GLAMPROOK Iizuna

The lake setting was incredible, and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. We had a perfect weekend, with activities that suited the place and complimentary drinks, pizza, and snacks that were a lovely surprise. The food was especially memorable, fresh and tasty, with simple dishes prepared with real skill. I’d worried about the value since it wasn’t cheap, but it felt worth every penny. The staff were friendly, helpful, and spoke both English and Japanese. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you so much.

We spent three nights here for our first glamping trip, and the spacious dome had a lovely interior. Each room is a little different. Mine had a boho, Native American feel, and the textured floor was so nice that we preferred walking barefoot. There were comfortable slippers for the room and the grounds, too. I’d have loved a skylight over the beds, though. The two windows are on the opposite side of the dome, so you don’t see much sky or mountain from bed. Falling asleep under the stars and waking up to the mountains would have been nice. The main building looks minimalist but grand, and the domes add a futuristic touch to the natural setting. It’s a beautiful, remote spot where you can enjoy nature with a bit of luxury. The food felt like it came from a five-star restaurant. We had a mountain-view room, but trees blocked most of the mountains from inside. Outside the domes, the view can be spectacular depending on the weather. Even the fog rolling in made the place feel beautiful and mysterious. My husband and I sat on the deck beside our dome, enjoying the sun and lake view. The lounge and campfire area also has a nice atmosphere, with board games, an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and s’mores by the fire at night. Pizzas are available after 8pm, though I’d hoped for more options than cheese, perhaps some with meat, especially for the price. The staff are friendly and professional, but their manner felt a little too formal. A more casual approach would make the stay feel warmer and more hospitable. There are activities nearby, including swan boats on the lake, mini golf, tennis, and regular golf. There’s also a small playground for children and a large field where you can sit and take in the view. The onsen in the building only opens from 3pm to midnight, and I wish it were available in the morning as well. Another onsen is a 10-minute walk from Glamprook, but that one also opens at 3pm and closes at 9pm. Towels for it are provided at no extra cost. Shower hours are limited too, from 6am to 10am and then 3pm to midnight, so it’s inconvenient if you want to shower at other times. There’s no bathroom in the room, so you have to walk to the main building to use the toilet. That was a hassle for us since we needed it often, though we treated the walks as a little exercise. It is glamping, after all, rather than a hotel. The website lists amenities, but some, like charging cables and Bluetooth speakers, need to be requested. Shower amenities come in a bag rather than being kept in the bathroom or onsen. For the price, I’d expect better quality from things like the hair dryer. There’s also no water provided outside the onsen, unlike at most onsens. This is a lovely escape for nature lovers who don’t want the hassle of camping. There are some inconveniences, but if you can overlook them, it’s a relaxing place to be surrounded by nature. It suits families, couples, and friends. The main question is how much you’re willing to pay for the experience.

A really relaxing, do-nothing kind of winter trip. The indoor temperature was well controlled, so we weren’t cold at all, and the tent, service, food, and facilities all met our expectations. The outdoor facilities are closed for winter, so plan on board games and snow fights. There’s a great onsen nearby where you can also have lunch with local people. One thing to keep in mind: the website says “All inclusive,” but it’s more like breakfast, dinner, and the bar are included. Don’t expect the usual full all-inclusive setup. Staying at Glamprook is definitely a unique experience.

The dome and shared spaces deserve five stars, and the tents are very comfortable. The food, though, is missing something. The open bar could have more choices, like beer, wine, and a few more non-alcoholic drinks. There are two onsens, but only one was in use while I was there, and the opening times felt a bit restrictive. There’s no entertainment or toilet by the tents, so in winter you have a cold walk to use the bathroom. I’d come back if the price were lower, but sadly I won’t.