If you love adventure and nature, the plateau is a beautiful place to visit. Make that spot your leisure escape, from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life. The air fresher and it is a peaceful spot to enjoy the beauty of the seasons. Come face to face with grazing cows and recharge with a night's rest at Ougatou Hotel.
I caught the Ryokan's complimentary bus service from JR Matsumoto Station. Took us about 60 mins to get to the hotel. One beauty of travelling during the low season(April), was that I only had 3 other couples joining me at the hotel. Despite the low visitor numbers, the hotel's hospitality standards were impeccable! I have only praise for the staff! The warm hospitality and attention to details, simply made you feel at home.
What I liked about the Ryokan, is that it has 3 private open air baths and two indoor baths for the different genders. Don't oversoak or you will end up as "wrinkled prune" * Due to the high temperature of the water, oversoaking in the bath will result in red and wrinkled skin! Not exactly a pretty sight! Use the massage chair to knock away your tiredness and stiff shoulders from work stress! Enjoy the quietness of the night and the chilling night wind caressing your face, when you soak in the open air bath!
The ryokan has Western and Japanese style rooms. It has 4 levels and is handicap friendly with a lift to take you to the different floors. The are two viewing decks at the front and back, for you to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. Guests are given the option of whether they would like to have their meals in the hotel. Complimentary activities include, a slide show of photographs after dinner, a tour of the plateau in the morning, star gazing at night, wine tasting session to sample the wine made by the hotel and more. This hotel is usually packed during the busy season, so visitors are advised to make their reservations early.
View of the hotel and the surroundings
Dinner
A foggy, rainy and cold morning. I woke up specially to catch the sunset and this was the view that greeted me
Breakfast
Sightseeing on the Plateau in the morning
The bell tower
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