Kamikochi Myojinkan

I slept well in the comfortable, spotless tatami room, and the hot bath and onsen made the mountain stay feel complete. This is a lovely hut beside a myōjin pond, with a peaceful, scenic setting and authentic, delicious meals.

I only tried the cafe, so I can’t say anything about the accommodations. At around lunchtime it was hectic, and several dishes were already sold out when I arrived. Staff sometimes seemed to take a while to keep up. You pay cash at a machine, then take the ticket to the counter. Oden and gyudon were still available, and both were tasty with good-sized portions. Credit cards are accepted if you spend over 1000 Yen. Stop in for a meal while hiking the trails.

A convenient place to pause and relax. On my first visit it rained too much, but once the weather cleared later, the view from the shop area was great and it was nice to chill there.

The staff made this five-night stay feel so welcoming. They were all so lovely, kind, and helpful, and I’d happily return if I visit Kamikochi again. They took great care with my dietary needs, including gluten and dairy sensitivities and vegetarian or vacation-pescatarian eating, so I didn’t have to worry about meals. Dinner was delicious every day, and breakfast was just as good. After my walks I loved unwinding in the communal hot bath. I wanted a slow retreat in nature, and this ryokan suited me well. It’s some distance from crowded Kappabashi but still not too far, about an enjoyable 40-minute walk through the forest from the bus station. Tokusawa and Yokoo trailheads nearby made it convenient to explore the lower parts of those trails. I don’t climb peaks. Myojin shrine and pond are only minutes away, and Myojindake looked beautiful from my window each morning. When I managed to get up at 5:30am, an early forest walk felt magical. I stayed in the annex, which was super clean, even by my clean-freak standards :-p. I noticed improvement work underway on the room level of the main building, so I think the place will only get better. My room was petite and cozy, with tatami, a futon, hot tea, and a very good heater. Even with the daily power off from 9:30pm, it stayed warm all night, including when I left the window open a small gap. I’d worried a little about a traditional ryokan without beds, but I didn’t regret booking it and really enjoyed the stay. For longer walks, you can order a simple packed lunch of onigiri and pickles. The shop also sells food, snacks, drinks, and some hiking essentials. I liked relaxing on the communal balcony too, where you can see stars at night if the sky is clear.