Urugi Vacations from $10,342

Excellent private stay with extraordinarily beautiful view. Host so responsive and knowledgeable of the area and was able to connect us for local tea farm tour.

Pros: • The villa is very clean and spacious. The view from the windows is beautiful — you can even see the snowy mountains. • The staff is kind and helpful. Cons: • A smartphone is provided for communication with the staff, but we didn’t receive a response when we sent a question at night. • The latest check-in time is 10:00 PM, which is not very traveler-friendly. That said, the staff did agree to wait for us when we called to ask about checking in at 10:30 PM.

I had the incredible chance to stay at the world’s oldest hotel, and it genuinely lived up to its legend. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was stepping into a different era — not in a museum-like way, but in a quiet, living continuation of tradition. The surroundings are stunning: mountains, rivers, pure silence. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and just be. The hot springs were a highlight — natural, healing, and beautifully maintained. I left feeling physically and mentally reset. Meals were exceptional — local, seasonal, prepared with real care and balance. You can tell this isn’t just hospitality, it’s heritage passed down through generations. The staff were some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Discreet but always there when needed, with a level of attention that feels almost forgotten in today’s world. It’s more than a hotel — it’s an experience of Japanese culture, stillness, and deep respect for nature. I honestly hope my descendants can visit this place another 1,300 years from now. It’s worth preserving forever.