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Summary of reviewsKiso Mikawaya, nestled in the heart of the Kiso mountains and offering picturesque views of the Kiso River, provides a tranquil escape for travelers seeking serenity and cultural authenticity. Its location is slightly distanced from the train station, yet the peaceful walk, alongside options like buses and taxis, make it accessible. The hotel is conveniently situated near historical sites, temples, scenic trails, and local shops, benefiting those interested in both sightseeing and natural exploration.
Guests frequently highlight the hotel’s spacious and comfortable rooms, which boast traditional Japanese elements such as tatami mats and futons, along with stunning river views. These features, coupled with soothing river sounds and an excellent onsen, contribute to a relaxing retreat. Cleanliness is generally well-regarded, with minor critiques limited to isolated occurrences.
Culinary experiences are a standout feature at Kiso Mikawaya, with breakfast offering an impressive array of Western and Japanese options, enjoyed with a view of the river. While minor issues such as limited vegetarian choices are noted, the overall dining experience, including delicious dinners, is praised for both quality and value. Unlimited soft drinks and attentive service from friendly staff further enhance the dining satisfaction.
Staff at Kiso Mikawaya are consistently noted for their friendliness, proficiency in English, and exceptional service. Their attentiveness and eagerness to assist ensure a smooth and pleasant stay for international visitors. Despite the hotel's slightly dated appearance, it retains a charming allure, offering excellent value with its traditional ambiance and serene setting that invites exploration of the Kiso Valley's natural and cultural beauty. Overall, Kiso Mikawaya emerges as an inviting choice for travelers seeking comfort and a touch of cultural authenticity amidst Japan’s picturesque landscapes. Show more
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Ryokan with Parking
3-Star Ryokan
Room Types
Japanese-Style Room - Non-SmokingThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The quadruple room features air conditioning, tatami, heating, a flat-screen TV, as well as river views. The unit has 3 futons.
Japanese-Style Quadruple RoomThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The quadruple room features air conditioning, tatami, heating, a flat-screen TV, as well as river views. The unit has 4 futons.
Economy Single RoomThis single room features air conditioning, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Single RoomThis single room features air conditioning, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the Kiso mountains, Kiso Mikawaya presents an idyllic setting with a picturesque view of the Kiso River. The hotel's location offers a tranquil escape, surrounded by majestic mountains and the soothing sound of the river. Although it is a bit further from the train station, the distance is easily covered by a pleasant walk, bus ride, or taxi.
Visitors appreciate the spacious and comfortable rooms, complete with a touch of traditional Japanese ambiance, enhanced by the scent of tatami. The hotel is conveniently situated near historical sites, Buddhist temples, and scenic trails leading to waterfalls. Guests find the proximity to local shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions highly beneficial for sightseeing.
The staff is noted for being friendly and accommodating, speaking English, which adds to the convenience of international travelers. The hotel also provides good service with family-friendly amenities, including public baths and a shampoo bar. Meals offered are varied, with both traditional and cafeteria-style options, catering to different tastes.
Overall, despite its slightly dated appearance, Kiso Mikawaya remains a charming destination, offering excellent value in a serene setting that invites exploration of the natural and cultural beauty of the Kiso Valley.
Breakfast
The culinary experience at Kiso Mikawaya is a highlight for many guests, with the breakfast often noted for its impressive variety and quality. The buffet breakfast seamlessly blends Western and Japanese dishes, providing a hearty start to the day with plenty of options to satisfy diverse tastes. While there are some mentioned shortcomings, such as the limited vegetarian selections and occasional shortages of popular items like scrambled eggs, the overall consensus is positive. The breakfast area offers the added charm of windows overlooking a picturesque river, enhancing the dining experience. The hotel also provides great value, with guests appreciating the inclusivity of meals in the room price, and enjoying the convenience of amenities like a 24-hour drink service. The breakfast is seen as a crucial element in the overall satisfaction with their stay, often complemented by the quality of the dinner offerings.
Dinner
Dinner at Kiso Mikawaya receives high praise for its delicious flavors and satisfying portions, making it exceptional value for money. Guests frequently mention the abundant and tasty offerings, particularly highlighting the local specialty, fried chicken, as a standout dish. While the dinner options require advance reservation, the experience is often described as excellent and fulfilling. Despite the limited variety of the menu, the quality and taste of the meals compensate, leaving guests generally pleased. Both dinner and breakfast, though mentioned to lack certain fresh elements and having limited vegetarian options, are frequently noted as excellent, with unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee adding to the dining experience. While some guests note that the dinner isn't as varied or fresh as they would like, the overall consensus is that both the dinner and breakfast offer a great gastronomic experience at a superb value, making them worthy of recommendation. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, contributing to a warm and enjoyable stay.
