gray/black. When I was introduced to the clothes I did not understand, when I should wear it. But the white kimono is for dinner and the gray/dark kimono is for breakfast. At my first dinner I showed up in my usual clothes, when the rest of the guests were wearing the white kimono. Next morning I showed up in the white kimono when the rest of the guests were wearing the gray/dark kimono. On the second day new guests checked in at the hotel, at they did the same mistake. It was also my first time in an Onsen. I was a really good experience and so good for my body. I have checked at google, what I should do, before i visited the Onsen - i will recommend that. There some special traditions related to an Onsen. But it was so good.