Shinshu Kamisuwa Onsen Hotel Saginoyu, an Inn with Amber-Colored Private Hot Spring Source

We stayed here as our Accommodation for cherry-blossom viewing at the Takato Castle Ruins. It was my first visit to Lake Suwa in decades, and I was pleased to see how well maintained the lakeside area is. The Hotel’s proprietress and staff were very attentive, and we had a comfortable stay. The open-air bath in our Room had excellent water quality, the temperature could be adjusted, and the view of Lake Suwa was wonderful—very relaxing. We also enjoyed the meals, though I would have liked a bit more Shinshu highland vegetables. If there were a sour made with fresh fruit juice that wasn’t sweet, it would have been perfect.

This accommodation, with a history dating back to the Meiji era, exudes a charming sense of nostalgia. While the building is old, it is impeccably cleaned and well-maintained, allowing for a comfortable stay. As someone who is very particular about cleanliness, I thoroughly checked areas like the corners of the room and water facilities for dust or dirt but found everything spotless and hygienic.The open-air bath was fantastic. I had a wonderful time relaxing in the bath with my daughter.The staff were incredibly attentive to my daughter, making her feel happy and excited throughout our stay.As for the meals, while they were generally delicious, I personally do not enjoy carp—a specialty of Lake Suwa—which was disappointing for me. For this reason alone, I would rate this accommodation four stars instead of five.With many international hotels and chain hotels entering the market recently, I sincerely hope that traditional Japanese accommodations like this one—offering heartfelt hospitality—will continue to thrive unchanged in years to come.Thank you very much for your hospitality!