The hotel's location is fantastic, and they offer a free shuttle service to Karuizawa Station. The hotel itself has its own garden, complete with indoor and outdoor hot springs (onsen). The breakfast spread is generous, and you get to enjoy it with a view. The room was quite spacious, and the bathroom had a separate wet and dry area. The large windows offered excellent views as well.
The room was incredibly spacious, offering exceptional value for the price. The hotel maintains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, which I truly appreciated. While the furniture and carpets show some slight signs of age, the overall comfort remains high.
I was impressed by their Zero Waste policy; instead of plastic bottles in the room, they provide glassware and a convenient water dispenser located right by the elevator. Please note that for a two-night stay, there is no housekeeping service, which aligns with their eco-friendly initiative.
The amenities were comprehensive, and the service was outstanding—truly upholding the high standards of the Mercure brand. Parking is plentiful and hassle-free. Lastly, the view is a hidden gem; on a clear day, you get an unobstructed, breathtaking panorama of the mountain range without any buildings blocking the sight. I highly recommend it for a relaxing getaway!
The hotel is very close to the station, with a 7/11 downstairs. The area is lively, a hub for restaurants and malls, yet surprisingly quiet – a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle. The room size is generous for a Japanese hotel, and the facilities are modern and well-maintained. On the 11th floor, there's an open-air onsen with complimentary Yakult and cold drinks, and free ramen is offered in the evenings. I had a very satisfying stay and highly recommend it.
The room was spacious and clean. Located by the lake, it was convenient for walks. The hotel's large public bath and the private onsen in the room were very relaxing. The kaiseki dinner was also delicious. The flavors were subtly delightful, which I really enjoyed. Overall, a wonderful travel experience.
room was very spacious and bed was comfortable. very clean and quiet. comfy bed with firm and soft pillow availability. onsen and gym are available as well. drying room for ski equipment and playroom for kids. service was very responsive and speaks english well enough to understand request. location is near to ski resort but very much away from anything else if you are not driving. their shuttle bus to train station only operates 3 times a day in the morning and afternoon. and there are only 2 food restaurant unless you cab out. nothing much to do in the evening and night. decent food and ambience. breakfast options are same everyday but variety was okay.
The hotel looks old and isn't particularly striking from the street. However, the Japanese are incredibly meticulous with cleaning, so it's impeccably clean inside. The location is also super convenient (there's a great ramen place in the next building). You'll even find some retro features, like a two-handle faucet and an old TV – very authentic. My only minor complaint is that I couldn't get the air conditioning to cool, only to heat.
This is the best choice if the kids want to ski and the adults want a place to wander around! We can relax in the hot springs, stroll around the outlets, and the kids can ski to their hearts' content. We can also drive to the Karuizawa shopping street for a leisurely walk. It's an effortless trip, perfect!
The location is great, just have to cross a bridge from the train station. And there were many food options around the train station area. The room was clean and just the right size for a single traveller. There was even a microwave oven in the room! The hotel is quite strict on its check in timings, its not really a downside, just a heads up for people who might try their luck for early check ins.
The hotel's remote location means you need to pay attention to the shuttle schedule. It's a 30-minute drive to the nearest town, Iiyama, but the resort itself is self-contained. It has souvenir shops (duty-free) and an unmanned convenience store, making it excellent for ski training and holidays. The hot spring is also fantastic. While there's some variety in the breakfast and dinner, after 5 days it does get a bit repetitive. I'd suggest more variety and improving the taste of the dishes. Overall, I was very satisfied this time.
I stayed at this hotel for one night, and overall, it was quite a pleasant experience.
I really liked my room — it was clean, modern, and comfortable. The only thing that surprised me was that the window to the balcony didn’t open, though I suppose it was designed that way.
The onsen was absolutely wonderful — spacious, relaxing, and with a beautiful view of a mountain river. Definitely one of the highlights of my stay.
The hotel also offers many different areas for leisure and entertainment. You can play table tennis, relax in cozy rest zones, visit small cafés and shops — there’s a lot to explore without even leaving the building.
