Hotel 2 Bintang di Nagatoro

4 Senior backpackers in Japan ”stumbled” onto this gem of a Japanese inn next to the Arakawa River. Less than 10 minute walk from the Kami-Nagatoro station and 10 minute walk to Nagatoro Station. We chose location due to proximity to river and start of river boat downstream river ride-sites. We were pleasantly surprised by the hospitality shown throughout our two-day stay. We were late in coming out of the mountains of Gunma prefecture (2 hour plus train ride away) and called the inn to notify and were subsequently told that this was no problem for check-in and supper. Fortunately we made up time lost and got to the inn earlier that expected and enjoyed the serene tree-lined river and men's and women's communal furo (shower/bath also in rooms) with outdoor views before dining. Then...we were overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the dinner! A real treat to get a 7+ course Japanese meal featuring the specialty vegetables and protein of the region! Upon departure we chose to walk with packs back to Kami-Nagatoro Station, along the river, but the proprietor had the Inn van ready and waiting to take us to the train station. The included breakfast's were also multi-course Japanese style, with regional specialties. Granted, the hotel is somewhat time-worn, probably seeing its zenith in the 80's and 90's but all the facilities were cleaning, usable and safe. All staff went made a great effort to ensure that we were enjoying the locale and the Inn. This location, in our opinion is much more serene and ”touristy” than the main area surrounding Nagatoro station but is only 10 minutes walking from that action. If opportunity arises, we will return. The Saitama Museum of Natural is just across the street but this large and modern facility was not open on our late arrival and on Monday. We left on Tuesday morning, but wanted to visit this place also.

Maximum of 7 groups per day! Precious stone sauna and natural hot spring in Nagatoro

Situated amid lush nature, Petit Hotel C’est La Vie offers a tranquil retreat in spacious Japanese-style and Western rooms, with or without a private open-air hot spring bath. It features a free Wi-Fi, while kayaking can be arranged. Guests at C’est La Vie can pamper themselves with unwind in the private-use outdoor hot spring bath. The hotel can assist guests to sign up for workshops in the area, including Japanese soba or udon noodle making and glass blowing. Kayaking and canoeing are available nearby. Luxurious rooms feature air conditioning and a seating area, while most come with an open-air hot spring bath, a terrace and a wooden floor. Each room is fitted with a TV with DVD player, a fridge and an attached bathroom with toiletries. Yukata robes are designed by renowned local painter Heiji Katsuno. Seasonally selected Japanese dishes are served at the dining room, for breakfast and dinner. C’est La Vie is only a 15-minute walk from Nogami Station on the Chichibu Tetsudo Line.

部屋から荒川と低い山並みだけが見え、カラスの鳴き声以外静寂に包まれる。水周りは機器入れ替えしたばかりなのか、清潔。食事も出汁がとても美味しく、奇をてらわずオーソドックスで問題ありません。年越し蕎麦が含まれたせいか、ちょっと量が多めでした。