North Biei Station × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

Ever since I discovered Shukabura on an accommodation booking site a few years ago, I had been dreaming of staying here someday. The owner couple are friendly and down-to-earth. With just the right sense of distance, they respected my privacy while offering thoughtful care that anticipated every need. Not only the beautiful hill scenery, but also their warmth is a major reason this place makes you want to “come back home” again. Every piece of villa decor was so lovely I wanted to photograph it, and finding the charming little items placed throughout felt like a treasure hunt. The compact interior had everything I needed, and as someone whose hair tends to explode in the morning, I was genuinely impressed that there were even two types of hair irons provided. The cosmetics and bath/hair care amenities also smelled wonderful—I ended up lingering in the bath longer than planned. The local ingredients prepared for breakfast were all surprisingly delicious, especially the vegetables. I couldn’t stop tasting them just to check doneness—and even bought extra vegetables at a local farmers’ market. As someone who enjoys cooking (not necessarily claiming I’m good at it), I loved making my own meals while admiring the stunning view from the living room, making time spent in the Room truly special. This trip was a solo journey for self-care made possible by warm support from those around me. During my stay there were many rainy or cloudy days and strong winds, so it might not be considered “good weather” in general. Even so, there were sights I could only experience because of these conditions: a rainbow after the rain; layered clouds drifting by; a sky changing moment by moment; wheat rippling in the wind; and white buckwheat flowers swaying gently. This stay reminded me once again that Biei’s charm isn’t limited to sunny days. This was my seventh visit to Biei. The colors of the hills, shades of the sky, shapes of clouds, and growing trees all look different each time—no matter how many times I come back over time, there is always something new that moves me. Next time, I’d love to visit Biei in midwinter—still unknown to me—and watch snowy scenery from Shukabura. Thank you very much for such a truly fulfilling stay for both body and mind.