One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. We visited in early November 2025 during the autumn season, and the beautiful foliage added such a romantic touch to the surroundings.
I loved the modern interior, the comfortable bed, and the overall room layout. The hotel looks incredibly romantic at night too, especially with the reflections on the pond.
The outdoor onsen was a highlight. It felt serene at night, and the maple trees lit up in the evening made it absolutely scenic. The onsen is located in a separate building, so you do have to walk through the cold, but it wasn’t an issue as the hotel provides thicker robes. If I had to nitpick, the indoor slippers weren’t the most comfortable.
We drove during our stay, so getting to nearby attractions was easy. There’s a large supermarket and a pharmacy about 5–10 minutes away, which was very convenient — we didn’t even need to visit any convenience stores.
This hotel impressed me so much that it made me look up where else Hotel Indigo has branches in Japan!
Różnica usługi jest dobra, różni się od innych restauracji. Nie tylko zawiera śniadanie, popołudniową herbatę i wino, ale w ogrodzie jest to specjalne lwy morskie, nie trzeba czekać na autobusy.
Staying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort.
One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates.
The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through.
The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us.
In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan.
Service was in general good. Most staff can speak English and were very helpful. We booked their teppanyaki restaurant but due to a member being sick, we cancelled it one day ahead. However, we were then being told that there is a 50% charge which was not explained to us when we made the booking. After some back and forth, they finally agreed to waive it. Appreciated that but it was a hassle. The apartment is nice and juices and water were included in the fridge. There's no onsen nor swimming pool nor a gym in the hotel. Breakfast was good with lots of varieties. Location is excellent within walking distance to the Main Street in Echoland where most restaurants are. Hotel provides shuttle buses to Happo One and Hakuba 47.
Excellent service and helpful staff, especially appreciate the pick up car services from station to hotel. Spacious room and comfortable beds. The only thing is the central heater that a bit too warm but you can open the window to regulate the temperature.
Located approx 20min walk from the station, but close to the old Ginza street. The rooms are a little old but well maintained. There is an indoor and outdoor onsen on the third floor and breakfast is very good.
It was a great experience to stay in this hotel! Very nice view and staff are very polite and willing to answer many questions. Outdoor area is very big that we could take bicycles with kids. Also there are kids outdoor playground that can spend whole day there.
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9.4/10
Amazing
LLanxin001I highly recommend this onsen hotel, ranked among the top 30 in all of Japan, to anyone visiting Matsumoto! The room views, hot springs, food, and service are all impeccable. Having stayed at many Japanese onsen hotels, this one truly offers excellent value for money.
Service: The hotel is a 20-minute drive from JR Station and provides a shuttle service. When you arrive at Matsumoto Station, you can leave your luggage at the ACE Hotel, part of the same group, freeing you up to explore. ACE then delivers your luggage to Shoho by 4 PM, which is a very thoughtful arrangement. The front desk service is warm and friendly. A gentleman named Ito helped us book a restaurant in Ise for the next day, making several calls until he finally secured a reservation, for which we are very grateful 🙏.
Ambiance: The 56-square-meter mountain-view room is spacious and comfortable, with views of a small town nestled beneath snow-capped mountains right outside the window. The sunrise and sunset are absolutely beautiful. The large public baths on both sides offer unique scenic experiences and are both worth trying, especially the snow mountain view bath, which provides expansive vistas.
Facilities: The room is very well-maintained and fully equipped. The hotel also has a souvenir shop, and complimentary drinks are available in the afternoon.
Dining: The half-board plan includes a multi-course kaiseki dinner and a buffet breakfast. The variety is extensive, the food is delicious, and it's well worth the price. If you opt not to include meals, there's a ramen restaurant in the hotel, catering to various budgets.
GGuest UserStepping inside, we were greeted by the iconic stove, and a thoughtful warm drink, which was a lovely touch. The service was very welcoming. The room, for Japan, was quite spacious and even had a balcony, though it was bare in winter. Both breakfast and dinner were extensive. Dinner, which we pre-booked, was a standout with its distinctive and delicious Western cuisine.
GGuest UserHotel La Vigne Hakuba was a wonderful place to stay. The hotel has a beautiful minimalist design and feels clean, cozy, and very welcoming. Both the lobby and rooms were pleasantly scented, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The concierge team was extremely helpful and the overall service throughout the stay was excellent. The room was spacious, very clean, and thoughtfully designed with a very functional layout. The bedding was also very comfortable.
The hotel also provides excellent facilities for skiers, including a dedicated storage and locker room for ski equipment, as well as a separate shower room where guests can freshen up and change after skiing on the day of check-out.
Overall, a fantastic stay at Hotel La Vigne Hakuba — highly recommended.
GGuest UserAmazing experience as always with the Fufu brand. We stayed at the Hakone one previously and thought it was one of the best hotel experiences we've ever had.
Our trip to Karuizawa this time was driven by our intent to try Fufu Kyukaruizawa, and it did not disappoint one bit. From the zen interior to the most attentive and friendly staff to the never-ending dining experiences (yes, even for breakfast it was a multi course menu), we were utterly blown away by our two-night stay. The fireplace in the lobby and in our room was such a pleasant touch even though we stayed during May, our teppanyaki chef personally seeing us out to the lift and bowing until we were out of sight shows how they go above and beyond, and we really appreciated how at each interaction the staff knew and clarified our coming arrangements, ensuring our entire stay was a seamless experience.
