Shimosuwa Onsen Chosenkaku Kameya

Dinner and breakfast were a real highlight. Yamada San served both, and each meal was beautifully made and full of local flavor. While we ate dinner, the staff came to lay out our futons, which was a thoughtful touch. We chose this hotel for the Suwa Fireworks Festival, and it’s only a short way from Suwa Lake. The garden was lovely, and the little shop by the front desk had a nice range of basic Suwa souvenirs. The staff were so kind and attentive. I heard one of them welcome a returning guest and remember that their previous visit had been exactly two years earlier, in autumn. The guest was delighted. The building has a long history as a stopping point for merchants traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto. The old road is still intact, with few shops or restaurants nearby, so the area keeps its ancient feel. A famous shrine is just a minute away, and there was a festival there during our stay. Our room was spacious, with a small seating area for four, a larger tatami room with low chairs and a table, plus a private bath and toilet. Guests had to take off their shoes before entering. It was the very room where a princess waited to be married more than 400 years ago. Its calligraphy-covered paper sliding doors are slightly yellowed with age but still beautiful. The room has been preserved so carefully, and we kept thinking about how much effort that must take. I still can’t believe this place is rated only three stars. The service, rooms, history, and stories made it one of the most interesting stays I’ve had. It felt like stepping into the past, with warm, comfortable hospitality. Thank you to everyone who made it special.