Kamenoi Bessou

An unforgettable stay at an elegant hotel near lake Kinrin. The food, room, and hospitality were all wonderful. It was the ultimate accommodation experience.

The food was at Michelin star level, and the service was outstanding. Kamenoi Besso set such a high standard that the hotels we stayed at afterward couldn't quite match it, and it almost spoiled the rest of our vacation.

The room designs were the best part for me. I spent two nights at Kamenoi Bessou, first in Room 5, then in Room 16, and both had a beautiful, traditional feel that made it easy to unwind. It's a magnificent, quiet place for a traditional ryokan stay, and I can see why it may appeal especially to people in their 40s and above. The staff were kind and very helpful. There was a language barrier, but they stayed patient and willing to assist, which made a real difference. The traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners were good quality, though I noticed quite a few of the same items on both nights. It's a very traditional menu, which may not suit everyone. The main issue came when I moved rooms for the second night. There was a lot of dust on the furniture and some spider webs, and it seemed there hadn't been enough time to clean thoroughly between guests. Despite that, the distinctive rooms and kind staff made the stay memorable.

The fall colors were stunning, and I had the most beautiful time there. The facilities, food, service, and onsen were all sublime.