Hotel berhampiran Stesen Hirata, Matsumoto

Location - requires abit of walking from the train station, it is not the worst compared to other Onyado/Dormy Inns and was manageable for us. (The worst in my opinion, is the one at Sendai. The one in Kanazawa would require a taxi/bus ride from main JR station.) Reception staff - service attitude differs. In general, they do try their best. Some elude warmth and it reminds me of how Japan was before it was crowded with tourists. 1 or 2 individual younger staff look at tourists and our bags with an expression that seems like a combination of exasperation and derision, and that made me feel uncomfortable. Different Onyado(s) has different rules, this one does not require us to pass locker keys to the front desk which is great. All Onyado(s) tend to have this odd layout in the rooms whereby the TV is NOT aligned with our beds. We ended up not using the TV! I appreciate how this Onyado took note of my request for more pillows and they were ready in the room when I got there. (See picture - pillows in black bags.) The extra pillows are extremely essential because Onyado/Dormy Inn pillows tend to be extremely flat & provides little/no support. Breakfast spread was a little disappointing - there was very little fresh seafood (e.g. no mentaiko). Beef was too overcooked and the drink machine ran out of oolong tea the night before and was still not replenished at breakfast. Across the different Onyado(s)/Dormy Inns I have stayed at, breakfast at this one can be skipped.

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.

The location of this hotel is perfect with many good restaurants nearby. The reception has two staff who could speak English sufficiently to answer my questions about travelling to Komikochi. Everything about the service was great except for the house keeping who did not make up the room properly. They just left the stack of new towels on the bed and took the soiled ones. The stay came with buffet breakfast which had both western and Japanese food options. I will return to stay if I visit this area again.

Fukashiso could be one of the loveliest accommodation that I have ever stayed at. The staff were very polite, attentive and extremely helpful and courteous. The place itself is so beautiful and quaint. Traditional garments are provided as an option if you want to dress up for dinner. Made for great photo ops! The Kaiseki was the most beautiful equivalent of a degustation I’ve tried, and it was served in a lovely separate intimate dining area. During dinner Nobu-San a fourth generation family member of the owners greeted us which was a lovely touch. Soba was freshly made at the accomodation. We stayed two nights and the Kaiseki menu was different each time. Breakfast was a nice assortment of Japanese and Western options and the coffee machine was actually pretty good. I enjoyed the onsens, there are two public ones that switch locations for men and women and a private one. They were well equipped and relaxing. Our room was on Level 1 with a private bathroom, seating area and little garden view. Overall this place is highly recommended. For a traditional ryokan experience, it was so nice. Even after we checked out, the receptionist gave us a little gift, and even walked us outside to where our car was parked. Such a warm and lovely place. Stay here for sure!

Room is not too big but also not too small for couple. Reception staffs are very nice and kind for helping. There is free dinner.

Simple hotel with good price. All the required amenities and service available. Hotel seems to have a long history. Simple set breakfast is well appreciated. Hotel entrance could do with a ramp for ease of carrying luggage.

Both Ms Zhang and Mr Chen were super helpful. They make sure we are well taken care of and fulfilled to all our needs. We will be back to stay in another season!

房間有點像東京那種小房子，還是比較擠的！雙床房是上下鋪的雙床房，然後下邊的會大一點，上鋪會稍微窄一點，但是床鋪整體還是挺舒服的，睡得很安穩！早餐有免費的，從早上6點半開始，冬天跟夏天結束時間不一樣，以店內告示為準。但是這個價格性價比確實沒得説，衹是路過睡一晚還是推薦的😃也是自助check in然後房間門鎖密碼會打印在一張紙上，比較方便的還是。車站走過去大概也就5分鐘不到，還是很近的

Good accommodation with easy breakfast. Free bicycle and unlimited amenities. However it's hard to close the room's light. Iis a remote control system and it didn't work properly. The location's quite good 10 mins walk from the station but no bus station there plus as it's residential area it's so quiet and kind of scary after the sun set.

Honestly, I can't praise this place enough. The owners are a really lovely couple; very welcoming and extremely helpful. The rooms are great - plenty of space and all the amenities you need for a short stay. The onsen is just the best - it's a private one that you can lock the door to and have to yourself for as long as you can cope with the hot water! But the *food* - wow! The food is absolutely fantastic and expertly cooked. Honestly, I've eaten in Michelin starred restaurants with food that wasn't as good as this. On top of that, at our first evening meal, we found that the message hadn't been relayed about my wife being a pescatarian. Anywhere else that might have been a problem, but within twenty-five minutes an entire new fish meal had been prepared and served - and was absolutely amazing. We were SO impressed. Also, what a truly beautiful location. Oh yes, and they have *monkeys*!! They wandered past the property in the evening and wandered back the next morning. I'm trying to name anything negative and I honestly can't - the closest thing I can think of is that the property is hard to locate and you definitely need a car to get there, but if you can get there, do - it was one of two equal-best places we've stayed at in Japan. Thank you to the owners (sorry, I never asked your names) for a wonderful stay in your home.