Escape to Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa: Noboribetsu's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa: Forget Your Problems, Find Your Happy Place (Maybe!) - A Seriously Honest Review.
Okay, so, picture this: you're frazzled. Life's been a dumpster fire. You need out. You need Noboribetsu. And, if you're smart, you need Escape to Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa. Let's just get this out of the way: It's not perfect. But it's got that elusive "something" that makes it worth the trip. And, hey, who wants perfect anyway? It's boring.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Okay
Getting there is a bit of a journey. It's a bit of a hike from the nearest public transport, which means you're pretty much dependant on a car or their airport transfer service. So, let's just say it's not the easiest place to roll up to. The hotel itself has elevators though, which is a huge win for travellers with mobility issues. There's facilities for disabled guests too, which is good to hear. While the location might be a hurdle to entry, the inside is certainly pretty easy.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges: Food, Glorious Food (Even If It's Not Always Perfect)
Alright, let's talk guts. The food. This is where things get interesting. There's a bunch of options. Multiple restaurants! You've got your Asian cuisine, your Western cuisine, and all kinds of fusions in between.
- The Buffet: Brace yourselves. I'm not a huge buffet person normally. They're usually… well, let's just say, they can be a little generic. BUT the breakfast buffet here? Surprisingly good! Plenty of options, from the Asian breakfast to the Western breakfast, which is excellent. And they have Coffee/tea in restaurant - vital for a good start to the day. I gorged myself on fresh fruit. Seriously, I think I ate my weight in mangoes.
- A La Carte: Haven't tried.
- Snack Bar: Always a good idea.
- Poolside Bar: Well, in summer, at least.
Wheelchair Accessible: Mostly, But…
As previously mentioned, Facilities for disabled guests are a plus. The elevators are a godsend. I didn't personally test the wheelchair accessibility extensively beyond the main areas, but I saw enough to think that with some planning, it’s doable.
Internet: Because We're All Addicts
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, you get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in the public areas too! They even offer Internet [LAN]! So, you know, if you're into that sort of thing. It's Internet services are available, so you can have your fix, and you can get your news.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: A Sanctuary, Really
This is the good stuff. This is why you go. This is where the "escape" part comes in.
- The Spa is LIFE: Okay, full disclosure: I'm a sucker for a good spa. And the spa here? Chef's kiss. Seriously. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage - Spa/sauna! The Sauna! It’s an entire experience, and I want to relive every second. Oh, the bliss! I spent a good chunk of the afternoon in the Spa, doing absolutely nothing but melting into a puddle of relaxation.
- The Pools! (Outdoor): Okay, Swimming pool [outdoor] is amazing!
- Fitness Center: I'm not usually one for the gym on vacation, but I peeked in. It's there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Staff trained in safety protocol:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the whole nine yards.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- First aid kit on hand too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me!
I already sort of covered this, but it deserves its own section. The Breakfast [buffet] alone is worth the trip, honestly. Other options listed above! I'm not sure if it's worth mentioning, but essential bottle of water is available
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
They've thought of most things. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage. Meeting/banquet facilities too, if you’re so inclined. They've even got a Gift/souvenir shop – which is dangerous for someone like me.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
- Babysitting service.
- Family/child friendly.
- Kids meal.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Car park [free of charge].
- Car park [on-site].
- Taxi service.
- Airport transfer.
Available in All Rooms: Comforts of Home (and Then Some)
- Air conditioning.
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- Mini bar.
- Slippers.
- Towels.
- Wi-Fi [free].
Quirks and Imperfections: The Real Deal
Here's the thing: this place isn't flawless. The exterior corridor is a bit… well, it's not winning any design awards. The room decorations are a little dated, but they do have the non-smoking rooms. The service, while generally excellent has blips. And, honestly, the sheer number of tourists is a little much.
The Verdict: Book It (But Manage Your Expectations!)
Here's my brutally honest take: Escape to Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa is a solid choice. It’s a fantastic getaway, full of spa vibes, and the breakfast is truly amazing.
But here's the HUGE selling point.
- *This is where you escape. Forget your problems there.
My recommendation? Go. Just go. Book your damn trip, and prepare to relax, unwind, and maybe even find a little slice of happiness. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
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CALL TO ACTION:
Ready to Escape the Ordinary? Escape to Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa and book NOW! Experience the ultimate spa getaway, savor incredible food, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to book your unforgettable escape! [Link to booking website]
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Kitayuzawa & Noboribetsu: My Attempt at Zen and Likely Failure (A Travel Diary)
Okay, here goes nothing. I’m supposed to be Mr. Chill-Out, Zen Master of the Onsen, soaking in the beauty of Hokkaido. Reality? I’m probably going to be a sweaty, slightly stressed guy, desperately trying not to offend anyone with my clumsy chopstick skills. But hey, that's the adventure, right? Let the chaos begin!
