The Parklodge Kamikochi

It was handy to leave our luggage before check-in, and they could take it to the room if it was ready. We could also store bags after checkout. When rain threatened on checkout day, the staff kindly lent me an umbrella to return at the Kamikochi Tourist Information Center before I got on the bus. Everyone was pleasant, greeted us consistently, and seemed genuinely helpful. The place has a cozy, welcoming feel and is conveniently near Kappa Bashi Bridge. Breakfast and dinner are included for good value, with a clean restaurant and plenty of tasty choices. The shared bath has separate men's and women's facilities and is open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.; facial foam, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hair dryer are provided. I’d gladly return if I get the chance.

I loved having a river-side room on the second floor, with its clean, modern feel and lovely view. The buffet had a good mix of Japanese dishes and Western options, including gratin and beef stewed in red wine. The grilled meats were tender and plentiful, and there were lots of vegetables. Four staff members I spoke with, at the front desk and buffet, were friendly and spoke English fluently. The hotel is right by the bridge, and being able to enjoy it at sunset after the tours and day trippers had left made the splurge feel worthwhile. My only quibble is that I wish breakfast started earlier, or that there were a takeaway option for an early hike.

The restaurant serves a high-quality buffet cooked over a wood fire. Dinner included delicious options like roast pork and fried rockfish, along with seasonal butterbur sprout tempura. At breakfast, the French toast with grilled banana topping was a lovely mix of sweet flavors. The hotel faces the Azusa River, and the wood-filled rooms feel calm and relaxing. There aren’t showers in the rooms, but there’s a large public bath. Staff were friendly and hospitable. Reservations can be made on the website, though rooms fill quickly so it’s best to book early. Credit cards are accepted.

On July 15, a typhoon left my family stranded in the mountains after we missed the last bus. Several hotels turned us away because check-in time had passed, and without somewhere to stay we were facing the possibility of sleeping outside with bears. The kind manager at the park lodge Kamikochi let us have a clean room. Since we’d missed dinner and it was already late, the woman at the counter gave us snacks and gently explained the facilities. We could finally wash off the exhaustion and anxiety from the typhoon and sleep well. Thanks to the parklodge for taking us in and treating us so well. We’ll definitely come again.