Kazeya

이번 일본 여행 중 가장 완벽했음.

There was no one manning the reception until 3pm so be aware of that. Nonetheless, the staff were helpful and professional. There are public onsens and private onsens both indoor and outdoor to choose from. However, the public outdoor onsen had bugs in the water. This is reasonable as it's outdoor after all. We stayed on a weekday and weather was not ideal (rainy) so just a few groups were there, which was good for us as it was quiet and not overwhelmingly crowd. The property itself was decent and sophisticated with rich cultural content.

Really enjoyed our stay here. It's an old style Ryokan but feels very atmospheric. The staff was friendly and the food was tasty, although the portions could have been more generous. They we're unable to make me a packed lunch for an early morning trip to kamikochi, which was disappointing since there are no other food options in the town. Also, the town has a tunnel on either side so there's no hiking trails accessible without taking the bus.

Whether you are planning to head to Kamikochi or around the area, Kazeya provides everything you need for a comfortable ryokan stay. Prior to my trip, I received an email from their staff regarding meals provided, whether you wish to have a normal Izakaya dinner or spent a bit more to add a premium Hida Beef ingredient for your dinner. They also guide you on how to travel to the ryokan, via bus or private/rented vehicle (definitely more convenient if you have your own vehicle as the ryokan is located in the mountains). Including in the email are warnings of insects coming into rooms. More description below. Checking in: Checking in was smooth by staff, capable of speaking english, providing you with your room key as well as a detailed map of the entire ryokan. The staff explained throughout on where to use the onsens available as well as providing you with a information catalogue. This catalogue shows you how to get to Kamikochi (super useful, map included of the hiking trail which came in handy when I was on the hike, as well as where to park if you have a private vehicle when you'replanning to head there). Room: I stayed for 2 nights, booked the Japanese Style Room which was very spacious. Comes with heated toilet, bathtub and shower as well as basin. The wardrobe provided clothes for onsen, toothbrush/toothpaste and a towel. Water kettle present to boil hot water, tea is also available in the room to brew if you wish. Shampoo/conditioner/soap readily for use in shower. Water in bathtub needs a little wee adjustment to get that perfect temperature you want. A little too much, it'll be hot/cold. Small issue. So I mentioned that the hotel warned of insects invading the room which are actually stinkbugs. They do let you know in the email sent as well as upon checking in. I definitely did had a few visitors (the stinkbugs and an katydid) that came, the ryokan provides you with tape to stick and dispose them. They are doing EVERYTHING they can to alleviate this issue as this ryokan is located in the mountains so please try to understand them (as if your house hasn't welcomed a pest before right?) and they do clean every morning before the guests wakes up. Just use tape, stick insect, dispose. Easy. Onsen: The ryokan provides a public onsen as well as x2 private onsen (indoor/outdoor). Public onsen separated by gender, the male public onsen has both indoor and outdoor baths. The private onsen will have keys to be unlocked which can be found just before the entrance. Couples/families/friends may use the private onsen as you have the power to lock the door and can only be unlocked by key. The indoor onsen was big enough for a family. As for the outdoor private onsen, the water wasn't that hot when I entered plus it was freezing outside, gave it a skip since I couldn't wait for the water to be hot. Meals: Best part of Kazeya? Easy. The Izakaya meals they provide. If possible, choose having your meals at their restaurant if you can. Not just because it's inconvenient to find a restaurant in the surrounding area (you may have to drive out if you can) but because of the experience. The fresh ingredients and food that their staff prepare, you can see they really put in a lot of effort into making them as well as making sure it tastes good (it was superb and I was super well fed). Checking out: Again, smooth checkout, just have to pay for any other additional charges you have such as your Izakaya meals. Overall: I had a great experience with Kazeya. Staying in this ryokan was unique and an unforgettable one. I would like to sincerely thank all the staff members whom gave me an excellent service throughout. They are truly warm, friendly and welcoming to ensure your stay with them will be a comfortable and memorable one.

Apart from the location that is a little far and deep in the hills, the overall experience was enjoyable. Some in-room amenities are worn but well-maintained. If the owner could provide indoor slipper for guests, it would be greater.