Best Kamikochi Accommodation in Matsumoto: Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho
Planning to visit Kamikochi in Nagano? Choosing the right season and timing to visit Kamikochi is essential. Kamikochi is only open from mid April to November, giving travelers a limited window to experience its well-preserved natural beauty. With such a short season, planning your Kamikochi trip in advance is the best way to make the most of it. Even in winter, when Kamikochi is closed, Matsumoto in Nagano offers breathtaking winter views and relaxing onsen retreats. Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho is the best Kamikochi accommodation in Matsumoto offering stunning panoramic Northern Alps views from your room.
How to reach Matsumoto Station from Tokyo Station?
If you are planning to visit Kamikochi, you need to take a Shinkansen from Tokyo station to Nagano station and transfer to the Limited Express Shinano to reach Matsumoto station.
Where to stay in Kamikochi?
The most convenient city in Nagano to access Kamikochi is from Matsumoto. Booking an accomodation in Matsumoto is highly recommended. I wanted to visit Kamikochi during the winter but after much research I discovered that Kamikochi was closed. However, I had already planned a relaxing ryokan accommdation in Matsumoto, Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho so we decided to go ahead with our initial plan.
Nestled away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho is a luxury 5-star onsen ryokan offering stunning panoramic Northern Alps views from the room. Its tranquil environment at Hotel Shoho makes it one of the most relaxing mountain retreats in Matsumoto.
Kamikochi Accommodation: How to reach Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho?
To reach Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho Hotel, at Matsumoto Station, you can hop on the hotel’s free shuttle bus, which runs on a regular fixed schedule. Making it easy and convenient for their hotel guests. Public buses are also available however, it is highly recommend to take the hotel’s shuttle to skip the hassle especially when Shoho hotel is perched on a hill.
Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho Hotel is a huge ryokan with extensive facilities. Once we checked in, we started exploring every corner of the ryokan including a souvenir shop featuring exclusive hotel merchandise.
Best Kamikochi Accommodation in Matsumoto
We booked the Japanese-style room, which is their most basic room type. The room was impressively spacious, with a nice division between the bedroom and living space. As a modern ryokan, I love how they’ve preserved the traditional tatami mats and futon bedding. Offering guests a rare and authentic Japanese experience.
The highlight for us was definitely the sweeping mountain view we had straight from our room! I could admired this view all day~
In our room, we were greeted with welcome snacks that are exclusively made by them. They even prepared Yukata in different sizes so we can wear them during our stay.
While exploring, we came across a complimentary self-service beverage corner in the lobby available from afternoon until evening, offering coffee, tea and even draft beer.
At the Shoho Hotel, they make it effortless for guests to unwind in a calm and inviting atmosphere. One of the best spots is the viewing deck, where you can sip a drink while soaking in the Matsumoto mountain views.
11-Course Japanese Kaisek Dinner
When it was dinner time, we went to their dining area and wait for our Japanese kaiseki dinner to be served. Their kaiseki dining experience was unique and interesting as seasonal ingredients from Nagano are used so you get to taste the freshest ingredients.
It was our first time trying Japanese Kaiseki Dinner, we were served an 11-course dining experience from aperitif to dessert. The kaiseki meal was served at a pace that was a bit too relaxed for us Singaporeans, especially since we couldn’t wait to soak in the onsen after dinner. I always dreamed of enjoying a kaiseki meal served in-room but unfortunately, that charming tradition seems to have disappeared.
What made the stay truly special and memorable was the variety of onsen baths around the ryokan. There are open air scenic view baths, indoor baths and footbaths. Each offering a unique view, perfect for unwinding as you soak.
Another Highlight of the entire stay was their breakfast buffet, their breakfast buffet was so scrumptoums and spoilt for choices. We were rushing to start our itineary with our private driver so we didn’t much time to enjoy the breakfast.
During our stay at this Kamikochi accommodation, I fell in love with its tranquil and stunning environment. Even without shops nearby, we are found ourselves pretty occupied with the ryokan facilities. Spending at least two nights is highly recommend to be fully recharge!
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