Rooms
Kiso Mikawaya is a delightful retreat for travelers seeking a mix of traditional charm and spacious accommodations. Many guests are pleasantly surprised by the generously sized rooms, which are a rarity in Japan, offering a level of comfort hard to match on a typical rail trip across the country. Rooms often come with breathtaking views of the nearby river, providing a serene backdrop and the soothing sounds of water to enhance the stay. Comfort is paramount here, with beds frequently praised for allowing a restful night's sleep.
The cleanliness of the rooms is commendable, with many noting how well-maintained the facilities are, despite the hotel's older construction, which adds a nostalgic touch. Guests also appreciate the thoughtful room layout, where showers and toilets are separate from the living area, enhancing the comfort level. Many rooms feature traditional Japanese elements like tatami mats and futons, which provide a cultural experience alongside the scenic view.
Visitors comment favorably on the hotel's practical location, making it an excellent stopover for those trekking along the historic Nakasendo route. A bonus for weary travelers is the onsen, providing relaxation after a long day of exploring. While some aspects, particularly the bathrooms, may show their age and have room for improvement, the overall feeling remains warm and inviting. In-room amenities, including ample power outlets, air conditioning, and cosy seating areas, further contribute to a satisfying guest experience.
Breakfast at Kiso Mikawaya is often included, offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes, and paired with the view of the river, dining becomes a memorable part of the stay. Despite minor quirks like dim lighting or occasional dust, the hotel offers a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience that leaves a lasting impression.
Beds
Nestled in a picturesque location with a serene river just outside, Kiso Mikawaya is a charming accommodation that offers a delightful experience for travelers. Guests often praise the spacious rooms, which provide ample space for comfort and relaxation. The beds are generally described as very comfortable, providing a restful night's sleep, with some mentioning the preferred firmness creating an ideal sleeping environment.
Traditional Japanese rooms add a cultural touch to the stay, featuring futons that, despite being thin for some, are noted for their comfort. The futons can be stacked for added cushioning, enhancing the sleep experience for those who prefer extra softness.
Accompanied by friendly staff and good service, the hotel has a touch of thoughtfulness, offering vending machines and snacks for convenience. Despite the noted absence of a nearby convenience store, guests appreciate the hotel's amenities, including a wonderful breakfast that enhances the overall stay. One may find the mattresses in some rooms showing signs of wear, but the overall charm and comfort of Kiso Mikawaya make it an inviting choice for travelers seeking both cultural authenticity and relaxation.
Cleanliness
Kiso Mikawaya offers a clean and cozy environment for guests seeking a reasonable accommodation. Many reviews highlight not only the thoroughness of the cleaning, but also the comfortable and traditional atmosphere of the hotel. The facilities are generally tidy, with particular praise directed towards the quiet ambiance and spacious rooms.
While some guests noted minor issues such as outdated aspects of the facility or occasional unpleasant smells, these seem to be isolated occurrences rather than common experiences. The hotel’s dining room and onsen stand out as features that enhance the overall experience, providing both cleanliness and comfort. Despite the basic nature of some amenities, they are deemed appropriate given the cost, adding to the value of the stay at Kiso Mikawaya.
Indeed, the clean and well-furnished rooms, alongside delicious meals, ensure that guests leave with favorable impressions, albeit occasional feedback indicates opportunities for improvement in certain areas like carpets and general upkeep. Overall, Kiso Mikawaya adequately covers the essentials for a comfortable stay, with its cleanliness generally meeting guests' expectations.
Staff
At Kiso Mikawaya, the reviews consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Guests frequently note the attentiveness of the front desk personnel, who are not only courteous but also proficient in English, ensuring smooth communication for international visitors. The staff goes above and beyond, whether explaining heating options or accommodating late check-ins, providing a level of service that is both welcoming and efficient.
Guests appreciate the efforts of the staff in making their stay comfortable, including going out of their way to address forgotten items and offering assistance during check-in. While there were occasional mentions of less-than-expected friendliness, these are exceptions to the overwhelming account of pleasant interactions, with staff often described as fabulous, charming, and understanding.
The establishment blends traditional style with spacious rooms and stunning views of the river, complemented by meals that offer good value. Overall, Kiso Mikawaya emerges as a well-run hotel where the staff's dedication plays a crucial role in the positive experiences of guests, making it a recommended destination for travelers seeking attentive service amidst a serene setting.
No, Kiso Mikawaya doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Kiso Mikawaya.
No, Kiso Mikawaya doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kiso Mikawaya.