Hirata Station (Nagano Prefecture) × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

We stayed here as a couple in our early 50s. The Accommodation was spotless down to every corner, and we had a very comfortable stay. [Room & Bath] The Room with an open-air bath had truly breathtaking views, and we enjoyed the bath three times—after arrival, before bed, and again the next morning. The water temperature was a little on the lukewarm side, so it sometimes felt slightly chilly if we stayed in for a long time, but it was still very relaxing. We also appreciated the spacious wash area with a large mirror, which made getting ready in the morning very easy. [Dining] For dinner, we had the “HAKKO Yaki-Shabu Course.” The main yaki-shabu was exquisite—the meat practically melted in our mouths! The shiitake mushrooms and fried potatoes were also delicious, with carefully crafted flavors you wouldn’t normally get at home. We were fully satisfied all the way through to the ochazuke to finish and dessert. For breakfast, we enjoyed the “Onigiri Bento” while taking in the wonderful view. The portion size was slightly modest, but it was just right for us as a couple. The piping hot roasted green tea was rich and very tasty. We were also delighted by thoughtful touches such as complimentary mineral water—this is a wonderful Accommodation where we would definitely like to stay again. Thank you very much.

We stayed here with a large group in January. First of all, the traditional kura-style building is truly one of a kind. It has been beautifully renovated to suit modern needs while preserving the charm of classic Japanese architecture. It’s even more impressive in person than in photos, and you can really enjoy the building itself—perfect for anyone who loves architecture. The living room feels incredibly open, and even with a big group it never felt cramped. The kitchen was surprisingly spacious, and it was stocked with more than enough cookware and appliances. There was also a great variety of tableware, all stylish, which made cooking even more enjoyable. The dishwasher in particular was large and high-performance, making cleanup easy even for a big group. There are multiple bedrooms as well, so everyone can rest comfortably. This Accommodation is ideal for the purpose of “staying together as a large group and relaxing.” Overall it’s very spacious, so we could spend time there without feeling self-conscious. We only ordered breakfast, but it was simple Japanese food and very delicious. For lunch and dinner we arranged our own meals—buying ingredients at nearby supermarkets (Tsuruya and AEON are conveniently close) and cooking ourselves—and that became part of the fun of the stay. With such well-equipped facilities, this place is especially recommended for those who enjoy cooking. Even though it was cold around New Year’s, the inside was warm and comfortable. The separate hinoki bathhouse was amazing; you heat the indoor bath yourself, but the scent of hinoki wood and the atmosphere were truly relaxing. There is also another bath in the main house (with a modern tub), which you can use as well—and we appreciated the thoughtful touch of underfloor heating in the changing area there. We were highly satisfied with everything—the space, facilities, and overall atmosphere—and would love to visit again in a different season.