Twin Storm Ryugu

We had clear weather and got to enjoy the starry sky and the Yatsugatake mountain range from the grounds. The stay felt a bit like being at a relative’s home, and since we visited in October, we only needed to bring a bath towel if using the inn’s bath, a toothbrush, skincare products, pajamas and water. The inn follows a fully bio-sustainable concept, with food sourced from its own farm. The owner runs the place alone, and I feel guests being more considerate might mean fewer harsh reviews. I’d read one saying check-in took 40 minutes, but our explanation took about five. When we said we hadn’t eaten dinner, the owner called a nearby restaurant and kindly arranged for us to go earlier. The inn felt thoughtfully maintained during our stay, despite the critical reviews. The bathroom and washroom are shared, so frequent visitors may want to book a room on the first floor.

This is a place built around the owner’s sustainable ideas, with meals made entirely from home-grown organic vegetables and guests sleeping in their own futons with their own sheets. The owner has a real passion for the idea of a “retreat” at Starry Sky Retreat. If you connect with that, I think you’ll appreciate what makes the inn special. It’s a place to come as a guest and take part in sustainability, with a love for the earth. People who expect luxury and convenience may find the approach confusing, much like a regular business hotel. But there can be pleasure in preparing your own meals and gratitude for the organic produce provided. I checked in around midnight, as some other reviewers did, and the owner still came out to help despite the late hour. He went over the strict rules, and at first I regretted booking. After staying, I understood the concept better. Next time I’ll make sure to arrive on time. Thank you.

I should have checked the details before booking. The rules were numerous, and the owner’s stern manner, lack of smiles and little consideration made the arrival feel more like training than a pleasant welcome. While carrying a small child, I stepped onto the floor to put my shoes on after leaving the designated area. He warned me not to walk around without shoes. If that was the concern, I wish he’d moved the shoes closer. It felt unpleasant. His explanation of the rules came across as overbearing. When I stayed quiet after each one, he asked things like “Are you okay?” and “Is there anything?” as though I were complaining. I also felt watched at various points. At check-in we were told to take everyone’s temperature and use disinfectant, while he stared closely as we did it. My two-year-old wanted to ride the animal dolls in the dining area, so I asked if it was okay. The owner said he wanted the child to sit in the middle of their backs, and an adult supervised the whole process of getting them on. That and the other staring made me very uncomfortable. The restrictions were too much for me. No food or drinks were allowed inside, and during my stay even water was prohibited, so drinking meant using tap water from the well. There was a bathroom but no towels, meaning you’d need to buy one at a convenience store. The bath was by reservation and limited to 45 minutes per family. I was also told the facility echoes a lot and can be difficult for young children, which made me wonder why preschoolers are allowed. The rooms were dim with indirect lighting only, and had no futons or TVs. There were so many unpleasant parts to check-in that I didn’t stay. I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a place like this.

This place has a very particular philosophy, so if you arrive expecting an ordinary hotel, you may regret it. You can’t eat or drink in the rooms, there are no overhead lights, and baths have to be reserved. There are also no towels, refrigerators or air conditioners. I can see it appealing to people who enjoy the inconvenience, but the lack of basic amenities was unacceptable to me.