The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota
Karuizawa / 軽井沢
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota is the new flagship property for Hiramatsu, a group of luxury ryokans
THE STORY
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota is the new flagship property for Hiramatsu, a group of luxury ryokans that sprang from a ground-breaking French restaurant in Tokyo.
True to these roots, this property places fine dining at the center of the experience, crafting all elements around the concept of the “grand auberge.” At the helm is Bocuse-trained chef Akio Yanagihara, a veteran of several Hiramatsu restaurants in Tokyo and Paris. He delves into the rich produce of Nagano’s Shinshu region to craft Japan-inflected French cuisine that holistically nourishes body and mind, flexibly turning his skills to two in-house restaurants, exclusive in-room dining menus, and even picnic baskets to bring the dining experience as close to nature as possible.
The 28 rooms and 9 villa suites all have spacious balconies or verandas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and semi-open air hot spring baths with mineral rich waters brought in from the famed onsen town of Ueda daily, ensuring guests can revel in the natural beauty of the mountain-side locale. Fireside lounges, a state-of-the-art sound library, and a spa round out the opportunities for relaxation, all adorned with an eclectic mix of art that spans prehistoric pottery shards to contemporary photography.
Through activities and ambiance, The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota places guests in communion with nature, fostering a physical and mental relaxation that whets the appetite for their cuisine. This virtuous cycle of a hospitality experience defined by fine dining and fine dining enriched by the experience is the hallmark of their ryokan.
True to these roots, this property places fine dining at the center of the experience, crafting all elements around the concept of the “grand auberge.” At the helm is Bocuse-trained chef Akio Yanagihara, a veteran of several Hiramatsu restaurants in Tokyo and Paris. He delves into the rich produce of Nagano’s Shinshu region to craft Japan-inflected French cuisine that holistically nourishes body and mind, flexibly turning his skills to two in-house restaurants, exclusive in-room dining menus, and even picnic baskets to bring the dining experience as close to nature as possible.
The 28 rooms and 9 villa suites all have spacious balconies or verandas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and semi-open air hot spring baths with mineral rich waters brought in from the famed onsen town of Ueda daily, ensuring guests can revel in the natural beauty of the mountain-side locale. Fireside lounges, a state-of-the-art sound library, and a spa round out the opportunities for relaxation, all adorned with an eclectic mix of art that spans prehistoric pottery shards to contemporary photography.
Through activities and ambiance, The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota places guests in communion with nature, fostering a physical and mental relaxation that whets the appetite for their cuisine. This virtuous cycle of a hospitality experience defined by fine dining and fine dining enriched by the experience is the hallmark of their ryokan.
ROOMS
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ROOM
The HIRAMATSU Suite
The two-bedroom The Hiramatsu Suite rises over the property, a luxurious sense of privac…
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ROOM
Dog Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space …
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ROOM
Terrace Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space …
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ROOM
Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space …
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ROOM
Miyota Suite
The one-bedroom Miyota Suites have windows on the north and south sides, offering expans…
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ROOM
Junior Suite Sky View (3-4F)
The corner Junior Suites have wrap-around balconies with both sofas and armchairs, offer…
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ROOM
Junior Suite Forest View (1-2F)
The corner Junior Suites have wrap-around balconies with both sofas and armchairs, offer…
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ROOM
Deluxe Twin Sky View (3-4F)
The standard Deluxe Twin rooms all have slightly different layouts, but include a living…
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ROOM
Deluxe Twin Forest View (1-2F)
The standard Deluxe Twin rooms all have slightly different layouts, but include a living…
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ROOM
The HIRAMATSU Suite
The two-bedroom The Hiramatsu Suite rises over the property, a luxurious sense of privacy enabled by its fifth-floor perch. With windows on three sides, the suite offers expansive views of the Yatsugatake Mountains across the hamlet of Miyota and the sunset to the west. The suite offers the largest balcony in the hotel, complete with daybed perfect for midafternoon snoozing, a marble hot spring bath large enough for two, and a shower for each bedroom. The living and dining area provides ample space for in-room dining and leisure, but can be separated from the main bedroom by partition for additional privacy when needed. Both bedrooms feature organic natural-material Iwata beds from Kyoto.