Tobira Onsen Myojinkan — Hotel in Matsumoto

UPDATE March 9, 2024: We just checked out of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan after a second lovely two night stay. As per our review of last year below, nothing has changed. It is still as wonderful as ever. The property itself is in a peaceful rustic setting that brings tranquility to a new level, the onsens are great and the food at both dinner and breakfast is terrific in every way. We stayed in the same room (even though we were offered an upgrade because it was our anniversary) but opted to stay in our room from last year because it is so perfect. Everything is great with the property but what sets Tobira Onsen truly apart is the extraordinary service.....even on Japanese standards. We would like to recognize those wonderful people and are sorry we did not get everyone's name. First of all our thanks to all the chefs in the kitchen for their masterful meals, Mizuho-san and Hina-san for all their help in organizing things before our arrival, Ito-san who is very helpful at the front desk, Tsunomoto-san who met us on arrival and who helped us many times during our stay, Yamada-san and Yamamoto-san who keep the champagne flowing in the 3rd floor lounge, Kamijo-san whom we met last year and who waited for us to finish dinner, even though starting her days off, just to say hello and of course the ever friendly, professional and hugely engaging Kawai-san. It is not often that one has such an amazing service experience that you take down the names but every one of these people (and there were many more) made our stay that much more special. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is now an annual destination for us and anyone else who craves peace, professionalism, great food and extraordinary service.

April 2023: We checked out of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan two days ago and it has taken me that long to truly process how wonderful this property is. From check in (thank you Kawai-san) to check out it was a fabulous experience. We stayed in the Western Zen room on the third floor which was exquisite in decor, view and furnishings. I should say that my wife and I travel seven months of the year and know the difference. It has its own onsen bath, an unwordly view and the room had the benefit of being on the same floor as the executive lounge (also terrific) and the three separate onsens. We ate at both restaurants one for dinner and one for breakfast. The French restaurant, Sai, was as good as any Michelin starred meal we have had. We were helped by the very capable and cheerful Kamijo-san who was a delight. As a wine lover the highlight of my evening was chatting with Kurihara-san the sommelier and manager of the restaurant. We travel often just to visit wine regions but I admit my knowledge of Japanese wines was zero. Kurihara-san walked me through the different techniques for both the wines and local sakes of which we bought three bottles to take with us. It was an excellent experience. The Japanese breakfast was terrific as well with wonderful food and service and setting. There are many reasons that Relais and Chateau is by far our favorite hotel designation and Tobira Onsen Myojinkan captures all of them. Upon waking up in the morning, my wife's first words were "I'm never leaving here". A must visit if onsens and extraordinary service...

UPDATE April 26, 2025|I am not sure what to write that is as new and creative as Tobira Onsen Myojinkan deserves. Everything about this property continues to be wonderful. The rooms are great, the food is outstanding at both the French and Japanese restaurants and the service at every level is sublime. Please see last year's review as nothing has changed including the great staff. Special mention to this year's French dinner prepared by Chef Osawa who works under Chef Hando which was Michelin starred in quality and creativity. The Japanese breakfast (which is changed every day) is also terrific. There is no better testimonial to a hotel than repeat customers and we will be making our reservation for next year in the next week....only we are going to stay even longer. Our favorite place in the world.||UPDATE March 9, 2024:|We just checked out of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan after a second lovely two night stay. As per our review of last year below, nothing has changed. It is still as wonderful as ever. The property itself is in a peaceful rustic setting that brings tranquility to a new level, the onsens are great and the food at both dinner and breakfast is terrific in every way. We stayed in the same room (even though we were offered an upgrade because it was our anniversary) but opted to stay in our room from last year because it is so perfect.|Everything is great with the property but what sets Tobira Onsen truly apart is the extraordinary service.....even on Japanese standards. We would like to recognize those wonderful people and are sorry we did not get everyone's name.|First of all our thanks to all the chefs in the kitchen for their masterful meals, Mizuho-san and Hina-san for all their help in organizing things before our arrival, Ito-san who is very helpful at the front desk, Tsunomoto-san who met us on arrival and who helped us many times during our stay, Yamada-san and Yamamoto-san who keep the champagne flowing in the 3rd floor lounge, Kamijo-san whom we met last year and who waited for us to finish dinner, even though starting her days off, just to say hello and of course the ever friendly, professional and hugely engaging Kawai-san.|It is not often that one has such an amazing service experience that you take down the names but every one of these people (and there were many more) made our stay that much more special. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is now an annual destination for us and anyone else who craves peace, professionalism, great food and...

My partner and I stayed at Tobira Onsen Myojinkan for three nights, and overall, I thought it was a great property and a very good option for a traditional ōnsen.||||Reading the reviews, I was kind of mixed and uncertain what to expect. Ultimately, going here for one or two days is not a good investment of time, because you cannot enjoy the amenities and location when you’re constantly on the move to get to this somewhat isolated spot. 3 to 4 days is ideal to take advantage of all aspects of staying here.||||When we arrived, we viewed both a Japanese-style room in a Western-style room, and they both were gorgeous. All the rooms have been renovated and the attention to detail is impressive. Because of our loyalty status with Relais & Chateaux hotels, we were given the opportunity to upgrade to a Western room. Our particular room was one of the 14 with an indoor/outdoor private bath, which was the highlight of our stay. Having the ability to just hop in your own tub and enjoy the scenery is a great amenity. All the rooms have a bath in them, as do most hotels in Japan for that matter, but the indoor/outdoor aspect was really great even in winter.||||The food was also a standout. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rate, which you should factor in when you see the prices. We had two Japanese meals and one French meal, which you can choose to your liking. The Japanese traditional meal was extensive and tasty and quite the performance. It definitely made me feel like I was at a traditional Japanese resort. The menu changes with the seasons and whatever is fresh, and this area of Japan is a veritable bread basket for fruits and vegetables, as well as beef.||||There are three main onsen baths for guests, which are segregated based on gender.  If you haven't done this type of experience before, after the first day you get the hang of it and what you're supposed to do in terms of bathing before and after. It is a very calming experience, to say the least.||||There is also a daily shuttle down the mountain to Matsumoto, which you should take advantage of if you are staying for three or more days. (If you're staying for one or two days, I would remain on the property so you get as much use out of the onsen and other amenities that you can.) Matsumoto is a very walkable town with good shops and lots of history -- perfect for a daytrip and then onsen baths when you return!||||We loved Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, and had a...