Nagano-Haragusa-Kuchiguchi Station × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

From the moment I was picked up, the staff made a great impression, and as soon as I stepped into the Hotel, I was soothed by a wonderful aroma scent. I was shown to a private Room to check in. The Room had a simple design and was very comfortable to stay in. I also enjoyed choosing my favorite scent with the aroma diffuser in the Room. This time I joined the 1-night, 2-day fasting course. Since it wasn’t a water-only fast, I had carrot juice, homemade umeboshi (pickled plum), bancha tea, and more for dinner and again the next morning. After checkout, they treated me to rice porridge, miso soup, handmade umeboshi, hana ingen beans (runner beans), and bancha tea—everything was very satisfying. Personally, the hana ingen beans slowly simmered over two days with beet sugar were so delicious that I couldn’t help asking if they were available for purchase. After check-in, I also received a brown-rice onigiri with umeboshi, which I enjoyed on my long-distance bus ride home. There is no TV in the Room, but Wi‑Fi is available so you can use your smartphone. However, since it was such a good opportunity, I tried not to use my phone during my stay as much as possible. Time flew by as I read health magazines in the lounge with herbal tea in hand; opened the window in my guest room to read my own book while listening to birdsong; and reviewed personal finances that had been put off due to everyday busyness. From the Onsen bath area in the morning, you can see Mt. Asama—the view was truly wonderful. If there’s one thing to mention: since exercise is part of my routine personally, having showers in every Room would have made it even more comfortable by allowing me to rinse off quickly after working out. Other than that minor point, everything exceeded expectations—the staff were lovely throughout—and it was a stay I would definitely like to repeat.

The Room was spacious and uncluttered, so it felt like pets wouldn’t be able to get into mischief. It also felt reassuring even with a baby. There was a large trash bin, and being able to throw everything away in one place was more convenient than having multiple small bins. Meals were great as well—BBQ was prepared for each Room, so we only had to grill. The meat was very delicious, and the rice had already been cooked in advance, which showed how thoughtfully everything is arranged. There is very little direct interaction with staff, but if you need anything and call, they come quickly and help. The in-Room bath was wonderful, and there is also a large public bath where you can enjoy different types of baths. The large public bath was almost private during our stay. Each Room also has a cart, making it easy to get to the large public bath. Driving the cart was a fun bonus. There are many insects outside, but measures are taken so they don’t get into the Room or onto the balcony, and there were none at all in the large public bath. A lot of insects fly around outdoors, but it’s impressive how well they prevent them from coming inside. Insect repellent is also provided, which made us feel fairly at ease. It’s an Accommodation I’d like to visit again—next time for a Multiple Night Stay.