Unkai

“The staff were very thoughtful, we stayed for 2 nights and they took the initiation to change the menu so we don't have to eat the same food for 2 days. We paid 5000 yen to have a guide (with perfect English and super nice) to drive us to the Hoshi Toge rice terraces before sunrise. The experience was magnificent. To be able to gaze upon such beautiful rice fields in sparkling snow when the sun pops up is simply mesmerising. On our second day there, because the hotel's restaurant was closed, the hotel offered to drive us to the train station. They even looked up the train schedule to make sure we won't be waiting too long at the station. Unkai means sea of cloud, and it's befitting with seas of cloud seen from our room and the onsen. Everything was perfect, we couldn't ask for more.”

“I LOVE EVERYTHING. The place is worth every penny you'll spend. The BREAKFAST, gosh, it's DELICIOUS. Everything on your plate is FRESH, like you can literally taste it on first bite. The room, the whole place rather, is clean and GORGEOUS. The staffs, though only a few can speak English, is very hospitable and will try their best to assist whatever you need. The VIEW is BREATHTAKING. The ONSEN is the icing on the cake. I just keep coming back! They have a tour at a rice terraces near the area, I recommend taking it. It's just wonderful. I was at awe when we went there. I'll upload pictures I/we have taken on the place, that will be enough to convince you.”

“Everything!!! Except the smoking smell”

“I went there to spend my Christmas night and day. I was not disapointed at all, to say the least. First, the staff come get you at Matsudai train station, which is already a good sign. When I arrived, the staff kindly asked me at what time I wanted dinner and breakfast, then brought me to my room. It was really big, and true Japanese style : tatami, futon, traditional tea service. Note that the toilet are suited for disabled people. Everything was super clean, super tidy. I slept very well. The Yukata (traditional kimono "pyjama") is super comfortable. Then comes the Onsen, the reason I came. It is outstanding. If you bath at night/during the evening, you will basically bath with a view on the stars. During the morning, you will be able to see the sun rise behind the mountains, and see everything from a huge distance. Both scenes are exceptional, so I urge you to bath at least twice a day! I am a bit of a Japanese gastronomy fan, and I cook a lot, so I always look forward to see how the Chef manages his kitchen! The two dinners and breakfast were outstanding. Ultra fresh, pure traditional Japanese meal. I will try to upload the photo later, but believe me, the cooking team knows the drill, very, very well. To conclude, I cannot forget to talk about the staff. They are absolutely adorable, polite, gentle. THANK YOU! Plus : dear photographers friends, it is a perfect spot for astrophotography, if you manage to come in a not cloudy night. I uploaded what I could shot!”