Around Mount Nyukasa × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

I stayed for one night with my daughter. Unfortunately, the weather was not great the next day, so things didn’t go exactly as planned, but we were able to relax and enjoy a quiet stay. The meals were also very delicious. It would have been even better if there had been handrails in the bathroom and spa baths.

Our family of four stayed at “Shimizu” for three nights. We’ve stayed here before, and once again it reminded us that this Accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep between sightseeing—it’s a place where the time spent in the traditional house itself becomes part of the trip. In the mornings, the kids played on the veranda, we took short walks, and in the evenings we simply relaxed. Our two-year-old especially loved it; even on our last day, they kept saying, “Let’s go back to the Shimizu house.” On our first night we ordered the apple wagyu sukiyaki set, and on another day we requested breakfast—seasonal chestnut rice that delighted the kids. It was also fun to buy local corn and vegetables at A-Coop and farm stands and cook for ourselves; we even turned leftover corn rice into rice balls for breakfast the next morning. Having meals at our own pace—so different from a Hotel or Ryokan—was truly wonderful. The kitchen and utensils were easy to use too; I liked the knife and cutting board so much I tried to find the same ones after we got home (seriously). One pleasant surprise was how close everything is despite being in a small village at the foot of Yatsugatake. A-Coop, Hamarano-en, Glacerie Pepin, Soba 12 Months, Sanroku Cafe, and more are all within 10 minutes by car. The yakiniku restaurant Mishakatei that we reserved for dinner is in Sasahara itself, and Shirakaba Lake / Kurumayama are about 20–30 minutes away. When we forgot a charging cable, it was only about seven minutes to a convenience store—which saved us. That said, having a car is pretty much essential if you want full freedom. And yet once you’re back in Sasahara, it feels completely surrounded by mountains. The morning air was so fresh it almost felt like waking up at a mountain hut. That contrast—“truly in nature” but “everything is close with a short drive”—is what makes Shimizu so special. The person who handled check-in also lives in this village area, and it was lovely to hear local tips—like how freshly harvested vegetables are sold nearby at Sasahara Machizukuri Council (within walking distance). Rather than simply staying at a tourist destination, it feels like you get to step into everyday life here for a little while. This time we also enjoyed eating out—eel dishes, soba noodles, cafes, yakiniku—and more. On busy holiday days some places were too crowded to get into—but then we’d buy ingredients locally instead and come back here: eating taiyaki on the veranda or watching dusk settle in. Those ordinary moments ended up being my strongest memories from this trip. Even three nights went by far too quickly. This Accommodation suits spending time as if you’re living quietly in Chino rather than packing your schedule with sightseeing. Next time I’d love to stay longer.