Kamikouchi Hotel SHIRAKABASO

We had a wonderful stay at Shirakabaso during the busy Golden Week period. Our Japanese-style room on the third floor was very comfortable, with a breathtaking view of mt. Hotaka. After walking around Kamikochi, I thought it was the best hotel view there. It was cold, stormy, and rainy when we arrived, and we got soaked. While we waited for the 3pm check-in, the reception staff kindly gave us towels and room sandals to wear instead of our wet sneakers. We asked, and they were happy to help, though I got the sense this might not be a usual request. Both dinner and breakfast were excellent. The breakfast was just what we wanted after a cold morning walk in the woods. There’s a public bath open from 3pm to 9am, with no reservations needed. We didn’t use it, but it looked good. Highly recommended, and absolutely worth the price!

The French dinner was excellent, and breakfast was a Japanese buffet. After a day walking in the mountains, the small indoor onsen was really relaxing. Our first-floor mountain-view room had a balcony and plenty of amenities, and I think the view may be the best of any hotel in Kamikochi. It was expensive, but worth it for me because I proposed to my girlfriend here. I’m annoyed that the first Google review is a one-star post from a tourist who seemed entitled and hadn’t done her research. The hotel doesn’t make the park rules. It’s a wonderful place.

I went in August 2024, when the weather was pleasant and not as hot as in other parts of Japan. The hotel had a peaceful, welcoming feel. My room was decorated in traditional Japanese style, and the mountain view from the window was stunning. Evenings and nights were comfortably cool, and on a dark, clear sky you could see lots of stars. Dinner felt like fine dining and made a strong impression. Breakfast was a typical hotel buffet, with good flavors. I thought the stay was worth the price.

The staff were cheerful and kind, and the hospitality was lovely. The hotel is right by Kappa bashi bridge, with mountain views from the room that make for a stunning wake-up. After walking all day, the hot tub public bath was quite good, even though it isn’t an onsen. Breakfast didn’t have a huge range, but it was tasty, and I especially liked the variety of local vegetables. There’s also a very lovely secret Kappa stand outside the hotel building. I’d recommend it!