Kiyosato Kogen Highland Hotel

After dinner I went to a piano concert in the music hall, expecting a standard 30-minute reception. Instead, they played one lovely piece after another and explained the background and the composers’ intentions. Before I knew it, an hour and a half had passed. It was a special setting and a wonderful experience. I also got to see my favorite Narcissus flycatcher up close in the garden, which made me very happy. The building is old but well kept, and both the room and restaurant were comfortable. I was very satisfied with the classical, historic French course meal, the room’s forest view, the pleasant private bath, and the staff’s warm hospitality.

The French course meal alone makes this worth visiting. It’s classic and unpretentious, with rich flavors, and was a real pleasure with wine in the dignified dining room. The facilities are clean, and a soak in the hot springs leaves you feeling refreshed. If you happen to stay when there’s a concert with promising young performers, that’s a bonus. The price may be tough for younger visitors, but I’d recommend it as an adults’ hideaway. I hope it doesn’t get too crowded. When you first drive into the forest, you may wonder whether there’s really a hotel there, then the view opens up to a classic hotel among the trees. It’s a small place, but the grounds are spacious, with plenty of parking. The courtyard is lovely for a stroll, and the detached concert hall and private hot spring building have a nice atmosphere. The two-story cottage is rented as a whole and looks out over Mount Yatsugatake and the farm.

We’ve been coming here for more than 40 years, and the hotel seems to change and improve each time. This visit brought together seven of us from four generations of the family. We stayed in a cottage a little away from the main building and drove over there for meals. Tourist season is about to begin, so I expect the hotel will be busy.

The concert in the separate building was great, and I’d like to come back. This little hotel has lovely design and service. Its Western-style building among the trees makes a strong impression as you drive up, and the rooms and building feel elegant and peaceful. The staff are warm and friendly. Meals are classic French, though given the location, I wish the bread were a little better.