Izumigo, AMBIENT Azumino Cottage

“Hotel in the mountain forest”

We came to this hotel after a day of enjoyable sightseeing and hiking at the Snow Wall along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route. The hotel invited us early to the sumptuous and marvellous dinner prepared for us. I like the minced tuna and raw salmon slices, the miso soup, dumpling and vegetable ... more

We came to this hotel after a day of enjoyable sightseeing and hiking at the Snow Wall along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route. The hotel invited us early to the sumptuous and marvellous dinner prepared for us. I like the minced tuna and raw salmon slices, the miso soup, dumpling and vegetable tempura. The wasabi ice cream was an energiser. I thought I would have a sound sleep at night as I was physically exhausted from the day walking but I found my body is not acclimatised to the cold temperature at this mountainous resort. I raised the aircon temperature to the maximum 29 degree and still felt cold. I should have turned on the heater but did not know how to do so. Thus, the bitter coldness woke me up on few occasions disrupting the sleep ryhmth. The next morning, I decided to go for an early morning walk at the Azumino mountain forest behind the hotel. The wind was cold and my hand was numbed as I braved my way up the slope with only a short and t shirt. Back at the hotel, I was greeted with a sumptuous breakfast of yogurt, coffee, soba noodles, nattos, croissants, salad, fresh milk and many other good food. I went for a refreshing onsen bath at basement 2 before check- out. There was no one using the onsen and I have the whole onsen to my self. What I like about this hotel is that it is located right in the mountain forest and the air is filled with so much negative ions from the numerous tall trees. The Japanese named it Shirin yoku. There are beverages at the 'oasis' but were meant for hotel members not the hotel guests. Why the difference? We felt not so welcome. The reception staff were courteous and helpful but it would be ideal if they can learn to speak English. Language barrier inhibits effective communication. We were sent to the West Wing instead of our rooms at the East Wing. We were surprised that both beer and wines were complimentary during dinner. If there is a chance, I would want to stay at this hotel but will remember to turn on the heater at night.

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“Unique”

The third hotel I stayed with my Explore Japan Tour Friends. My impressions are: - I got an apartment style room, combined the standard bed room with tatami style room. It is big, nice, clean and spacious room. - The view of the mountains is excellent, the air so refreshing during autumn, must be... more

The third hotel I stayed with my Explore Japan Tour Friends. My impressions are: - I got an apartment style room, combined the standard bed room with tatami style room. It is big, nice, clean and spacious room. - The view of the mountains is excellent, the air so refreshing during autumn, must be nicer during winter. - The first place I try onsen in Japan, so relaxing and comfy - The architecture of the hotel building is unique

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“Surrounded by mountains and next to Alps Azumino National Park”

Quite secludedly located in a quiet spot up in the mountain. The drive up to the resort was beautiful as we went during winter. With the snow, the place look wonderful. The room is big and came with 2 single beds and a tatami area. Neat and tidy and we were given a room that faced the mountain. N... more

Quite secludedly located in a quiet spot up in the mountain. The drive up to the resort was beautiful as we went during winter. With the snow, the place look wonderful. The room is big and came with 2 single beds and a tatami area. Neat and tidy and we were given a room that faced the mountain. Not much choice at breakfast but food is reasonable good. Onsen is fabulous, big and clean.

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“Reasonable stay, but dont expect 5 star!”

We had a small apartment type room - sitting area, with dining table and chairs, and a small open plan kitchen. Bed room had no window and was very stuffy. You could produce a simple meal. There was quite a good shop although a little expensive. The breakfast was chaotic, small cramped room and... more

We had a small apartment type room - sitting area, with dining table and chairs, and a small open plan kitchen. Bed room had no window and was very stuffy. You could produce a simple meal. There was quite a good shop although a little expensive. The breakfast was chaotic, small cramped room and not a very good choice of western food, what was available wasn't very appetizing. Hotel set in a beautiful area but a very ugly building.

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