OUGATOU HOTEL

Ougatou Hotel was my rest stop for the night, after visiting Matsumoto City. The ryokan is situated on the top of a Utsukushigahara Heights. More information about Matsumoto City & the Utsukushigahara Heights can be found at this link

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

You might be interested in Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle is also known as Crow Castle because of its black exterior. Built during the 15th Century, it is designated as a national treasure in Japan. With the Japanese Alps looming in the background, this beautiful historical castle with its unique achitecture is picturesque.

Unlike most castles which was built on a mountain or beside a river. This castle was built on flat land. For protection, the defence system consisted of a triple moat.

Experience the beauty of the castle by visiting the castle during the various seasons. The public park surrounding the castle turns into a cherry blossom viewing spot in the day and at night during spring(April). The Taiko Festival and Takigi Noh are held on the grounds every summer. In Autumn, participate in the moon viewing party and catch sight of the moon from the Moon Viewing pavilion.


I like the castle's unique architecture. From the outside, the castle creates the illusion that there are only 5 levels. Actually the castle has 6 Levels, 1 Level is a hidden level. The viewing deck on the uppermost floor, provides a bird's eye view of Matsumoto City. The outline of the Alps are clearly visible in the distance. Inside, you will find documents and artifacts depicting life during the "Sengoku period". On the way out, do visit the Moon Viewing pavilion. It is attached to the western wing of the main fortress and was designed not for defence, but for entertainment. Okayama Castle and Matsumoto Castle are the only two castles in Japan with a Moon Viewing Wing.








*Please note that the Ticket for the castle includes free admission into the museum in the park. Therefore please include sufficient time for viewing these two places of interest.

*An Awesome find at the Museum Shop - A box of Dark Chocolate Kit Kat with Chilli filling! The spiciness was a perfect combi with the chocolate!My favourite Kit Kat Flavour

Lodging for the night was at Utsukushigahara Ohgatou Hotel 美ヶ原王ヶ頭ホテル The website is in Japanese.


You might be interested in -
Staying at Ohgatou Hotel
Matsue Castle in Okayama, which is also another black castle. I prefer Matsumoto Castle.

Getting to Matsumoto City
I took the JR line from Tokyo Station to Matsumoto Station