Takamine Mountain Hotel

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!

The location, the hospitality, the sense of spatial design—everything about this place can be summed up in one word: “the best.”Perhaps it was the manager or an executive in charge, but they spoke to us warmly at both dinner and breakfast. At checkout, they even saw us off together with the staff. It has become a place we absolutely want to return to.These days, buffet-style dining is common, but dinner here is served as a course meal. When our child was younger, a buffet was more convenient; now that they’re older and can enjoy the same meal as adults, we were truly grateful to be able to enjoy an elegant dinner together.It’s certainly a bit out of the way, but it’s a Hotel well worth going out of your way for—whether as a reward after hiking or as part of sightseeing.We will definitely come again.