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Dog Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space all your own. Hiramatsu recognizes that dogs are cherished family members and has created this space to enable guests to share their travels with their furry companions. The Dog Villa has the same amenities as the Villa Suite with a few additions to make the space more dog friendly, like non-slip flooring, more durable fabrics, dog baths at the entrances, and a fenced-in run in the garden. Everything your pet will need, including a special Simmons dog bed, crate, and potty pads, is provided, as well as a gift basket just for Fido filled with toys and healthy, locally made snacks like venison jerky. With a kitchen included, there’s no need to leave your pet alone at dinnertime or settle for less than a spectacular meal, since Chef Yanagihara has prepared an exclusive in-room French meal only available at the villas, as well as special winter hotpots.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Terrace Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space all your own. As the name suggests, the Terrace Villas have an expansive, partially covered wood terrace for outdoor relaxation. Nestled under the towering pines on the eastern-most edge of the grounds, these shaded suites are ideal for barbecuing in summer. Indoors, guests have a fully equipped kitchen complete with complimentary drinks, a dining area with exquisite custom resin and wood table, and a cozy living area warmed by heated floors and a gas fireplace. The suite has a semi-open air hot spring bath, and each bedroom has its own shower, double vanity, and toilet, as well as upgraded organic natural-material Iwata beds from Kyoto.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Villa Suite
The freestanding two-bedroom villas offer outstanding privacy with a quiet wooded space all your own. The Villa Suites have a wood veranda descending to a grassy garden, the ideal space for children to play outside while parents relax with a drink on the daybed. In winter, the adults can watch from the warmth of the living room, enjoying the heated floors and gas fireplace, while the kids transform freshly fallen snow into snowmen. A fully equipped kitchen and dining space makes the suite suitable for longer stays, with complimentary drinks refreshed daily. Each suite has a semi-open air hot spring bath, and both bedrooms have a private shower, double vanity, and toilet, as well as upgraded organic natural-material Iwata beds from Kyoto.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Miyota Suite
The one-bedroom Miyota Suites have windows on the north and south sides, offering expansive views on the little town of Miyota and its surrounding mountains on the latter and up-close views of wildlife flitting through the forest on the former, with binoculars provided for any visiting birders. The open-plan layout creates an airy feel everywhere in the suite, although the bedroom can be partitioned off when needed. The large dining table makes this an ideal choice for young families or others who prefer in-room meals. An open-air balcony and semi-open air hot spring bath offer venues for fresh air relaxation in all seasons. The bedroom has an upgraded organic natural-material Iwata bed from Kyoto.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Junior Suite Sky View (3-4F)
The corner Junior Suites have wrap-around balconies with both sofas and armchairs, offering the perfect roost to lounge with a fresh-air coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at dusk. Indoors, overstuffed sectional sofas invite guests to stretch out and enjoy a movie on the cunningly concealed TV or to curl up with a book or loved one and just bask in the sun. In addition to coffee beans from a local roaster, fresh Shinsu fruit juices, and original organic amenities from plant biomethodology pioneer Waphyto, all rooms in the main building feature a semi-open air hot spring bath big enough for two, supplied with Hiramatsu’s signature hinoki cedar ribbon for an extra aromatic touch. The sky-view rooms are located on the third and fourth floors, while forest-view rooms are found on the first and second.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Junior Suite Forest View (1-2F)
The corner Junior Suites have wrap-around balconies with both sofas and armchairs, offering the perfect roost to lounge with a fresh-air coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at dusk. Indoors, overstuffed sectional sofas invite guests to stretch out and enjoy a movie on the cunningly concealed TV or to curl up with a book or loved one and just bask in the sun. In addition to coffee beans from a local roaster, fresh Shinsu fruit juices, and original organic amenities from plant biomethodology pioneer Waphyto, all rooms in the main building feature a semi-open air hot spring bath big enough for two, supplied with Hiramatsu’s signature hinoki cedar ribbon for an extra aromatic touch. The sky-view rooms are located on the third and fourth floors, while forest-view rooms are found on the first and second.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Deluxe Twin Sky View (3-4F)
The standard Deluxe Twin rooms all have slightly different layouts, but include a living space, work desk, balcony with sofa, and walk-in closets spacious enough for several large suitcases. All-natural materials like leather, wood, and thick weave fabrics create a tactile experience while the neutral shades leave the view in pride of place. In addition to coffee beans from a local roaster, fresh Shinshu fruit juices, and original organic amenities from plant biomethodology pioneer Waphyto, all rooms in the main building feature a semi-open air hot spring bath big enough for two, supplied with Hiramatsu’s signature hinoki cedar ribbon for an extra aromatic touch. The sky-view rooms are located on the third and fourth floors, while forest-view rooms are found on the first and second.
