Cari Hotel 4-Bintang di Higashikawa

We wanted to hike to Mt. Asahidake during the Koyo (Fall foliage) season, and among the properties at the base of the mountain, La Vista Daisetsuzan appeared to be the highest end accommodation in the area. Both the outside and inside of the lodge are charming and rustic in appearance, but are definitely showing clear signs of age and wear. In fact, while taking a dip in the communal Onsen (natural hot springs) bath, I overheard two men remarking how the place was ”boro boro” (Japanese for ”really worn down.”) Thankfully, we were relieved to find that La Vista Daisetsuzan was at least quite clean, and did not exhibit the old, moldy smell that is commonplace in older properties. And the dining room seems to have been renovated - we enjoyed our dinner here (more on that in a moment.) We stayed in their ”Luxury Room,” the highest category unit that was a relatively spacious 56m² open-plan Junior Suite. Other rooms on premises are quite a bit smaller, but people used to staying in standard rooms at Marriott-class properties will be more than satisfied with these room types. La Vista Daisetsuzan has a communal, gender-segregated Onsen on site - there is both an indoor and open-air outdoor bath, which is appreciated, especially in the Winter months, given that you'll want to warm up in the indoor bath before jumping into the outdoor one. While we did not have breakfast at the property (we wanted to get an early start on our hike, and we're glad that we did - the sky is more clear and there are less crowds), we had the French-Japanese dinner. To say that the meal exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. We're in Hokkaido, and an hour from the nearest city (Asahikawa), yet every dish was creative, beautifully presented and a feast for the eyes and palate. Everything - from the tuna tartare to the mini quiche to the Foie Gras to the al dente pasta with mushrooms and broccoli - was a highlight. The only serving that did not hit the spot was the main (ocean-) fish dish. The fish was hard and dry - when you're in the center of Hokkaido, perhaps they should focus on other ingredients, or at least serve fish that are fine frozen (like Tuna) or that come from the nearby rivers or lakes. Overall, if we were to make a return trip to the area, we would be more than fine with staying again at La Vista Daisetsuzan. In no way is this a destination unto itself, but if our short but pleasant stay is any indication, it's a very solid higher-end option in Daisetsuzan. It definitely blows away the vast majority of lodges in U.S. National Parks, that's for sure!

**Hotel Review: Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte** **Rating: 4/5** I recently spent one night at the Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte in a Superior Twin Room, and the experience was quite delightful. The hotel's proximity to the Asahidake Visitor Centre, which is highly informative (I spent an hour there), and the ropeway to Mount Asahidake makes it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The room was spacious, featuring a modern and minimalistic design that provided a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. My family particularly enjoyed the bath, and the attention to detail in the provided pajamas added an extra touch of luxury to our stay. While the buffet spread for both breakfast and dinner wasn't exactly fantastic, it was good enough to satisfy most guests. The variety was adequate, though there is room for improvement in terms of the selection offered. One of the highlights of our stay was waking up to the sounds of nature and the gentle breeze. The hotel's location is perfect for those looking to trek, hike, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park. Overall, Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area, with spacious rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location near key attractions. I would recommend it to anyone planning a visit to Mount Asahidake.

3月末にお邪魔しました、山を上がっていくと下界とは違い大雪！レンタカーがスタッドレスを履いていてくれて助かりました。この宿はオリンピックメダリストの実家だそうです、上の階にパネルや関連品が展示されており感動！温泉の源泉もいくつか引いており体によさそう。あとつぎの兄弟でデザインして、リフォームしたお部屋に泊まらせていただきました。また来たいと思います。お食事もおいしく量もちょうど良いくらい。今度はスキーにお邪魔しようと思う。