Fufu remains our favourite Japanese hotel brand. Just wish they had a loyalty program as we are looking to check off all the Fufu hotels in our lifetime.
GGuest UserThe hotel was almost perfect, just a little bit old. But Japanese hotels are always so well-maintained that it felt more like old money charm. The free drinks in the lounge were a fantastic bonus, you could drink as much as you liked! We didn't get to try the French restaurant as it was fully booked, so we only experienced breakfast. The view from the restaurant was absolutely stunning though! 👍 As for the Western-style breakfast, it was decent, nothing special. I'd definitely visit again if I have the chance.
劉劉建宗A nice hotel in this area. Room is spacious, comfortable beds. Location is a bit out of the popular area. It is fine if you are driving. Breakfast is nice with most things that you need. The onsen bath area also quite big with outside bath.
GGuest User[Hilton Karuizawa | A Healing Hotel Worth a Special Trip]
Our stay in Karuizawa truly exceeded expectations; the hotel's service and attention to detail were incredibly impressive. From the moment we arrived at Karuizawa Station, the hotel's shuttle service was fantastic. The driver was polite and attentive, so we didn't have to worry about our luggage or getting around.
Upon check-in, our room was already prepared. We had booked a garden view room with a balcony. A floor-to-ceiling window framed the seasonal beauty of the Japanese garden like a painting. Sitting on the balcony with tea and a book, time seemed to slow down. The mini-bar in the room was complimentary, and a capsule coffee machine and tea set were provided, along with thoughtful welcome snacks.
What I most want to praise is the service. The front desk and concierge staff were fluent in English, and their responses were prompt and professional whether we were asking about sightseeing routes, restaurant reservations, or shuttle arrangements. Once, we wanted to find a soba noodle restaurant popular with locals, and the concierge not only drew a detailed map by hand but also went the extra mile to call and confirm their operating hours for us.
Breakfast was a semi-buffet, with the option to order a main dish. The fresh local vegetables, fruits, and homemade jams from Karuizawa were especially delicious. Enjoying breakfast by the window while watching the morning light in the garden was pure bliss. While the selection wasn't extensive, every dish was exquisite, reflecting the chef's dedication.
Although the hotel isn't brand new, it's very well-maintained, combining traditional Japanese style with modern comfort seamlessly. The Japanese bathhouse was clean and tranquil; a soak there left us feeling completely relaxed. The location is also very convenient, making it easy to walk to attractions like Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and Kumoba Pond, yet it's set away from the main street's hustle and bustle.
If I had to point out any shortcomings, it would be that some of the guest rooms aren't particularly spacious, but the thoughtful layout and superb views completely make up for it. Overall, it's a quality choice I'd love to return to and would readily recommend to friends. It's especially ideal for travelers looking to slow down and relax in nature.
GGuest UserThe place looks exactly like the photos, no exaggeration at all. The entire house is enveloped by nature. In the mornings, I meditated and read in the garden with birds singing in the woods – it truly felt like my body was completely at one with nature. The owner mentioned that this particular unit boasts the largest garden among all their room types and was designed to mimic the architecture of the Kogen Church. The upstairs features an open sleeping area with four futons, which could easily accommodate six people. Downstairs also offers a tatami sleeping area. One thing to note is that sound travels easily between floors, as they are all open-plan rooms.
The bathroom facilities are absolutely fantastic! With a built-in drying system and a hairdryer, the floor dries instantly after you shower. All the room amenities felt like they were from premium brands. My favorite item, surprisingly, was the trash can, haha! It's exactly the kind of setup Shanghai's waste classification system desperately needs. I'm already 'sold' on it and planning to get one myself, haha!
Guests can also cook their own meals here. The owner's breakfast was not only generous but also incredibly delicious. I'll definitely have to try the steak for dinner next time – I'm sure it's excellent. The owner was incredibly kind and patient, helping us arrange taxis and even providing pick-up and drop-off services. We're very grateful. Karuizawa's summer weather is wonderfully comfortable and refreshing. The hotel's location is also fantastic, within walking distance of the Wild Bird Forest. Just a quick note: breakfast and dinner need to be reserved in advance!
CCap1234This is the best hotel we ever stayed at. If you are reading this review, it means you already decided on going to the middle of no where Japan. Byaku more or less owns the town. There are other ryokans but nowhere close the the quality of this. They also have the only restaurant open late and it is amazing!!! Furthermore book it on a Friday/Sat/Sunday so you can enjoy the sake brewery next to the hot springs. Also get rooms with your own Onsen, it’s worth it the public ones aren’t co gender
GGuest UserWe stayed for two nights on a family trip. The hotel is a luxurious establishment with three hotels, a chapel, and a wedding reception hall on a vast site of 230,000 square meters, and we thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing time. The breakfast buffet and French dinner were delicious, and the service was excellent. There was also a large hot spring bath, and there was plenty of greenery, so it was a pleasant walk. I recommend staying two or even three nights instead of just one.