Takamine Mountain Hotel

We stayed here to celebrate my father’s 77th birthday—he loves the mountains. The staff’s thoughtfulness was outstanding: when we tried to take photos outside, someone even came out from the front desk to speak with us, and during dinner they offered warm congratulatory words. When we left, they saw us off until we were out of sight. The food was excellent, served at just the right pace so we could enjoy each dish calmly. In addition to alcohol pairings, there were also non-alcoholic wines and champagne that matched the meal well, which made my father—who can no longer drink alcohol—very happy. To top it off, they surprised us with a large cake with a message for dessert as part of the celebration, and he was truly delighted. The bath is not an Onsen and the amenities were simple, but everything else—including the Room and Facility—was clean and well maintained. We had a wonderful time. Thank you very much.

Because I often combine hiking with a Hotel stay, I’ve used many Hotels around Nagano Prefecture. This time, I stayed for the first time at this Hotel near the trailhead of Mt. Kurofu, which I frequently visit for hiking. The exterior and interior design were very tasteful, and the atmosphere was wonderful. From the moment I stepped inside, everything—from the lobby to the Room—was spotless and simply lovely. And that wasn’t all: the evening course dinner was excellent in presentation, flavor, and overall composition. I was truly impressed by the chef’s skill and enjoyed a relaxed meal. The morning half-buffet was also a great selection, with items like salmon, olives, and avocado dip that paired perfectly with sandwiches. But what stood out most was the staff’s hospitality. One person came over naturally after dinner for a friendly chat and made our time even more enjoyable. Another kindly turned off some of the outdoor lights when we went out to look at the stars at night, lent us a lantern, and shared recommended stargazing spots as well as tips for taking photos. And at checkout, someone even saw us off all the way to our car. Nothing felt forced—each person’s manner felt genuinely welcoming in such a natural way. I was truly moved. It’s rare to have such an outstanding stay like this; it really made me feel how much comes down to people. A staff member who guided us for stargazing also recommended visiting during autumn when you can see a sea of clouds seasonally—so I definitely want to come back again!