Day 1: Arrival and the "Humbled by a Hot Spring" Experience
- Morning (or, "The Jet Lag Tango"): Arrived at New Chitose Airport. Pretty seamless, actually! Kudos to the Japanese efficiency – even the passport control folks were polite, even when I almost tripped trying to be cool and bow too low. Then, the train ride to Kitayuzawa. Beautiful scenery, like, really beautiful. I spent the entire time staring out the window, feeling vaguely inadequate, like the landscapes were judging my life choices.
- Lunch: (Probably Sushi Fiasco): After a short train ride from the airport, I made it to Kitayuzawa Mori no Sora niwa. The place is stunning. It has this… vibe. A mix of modern design and natural beauty. We're talking massive windows, a river flowing right outside, and a general sense of "I should probably be meditating, not wolfing down ramen." I ordered ramen, and I probably ate it the wrong way. I'm still trying to use chopsticks.
- Afternoon: The Onsen Awakening (and My Inner Old Lady Emerges): Okay, so the onsen. This is what I came for, right? The whole "soaking away your stresses" thing? Well… first off, the entire bathing ritual is a lesson in humility. You're naked. In front of other people. Beautiful, composed Japanese people. I felt like a pale, slightly bewildered walrus.
- The wash stage? Intense. Scrubbing every inch of your body thoroughly is a prerequisite. I felt like I was prepping for surgery, not a relaxing bath.
- The water itself? Glorious. Hot, mineral-rich, and the outdoor bath with the forest view? Surreal. For about five minutes. Then my internal monologue kicked in, and I started worrying: "Am I red? Do I look like I'm enjoying this too much? Should I be making more small talk? Nope, no, no small talk."
- The overall feeling: Pure, unadulterated bliss mixed with a constant low-level panic that I was doing it wrong. Afterwards, I went to the bar and had a beer. Needed it.
- Evening: Dinner & Stargazing Attempt: Dinner was exquisite, a multi-course affair I wouldn't be able to pronounce, let alone describe. The food was incredible – delicate flavors, artful presentation… and I probably inhaled it, too eager to get to the next course. Later, some of us tried to stargaze. The view was obstructed by the trees but the stars were incredibly bright. We had a couple of drinks out there as well. Good times.
Day 2: Nature, Nostalgia, and the Quest for Authentic Japanese Ice Cream
- Morning: Decided to explore some of the nature trails. The air is crisp, the trees are glorious. I found myself, for a fleeting moment, feeling… calm. Until I remembered I have a crippling fear of spiders. Of course, just then, I saw a spider. Nearly jumped out of my skin. Back to the hotel I went. Great, huh?
- Lunch: Found a small local restaurant outside the hotel. The menu was entirely in Japanese, so I pointed randomly at something and hoped for the best. Surprisingly, delicious! A hearty, fish stew-like soup. I'm starting to understand the joy of a simple, well-prepared meal.
- Afternoon: Noboribetsu Hell Valley (and the Smell of Sulfur): Took a day trip to Noboribetsu, famous for its hellish (literally) geothermal activity. Steam everywhere. The smell of sulfur is… intense. Like rotten eggs that have taken a vow to conquer your nostrils. But the scenery is undeniably stunning. This is the heart of the onsen! This where all the hot springs get their power. It's incredible.
- Double Down on the "Hell Valley" Experience: I took the path that leads into the Valley floor, but I got a little too close and inhaled one of the sulfur puffs. That was… intense. It was a combination of a terrible smell, and some type of sensation on my throat. I also saw people, and it felt like a scene from a gothic novel. The landscape is apocalyptic and beautiful all at once. I went back to the hotel and had a beer.
- My Inner Child (and Ice Cream Addiction) Emerges: After Hell Valley, I needed something sweet. And I heard that Noboribetsu had the best ice cream. I embarked on a serious quest for the perfect Japanese ice cream. The first shop I found was crowded. The second one was closed. After the third shop I had some of the best ice cream of my life. It was a vanilla-flavoured thing, in the most delicious cone.
- Evening: Back to Kitayuzawa, Ramen Redemption (Maybe): Back to the hotel. Time to try the ramen again and see if I can survive. * The Onsen again! Felt a little more confident, a little less like a naked walrus. The relaxation is starting to seep in. I even managed a small, polite nod to another bather. Victory!
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Adventure
- Morning: (Optional, but highly recommended) Last onsen experience. This time, I actually enjoyed it. Felt incredibly connected to the experience, and less self-conscious. The zen is starting to kick in!
- Breakfast: Another exquisite breakfast: I've decided I will try to make these meals at my home.
- Departure: Long train ride. The landscapes are still gorgeous. Reminded me, or maybe made me, think about the beauty of where I am, and the beauty of experiencing life.
My verdict:
- Kitayuzawa & Noboribetsu: Beautiful. Challenging. Humbling. Delicious. I’m exhausted. But in a good way.