Both breakfast and dinner were delicious, with a wide variety of food to choose from. However, due to the number of guests, it was a bit challenging for the staff to manage everything smoothly. On two occasions, someone almost took my table, even though I had already placed the reservation card on it to show it was taken.
That said, the staff overall were very pleasant, friendly, and helpful, and I appreciated their attitude throughout my stay.
This hotel is clearly family-oriented, with many families staying with young children. There are rooms with child-friendly designs and dedicated play areas, so if you’re looking for a quiet, adult-only atmosphere, this might not be the best fit.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed my stay and would consider coming back.
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8.6/10
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9.4/10
Amazing
CCiav BenhonianStaying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort.
One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates.
The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through.
The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us.
In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan.
Yyinlinggroom was very spacious and bed was comfortable. very clean and quiet. comfy bed with firm and soft pillow availability. onsen and gym are available as well. drying room for ski equipment and playroom for kids. service was very responsive and speaks english well enough to understand request. location is near to ski resort but very much away from anything else if you are not driving. their shuttle bus to train station only operates 3 times a day in the morning and afternoon. and there are only 2 food restaurant unless you cab out. nothing much to do in the evening and night. decent food and ambience. breakfast options are same everyday but variety was okay.
GGuest UserIt was a great stay. The staff was super friendly and spoke English. The had parking vallet, provided an outfit to change into and roam outside. The hot springs was super relaxing and great for the feet and body. We tried five of their private hot spring rooms out of the many more they had, some had super hot water while others were warm. The outside room hot springs were beautifully decorated. They gave us access to the 9 public onsens that had different minerals in the for body healing. At night it was even more beautiful with the night walk and the town puts on a beautiful show and night market. Super glad we booked the stay.
FFussy New YorkerI had a large tatami room with side sitting area and sink as well as an ante-room. I had three delicious Japanese meals at the ryokan that were served with polite elegance. The two in-house onsen baths were a joy to use after a day of skiing. The staff was knowledgeable about how to get around by the buses and suggested the best restaurants for days that I did not eat at the ryokan. Senshinkan Matsuya was situated in the center of.Shibu Onsen town next to three of the public onsen. I could not ask for a better stay!
GGuest UserWe spent 2 nights in Prince after first 2 nights in Kusatsu onsen town. The hotel looked underwhelming on arrival and the front office service was efficient but cursory compared to the warm hospitality we had in the ryokan stay. It was low season and hotel was very quiet and had a ”cold” atmosphere.
I was further disappointed when we were shown our room which was on the lowest floor with a simple garden view. On requesting the check-in staff for a change of room on higher floor and a more scenic view, I was told there is an upgrade charge, which I accepted. The new room was the same size and configuration but on a higher floor with a nice view of Mt Asama. While I was happy to pay the fee, I can't help but compare their practice with all the hotels that I have stayed in all these years, where room changes were complimentary so long as the room type remains the same. Nevertheless, the hotel's facilities delighted me immensely and I enjoyed the overall experience.
The highlight of the hotel stay was the fantastic view of Asama in a high ceiling dining room with full glass window. We were able to have different table seatings for both morning breakfast as the hotel occupancy was low, which gave us different perspectives of the scenery.
The other highlight of the hotel is the onsen facility which is located in a separate building on higher ground, accessible via a self service automated tram. Aside from Asama view in the outdoor onsens, there is a common lounge which has equally awesome view of Asama. We enjoyed our time soaking in onsen and resting in the lounge.
Was
I would go back to Prince Asama and experience the scenery during a different season!
GGuest UserThe reality exceeded my expectations; the hotel was even better than I imagined. The room was very comfortable for a family with a small child! There's a private hot spring for families available by reservation, though the usage time is a bit short, it's still great overall! The food is high-quality, delicious, and varied. It's also possible to extend your stay for 1000 yen per hour, which is super convenient when traveling with a child. The hotel corridors aren't perfectly clean due to age, but the room itself is clean and pleasant.
