Staying 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...
Read moreA bit expensive, but this is the best choice ever. The room with private onsen is fabulous. Overall, it was a pleasant stay. We were glad to take a rest at this hotel for 2 nights! We chose a room in the Central Building with a private onsen. This was the best decision ever. The hotel is quite new. It provides a lot of facilities, e.g. welcome drinks bar, a few public onsens, shops, spa room and restaurants. The room is massive, with spacious living and dinning room, toilet and bathroom, 2 separated double size beds, and a private onsen by the window. Through the window, we can see the view of the city. The day and night views are amazing. Since the onsen is next to an opened window, it is very chill and cool, especially when it was a 10 degrees night. The room is also fully equipped with amenities, e.g. bottled water, snacks, toothbrush and personal hygiene items. There was a very nice tea and coffee set provided in the room too. The room is so clean and well-equipped for anyone to have a after-meal break.
The buffet breakfast is great. The hotel provides different options daily. If it can increase the chinese food options, like more dim sum options, it will be even better.
The dinner is fabulous. We have 2 different menus on 2 nights and they both cover a wide range of options, e.g. waygu beef, tempura, sashimi, rice and desserts. Trust me, you will never regret to include meals into the booking.
The hotel is located on the mountain, so if you don't drive, it could be hard to catch the shuttle bus. There are plenty of free parking spots around though.
There is no facilities, convenient stores or shops within walking...
Read moreWe wanted to treat ourselves for an anniversary so booked in for a night. It is not cheap - we paid SGD 770 for the night, but it was a good experience all the way from check in to check out.||The price includes dinner, which was plated beautifully and featured items like lobster sashimi, beef stew and bracken tempura. Breakfast was done buffet style and had both Japanese and Weatern dishes.||There are onsens as well. We opted to pay 3000 yen for a private couple onsen for 45 minutes, but there are also public baths on the 4th floor. The bath on the 3rd floor, just off reception, switches between males in the morning and the ladies in the evening.||The room was largish and I loved that the yukatas came in a variety of sizes. There is no room clean up till check out, but they do lay futon beds in the room. The room was well appointed and had a great view, small fridge, a safe, and coffee and tea making facilities. There was even a coffee bean grinder. There were ample power points. Wifi was okay though it did drop now and then. There are separate toilet and shower rooms.||There is a souvenir cum general store in the lobby where you can even buy condensed milk ice cream.||Staff are friendly and efficient.||They do have a free shuttle bus from 5 pm at the Matsumoto train station to the hotel, and one the following morning at 9 am and 10 am back to...
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