RESERVATION
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ROOM
Deluxe Twin Forest View (1-2F)
The standard Deluxe Twin rooms all have slightly different layouts, but include a living space, work desk, balcony with sofa, and walk-in closets spacious enough for several large suitcases. All-natural materials like leather, wood, and thick weave fabrics create a tactile experience while the neutral shades leave the view in pride of place. In addition to coffee beans from a local roaster, fresh Shinshu fruit juices, and original organic amenities from plant biomethodology pioneer Waphyto, all rooms in the main building feature a semi-open air hot spring bath big enough for two, supplied with Hiramatsu’s signature hinoki cedar ribbon for an extra aromatic touch. The sky-view rooms are located on the third and fourth floors, while forest-view rooms are found on the first and second.
RESERVATION
FACILITIES &
SERVICES
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Le Grand Lys (Main Dining on 1F)
Main dining room Le Grand Lys has a burbling spring lit by a silver drop light chandelier at its center, obliquely referencing the nourishing way terroir infuses the cuisine. The ambiance is classic European elegance, with Champagne iced in bowls of Cristofle silver, satiny white linens enlivened by the occasional pop of umber and yellow, and besuited waitstaff standing at the ready, but the 6-, 8-, and 9-course menus are an only-in-Nagano experience. Chef Yanagihara’s precise plating and classic preparations speak to his long experience in French kitchens, while the incredibly fresh ingredients and unexpected appearance of dashi and other stars of the washoku repertoire allow Japan’s distinctive umami to shine through for an unforgettable meal. Family friendly private rooms available.
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La Lumière Claire (All Day Dining on 5F)
Whereas the first-floor main dining room touts its connection to the earth, all-day dining venue La Lumière Claire stretches toward the sky. From its fifth-floor perch, the airy space uses sparce décor and windows along both sides to immediately turn attention to the view. Particularly during breakfast, when soft morning light rolls over the valley, it’s a stunning backdrop for a meal. It’s the venue for the hotel’s signature breakfast, replete with local produce, milk and butter from nearby Kouzu Dairy Farm, and fresh-baked bread. Later in the day, the restaurant serves an a la carte lunch, tea time, and dinner menu, as well as a degustation dinner course. By night, it transforms into a sultry bar space with an eye-popping collection of calvados and Japanese whiskies to explore around the central fireplace or on the open-air terrace.
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Chef
Youthful chef Akio Yanagihara came up through the kitchens of Nouvelle Cuisine ambassador Paul Bocuse, including Daikanyama’s Maison Paul Bocuse, before heading to France to work at Hiramatsu’s Paris restaurant. On returning to Japan, he honed his skills at Restaurant Hiramatsu Hiroo and Restaurant Hiramatsu Réserve before being tapped to helm the kitchen at the group’s new flagship hotel in Miyota.
Unlike his previous urban locations, living in Nagano allows Yanagihara to seek inspiration for his cuisine at the source, visiting the fields and farms of Shinshu to personally choose the best, freshest fare. By combining these locally produced ingredients with the refined techniques of French cuisine and his own philosophy that meals should holistically nourish body and mind, he seeks to provide diners with a unique dining experience deeply rooted in Miyota’s terroir. -
Dining Options
In addition to the superlative meals offered at the two restaurants and a generous in-room dining menu, Chef Yanagihara has prepared a variety of dining options to make the most of the hotel’s natural environment. In fine weather, guests can opt to stroll the grounds and take a light breakfast picnic-style. Meanwhile, villa guests have the option of an exclusive menu served in their room, private garden or veranda or to barbecue for themselves with a chef’s selection of fresh vegetables, premium Shinshu beef, and seafood. In winter, they can opt for an umami-rich hot pot created in collaboration with the washoku chef at Hiramatsu’s Kyoto property.
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Lobby Lounge
As the venue for check-in, the lounge immediately exudes a sense of welcome. The crackling fireplace at its heart entices guests to warm themselves by the flames on cold days, while the floor-to-ceiling views across the sleepy hamlet of Miyota to the Yatsugatake Mountains draws them out to the veranda in fine weather to better take in the view.
