Keiryuso Shiorie

This small, cozy hotel made our three-day trip to Kamikochi wonderful and unforgettable. The room was neat and clean, and the foot bath on the balcony was relaxing. We could listen to the brook next to the hotel while soaking our feet. Everything felt perfect.

We were lucky to stay at Keiryu-so Shiorie. Its location near the Sawando Bus terminal made it easy to get to Kamikochi. The taxi rank is right beside the ryokan, so we could catch a taxi at 5am to see the sunrise and beat the crowds. The ryokan is beautiful, and the staff are very accommodating and focused on their guests. There are only 8 rooms, and each room gets one complimentary session at the private onsen per day, even though ours also had its own outdoor bath. Men and women have separate communal baths too. The one downside was that most of the dinner menu was repeated on our second night, apart from the main course.

The setting was traditional Japanese, and it wasn’t crowded, so we got to spend some really good time here. Breakfast and dinner were served. The only downside was that there was no shower in the room.

We rented a car from Matsumoto to spend one night experiencing an authentic ryokan, and it was worth it. Our room had an outdoor hot spring bath, and there were more hot spring baths in the ryokan: a private one you can reserve, plus separate public baths for women and men that become private after 11pm. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, the service was wonderful, and the amenities were great. At check-in, we were given traditional dress so we could fully enjoy the experience. The staff were lovely, and the little gifts added to the place’s charm. Couldn’t recommend it enough. If you’re thinking about it, book it :)