MMeowVanWhat an awesome experience! The hotel offered exemplary service before we even arrived. Due to special travel arrangements, we arrived late and the staff quick to arrange an in-room bento dinner for us before our arrival. When we got there, we were immediately blown away by the gorgeousness of the hotel.
Despite its age, everything was very clean and polished. I can see that great care had been taken to upkeep the hotel and it’s premises, which are extraordinarily beautiful. We couldn’t resist taking pictures even after check-out, and it took us an hour to finally reluctantly leave. Words cannot actually do the place justice, you must visit there yourself.
We were very impressed with how delicious the food was, and the attention to detail, including the placement of the food, the coordination of food color. My mouth is still watering as I recall how delicious it was. I had 10 helpings of their prime rib one day. Besides, I had a dietary restriction and the staff were really careful with that, to the extent of reminding me what dishes not to eat everyday at their breakfast and dinner buffet.
In addition to excellent food and service, the hotel went out of its way to be very eco-friendly. For every day that we did not need our room to be tidied, we earned points, which can be traded in for ice cream or other goodies.
Finally, the staff spoke perfect English. This is rare indeed, and it made everything so much easier and so much more enjoyable. Thanks for the experience!
GGuest UserI stayed at this hotel for one night, and overall, it was quite a pleasant experience.
I really liked my room — it was clean, modern, and comfortable. The only thing that surprised me was that the window to the balcony didn’t open, though I suppose it was designed that way.
The onsen was absolutely wonderful — spacious, relaxing, and with a beautiful view of a mountain river. Definitely one of the highlights of my stay.
The hotel also offers many different areas for leisure and entertainment. You can play table tennis, relax in cozy rest zones, visit small cafés and shops — there’s a lot to explore without even leaving the building.
Both breakfast and dinner were delicious, with a wide variety of food to choose from. However, due to the number of guests, it was a bit challenging for the staff to manage everything smoothly. On two occasions, someone almost took my table, even though I had already placed the reservation card on it to show it was taken.
That said, the staff overall were very pleasant, friendly, and helpful, and I appreciated their attitude throughout my stay.
This hotel is clearly family-oriented, with many families staying with young children. There are rooms with child-friendly designs and dedicated play areas, so if you’re looking for a quiet, adult-only atmosphere, this might not be the best fit.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed my stay and would consider coming back.
HHanaLocation is great, it is just on the main road and by the lake. I remember there was a Lawon convenient store not far away when we drove past. We stayed there for 1 night.
I highly doubt if we were given the wrong room type, as I booked a room that can see the full Suwa Lake, but the room we have got is at the corner. It is because of the cherry blossom season, there are so many mosquitos outside so we couldn't open any window. According to the information provided by the hotel, the mosquitos don't bite human, but create stains on clothings.
Anyway, the room has a private onsen. It was quite small, and look a bit old. The water is very hot, though I couldn't smell any sulfur so it is not a real hot spring. As the windows can't be opened, so it is a quite stuffy inside the bathroom. The room has equipped with all amenities, but no bottled water. The hotel mentioned the water is drinkable from the tab. The room is quite clean and spacious. The mattress is quite nice, it was good for taking a rest after a whole day trip. We chose the meal package (breakfast and dinner). They were both Japanese style with a lot of dishes and options. Food is great. Nagano is not a place that produces meat, so mainly there are a lot of vegetables.
With the price we paid for, the hotel services, food and everything is quite reasonable. However, the hotel is a bit old. Nothing is special other than providing a clean room to sleep.
Rretired traveller to beRenovated lobby area, onsen lacks of ryokan style of cleaning essential. This hotel run by Chinese people so did not feel that they paid attention to the detail of service. Dinner kaiseki meal were underpar. Breakfast even horrible. I can tell they did not serve freshly made salmon, they were very hard to bite. Most item are heated from frozen like suimai and xiao longbao which I didn't expect to have as Japanese breakfast. Miso soup was the same leftover from dinner. Coffee not hot at all. I don't think I will stay there again.
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