Country Inn The Classic

The food here was excellent, and the hotel has a quaint feel. It sits right beside Moegi no mura, a really interesting shopping area.

The Christmas decorations by the entrance and the wood stove made winter feel especially cozy. I’d always been curious about this place after passing it in summer, and my first stay completely won me over. The food and room were lovely, right down to the smallest touches, which all felt warm and stylish. I’d thought a winter trip to Kiyosato might be dull since people think of it as a summer resort, but the clear air and blue, cloudless sky have their own appeal beside all that summer greenery. I’ve become a winter fan, and Country in the Classic is a big reason why. The plates and tableware were so beautifully matched that I kept cheering. The fish with mushroom sauce was delicious, and I could’ve kept dipping bread into it. Mont Blanc was rich and filling, while lemon sorbet kept it fresh. I loved the hotel’s own coffee and herbal tea too. I felt moved by the care people put into this place every day, and left feeling as if my heart had been cleansed. I’m completely taken with winter in Kiyosato, especially with good food, Christmas sparkle, and the warmth of the stove. I wholeheartedly recommend both the season and this hotel.

The private bath is in a separate building, so getting there could be tough in the middle of winter. Once inside, though, it was more spacious than the bath in our room and very relaxing. We found the location handy for Kiyosato’s main sights, with Moegi no Mori and Tomono Kono Mori within walking distance. The room was roomy and clean, with lovely dried flowers, paintings, and other decor. Dinner at the restaurant was delicious, too. It was my first stay, and I’d definitely come back.

My mother spent the time before bed browsing a weed encyclopedia and sipping Yamanashi grape cider she’d bought downstairs, lol. The first floor also has plenty of interesting magazines and books, picture books, and board games. The whole place felt lovely, with natural wood, warm dried flowers, Scandinavian-style furniture, and paintings by different artists. We were impressed by the owner’s taste. His profile said he’d been head chef at the Ueno Museum Restaurant, which made sense of it. Dinner was authentic French food, beautifully served and delicious. The local vegetables especially stood out. Breakfast was tasty too, and thoughtfully balanced and presented. Everyone on staff was courteous and kind, with such soothing smiles. My mother and I had a wonderful stay and will definitely visit again.