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TAKIBI Lounge
Under the sheltering boughs of the surrounding forest, the evening TAKIBI Lounge invites visitors to imbibe the beauty of their surroundings from the atavistic comfort of the fireside. Individual wrought iron firepits for each group and elegant lounge furniture are used to create a spacious open-air lounge equally suited for family bonding, solo relaxation, or a romantic tete-a-tete at dusk. Nostalgic campsite pleasures like roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa join the more adult delectations of homemade mulled wine, craft coffee, and seasonal light snacks prepared by Chef Yanagihara, all conspiring to lull guests into a peaceful languor ahead of dinner.
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Art
The art collection spans contemporary pieces commissioned for the hotel to ceramics from the prehistoric Jomon Period (14,000–300 BCE) that were unearthed during the construction of the hotel. Fitting for a Japanese brand that grew out of a French restaurant, art that bridges Occident and Orient features heavily, including photography from Man Ray and Darren Almond, Venetian-style glassworks from Ritsue Mishima, and calligraphy-influenced paintings by Kyoji Takubo, whose panels depicting Miyota’s abundant apple trees grace the lobby lounge. Despite their diverse media and provenance, the earthy tones, natural materials, and subtle whimsy of the works strike a harmonious balance that sings with understated luxury.
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Library Café & Sound Room
While the locale provides plenty of opportunities for active enjoyment, the first floor of the annex building offers pleasures of a more cerebral kind. Entering the light, airy lobby, visitors are greeted by long shelves of attractive browsing books in various languages, plus studded leather armchairs and cabin-chic curios that invite lazy perusal. Beyond that is a separate “sound room” with turntable, McIntosh amplifier, Harbeth speakers, and a genre-spanning LP collection. Across the hall is a self-serve café with a DeLonghi coffee machine and broad selection of teas. Put on Portrait in Jazz, sink into a creamy suede couch with a cappuccino at your elbow, and before you know it, you’ll have whiled away a sublimely pleasant afternoon.
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Wellness Salon
Located on the second floor of the annex building, the Wellness Salon offers treatments designed to enhance your enjoyment of the stay and tailored to extract the maximum benefit from Chef Yanagihara’s healthful and balanced cuisine. Along with traditional massages and facials, guests can try innovative treatments at the cutting edge of science, including Suisonia’s active hydrogen steam inhaler or a fascia release treatment using specialized gloves and equipment to gently manipulate the body’s eddy currents. The roomy treatment room can accommodate couples, while an adjoining open-air veranda is the venue for free yoga classes.
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Private Yoga Lesson
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota focuses on your benefits of health and wellness, not only by providing an exquisite meal with fresh local ingredients but also by offering you some activities during your stay. Private yoga lessons at the terrace of guest room may help alleviate your daily hassles and make the best use of the exquisite meal The Hiramatsu offers to your health and wellness.
** Yoga mats and blocks are available at The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota.
Time | We will adjust the time according to your schedule.Advanced reservation is required by the day before your appointment date at 22:00.
Price (tax incl.) | ¥15,000 ** ¥7,500 of the extension fee may be charged for each 30 minutes extension.
Age Limit | Over 12 years old -
Horseback Riding and Trekking
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota focuses on your benefits of health and wellness, not only by providing an exquisite meal with fresh local ingredients but also by offering you some activities during your stay. Horseback riding and trekking have numerous benefits both for physical and mental health. The major health benefits of horseback riding are improving core strength, promoting healthy circulation and flexibility, boosting mood, and reducing stress. You can enjoy horseback riding and trekking, feeling Mt. Asama's fresh breeze and beautiful nature.
Time | 50 min / 100 min / 150 min
Advanced reservation is required by the day before your reservation date at 16:00.
Price (tax incl.) | 50 min / ¥20,000 per person
100 min / ¥28,000 per person
150 min / ¥40,000 per person
Age Limit | Over 9 years old
(Over 12 years old for 100 min & 150 min courses) -
Private Trekking Tour
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota focuses on your benefits of health and wellness, not only by providing an exquisite meal with fresh local ingredients but also by offering you some activities during your stay. Our private trekking tour offers you to meet alpine plants, wild birds, and animals as well as stunning views, which can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from beginners to advanced climbers. (next)
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Private Trekking Tour
Course | •Mt. Takamine Beginner Course: Approx. 2 hours
•Mt. Kurofu Intermediate Course: Approx. 4 hours
•Mt. Mizunoto Advanced Course: Approx. 4 hours and 30 min
Advanced reservation is required 3 days before your reservation date at 16:00.
