Takamine Onsen hot spring — Hotel in Tsumagoi

【雲に隠れた絶景、心に残る灯り】

At 2000 meters above sea level, Takamine Onsen Lamp no Yado feels like a hidden retreat floating in the clouds. Even on a gray, misty weekend, the place was full—proof that it has earned its reputation.

The common spaces carry a rustic, outdoorsy charm, while the guest rooms feel fresh and well maintained, clearly renewed in recent years. The onsen was the star: silky, milky-white water with that unmistakable mineral scent, hot enough to soothe yet cool enough to linger. Although the clouds kept the mountain panorama hidden, you could sense how spectacular the view would be on a clear day.

Dinner was homely and satisfying, the highlight a pork-and-apple miso grill prepared right at the table—sweet, savory, and deeply comforting. When stargazing was rained out, the owner hosted a cozy slideshow of the surrounding seasons, a gesture that made the evening feel intimate and personal.

If there was a flaw, it was in sleep: the futons were so thin that comfort was elusive. Breakfast, too, was on the plain side. Yet with its genuine hospitality, healing baths, and the promise of unforgettable vistas, I left already wanting to return—this time to see the stars and walk the trails.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

【Features】 ♨️ Onsen: Milky-white water, outdoor and indoor baths, excellent quality 🛏️ Room: Clean, well-maintained, renewed in recent years 🛌 Sleep: Futons thin and less comfortable 🍽️ Dining: Dinner highlight—pork with sliced apples in miso, cooked at the table 🥢 Breakfast: Simple, somewhat plain 🙋‍♂️ Staff: Warm, thoughtful, photo slideshow when stargazing was canceled 🌄 View: Hidden by clouds, but stunning on a clear day 🎐 Ambience: Outdoorsy common areas, cozy atmosphere 🏔️ Location: 2000 meters elevation, ideal for hiking (weather permitting) 🔙 Would I visit again?...

Before traveling from Tokyo, I called the hotel and informed them that I would be visiting with my young son. However, upon arrival, the staff began giving various excuses, claiming they hadn’t been told about my child and therefore needed to charge extra for him.||||When I asked about the additional cost, I declined, as it was far too high. Then, another staff member came forward and said that due to the mountainous weather, children are more likely to develop fevers, and ambulances do not come frequently.||||I explained that I had all the necessary medical supplies with me, but they refused to listen. It became clear that their primary goal was to extract additional money as soon as I arrived at the hotel.||||I left immediately after realizing this.||||This is the worst place I’ve ever experienced in Japan. I will never donate to this prefecture again, and I strongly advise others to avoid this hotel to prevent ruining their...

Before traveling from Tokyo, I called the hotel and informed them that I would be visiting with my young son. However, upon arrival, the staff began giving various excuses, claiming they hadn’t been told about my child and therefore needed to charge extra for him.||||When I asked about the additional cost, I declined, as it was far too high. Then, another staff member came forward and said that due to the mountainous weather, children are more likely to develop fevers, and ambulances do not come frequently.||||I explained that I had all the necessary medical supplies with me, but they refused to listen. It became clear that their primary goal was to extract additional money as soon as I arrived at the hotel.||||I left immediately after realizing this.||||This is the worst place I’ve ever experienced in Japan. I will never donate to this prefecture again, and I strongly advise others to avoid this hotel to prevent ruining their...