Price (tax incl.) | •Mt. Takamine Beginner Course: ¥20,000 per group (maximum number of parties is 15)
•Mt. Kurofu Intermediate Course: ¥23,000 per group (maximum number of parties is 15)
•Mt. Mizunoto Advanced Course: ¥25,000 per group (maximum number of parties is 15)
** The price includes a special light meal made by our chef for everyone in the group.
** Please bring these items on your own: trekking shoes, hat, globes, backpack, long-sleeve jacket, long pants, and raincoat.
Age Limit | •Beginner Course: Over 7 years old
•Intermediate & Advanced Course: Over 11 years old -
Private Snowshoe Trekking Tour (Winter Special)
The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota focuses on your benefits of health and wellness, not only by providing an exquisite meal with fresh local ingredients but also by offering you some activities during your stay. A private snowshoe trekking tour is only available for winter. Enjoy the spectacular view of the winter mountains that can only be seen at this time of year. (next)
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Private Snowshoe Trekking Tour (Winter Special)
Period | From December 23, 2022, until March 26, 2023
Course | Mt. Takamine Course: Approx. 3 hours and 30 min
Advanced reservation is required 3 days before your reservation date at 16:00.
Price (tax incl.) | Mt. Takamine Course: ¥25,000 per group (maximum number of parties is 6)
** The price includes rental equipment and special soups made by our chef for everyone in the group.
** Rental equipment includes snowshoes, snow boots (in a size between 19cm and 28cm) and trekking poles.
Age Limit | Over 7 years old
Language | Japanese and English
Map &
Transportation
| Closest Train Station | Arrive at JR Karuizawa Station and transfer to Shinano Railway (15 min) and get to Miyota Station. | |
|---|---|---|
| Closest Bus Station | N/A | |
| Free pick-up service | YES - Complimentary taxi transfer from Shinano Railway Miyota Station. Advance reservation required through the hotel. |
Key Gate Way Int'l Airport and Train (Shinkansen) Station
MOVIE
Ryokan Data
| Area | Karuizawa / 軽井沢 |
|---|---|
| Name of Ryokan | The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota / ザ・ひらまつ 軽井沢 御代田 |
| Address | 375-723 Oaza Shiono, Miyota-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0201 〒389-0201 長野県北佐久郡御代田町大字塩野375番地723 |
| Total Number of Rooms | 37 rooms |
| Check-in Time | 15:00 |
| Check-Out Time | 11:00 |
| Credit Card | Yes |
Meals
| Dinner Start Time | 17:30 - 20:30 |
|---|---|
| Breakfast Start Time | 7:30 - 9:30 |
| In Room Dining Available | No |
| Bar | |
| Special Dietary Arrangements | Yes |
| Vegan Friendly | Yes |
| Western Breakfast Available | Yes - Advance reservation required for Japanese breakfast |
Other Facilities & Services
| Communal Bath | No |
|---|---|
| Family Bath | No |
| Private indoor bath in room | Yes |
| Private open-air bath in the room | Yes |
Room Rates
| Room Type | Number of guest per room (JPY) | |||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| The HIRAMATSU Suite | 344,000 | 184,000 | 131,000 | 104,000 |
| Dog Villa Suite | 292,000 | 158,000 | 114,000 | 91,000 |
| Terrace Villa Suite | 264,000 | 144,000 | 104,000 | 84,000 |
| Villa Suite | 224,000 | 124,000 | 91,000 | 74,000 |
| Miyota Suite | 176,000 | 100,000 | 79,000 | N/A |
| Junior Suite Sky View (3-4F) | 128,000 | 76,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Junior Suite Forest View (1-2F) | 108,000 | 66,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Deluxe Twin Sky View (3-4F) | 96,000 | 60,000 | 52,000 | N/A |
| Deluxe Twin Forest View (1-2F) | 88,000 | 56,000 | 49,000 | N/A |
No-smoking room: YES
Barrier free : NO
Ryokan rate is for one person, including one night accommodation, full-course dinner, breakfast, service charge, and tax.
Please note that the rate will change depending on number of guests and dates. Please contact us for the further details.
- The mentioned rates and service are available only for LRC Members who book through LRC's website.
Barrier free : NO
Ryokan rate is for one person, including one night accommodation, full-course dinner, breakfast, service charge, and tax.
Please note that the rate will change depending on number of guests and dates. Please contact us for the further details.
- The mentioned rates and service are available only for LRC Members who book through LRC's website.
- Please contact us for more information about the rates.
- Please note that a particular room cannot be guaranteed in advance unless otherwise stated by The Ryokan Collection