- Zen? Probably not. But I think I’m okay with that.
- Chopsticks? Still a work in progress.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’ll bring more courage, less fear of spiders, and maybe a dictionary for the menus. And definitely more ice cream.
- Final thought: This trip was both a beautiful escape and a humbling reminder that I am a clumsy tourist, just trying my best to experience the world. And that's okay. Until next time, Japan!
So, Mori no Soraniwa… what even *is* it? Sounds like something out of a fairy tale.
It *kinda* is! Okay, picture this: deep in the Hokkaido wilderness, near Noboribetsu (famous for its hot springs, which are amazing, by the way!), you've got this ridiculously cool resort. It's all about embracing nature, relaxation, and a healthy dose of "getting away from it all." Honestly, the name – "Forest Sky Garden" – is pretty apt. You're surrounded by trees, the air is crisp, and that sky… oh, that sky! It’s where you can see a million stars if the weather is nice.
I went there expecting a polished, perfectly curated experience, you know? Like something Instagram would eat up (and it *does*… it's beautiful).But it's got a rugged charm, a sort of "we're trying our best" kind of vibe. Which, for me, is even better. It's more… real. And far less intimidating. Plus, the vibe is *strongly* Japanese, which can be absolutely bonkers at times.
What's the best part, the thing that really makes Mori no Soraniwa stand out?
Alright, here's the deal. It's the *onsen* (hot springs), without a doubt! They have indoor and outdoor baths, and let me tell you, soaking in that hot, mineral-rich water while the snow falls around you… Pure. Bliss. It's the kind of experience that makes you want to spontaneously burst into appreciative tears. Which I, um, totally *didn't* do…. ahem.
I found the outdoor baths, especially, to be transcendent. One night, the stars were absolutely popping, and the steam was rising off the water just so. I swear, I felt like I was floating in a giant, warm, bubbly hug from Mother Nature. And you know, the weirdest thing? I was chatting with a Japanese business man, and *he* burst out laughing! Apparently, he'd been coming here for years, and it was always a little bit special, regardless of the outside world.
Okay, the onsen sounds amazing… but what if I'm, you know, a little shy about public bathing?
Honestly? I understand the hesitation. But trust me on this one. It’s a very freeing experience. Nobody judges you; they’re all just there to relax. Plus, the water is *so* good for you, apparently. I went in already feeling self-conscious (because, hello, body!), but the experience was so calming that I forgot all about it within five minutes.
There are a few things to know, though. You need to shower before you get in the bath – it’s a polite thing to do. And you definitely need to be prepared to be, well, naked in front of other people. But most importantly, you need to embrace the zen. Embrace the experience, even if it feels a little awkward at first. You will never regret it, I promise you. Worst case scenario? You come out a little red-faced (literally and figuratively) and vow never to return. But trust me, you *will* return.
Is it all just hot springs and trees? What else is there to *do*?
Well, they have a lovely restaurant. The food is definitely Japanese, in the expected fashion. But it also has a more relaxed, more ‘rustic’ feel – nothing fancy here. They serve delicious seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and the most amazing variety of teas. The staff are super friendly but struggle with English. Get ready for some fun.
They also have cool activities like guided walks (though, to be honest, I mostly just wanted to soak in the onsen again). They offer massages, which are fantastic, but book in advance, since they're very popular. There wasn't a shop, and the facilities are a bit dated (part of the charm, maybe?). It’s not a place to expect a bustling nightlife, believe me.
What about the rooms? Are they swanky?
Swanky? No. Comfortable? Yes. Charmingly basic? Absolutely. Think traditional Japanese style; futon beds, tatami mats, and shoji screens. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, but don't expect a modern, sleek aesthetic. They're perfectly functional, and you'll spend most of your time in your room, anyway… right before you rush back to the onsen.
I, personally, found the lack of frills refreshing. It forced me to disconnect and relax. The aircon was a bit temperamental. And the view? Depending on which room you've booked, you could be overlooking a carpark. But honestly, you’re there for the overall atmosphere. The rooms are kind of secondary.
Should I take my kids? My partner? My grumpy Uncle Bob?
Kids? Probably. It would depend on their temperament and what they're used to. But the experience is fairly child-friendly, so it might be a good idea. My partner? Absolutely. It is a perfect romantic getaway.
Grumpy Uncle Bob? Hmm… *maybe* avoid. Unless he legitimately wants to relax, or a forced vacation always makes everything worse. He might spend the whole time complaining about the "lack of WiFi" and the "ancient technology." I mean, you *could* try to convert him. But he'd probably be happier elsewhere. It is a place to relax, and all the things that make it relaxing, can become a nightmare to the wrong personality.
Okay, you've sold me. How do I actually *get* there?
It's a bit of an adventure, in the best possible way. You fly into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. Then, you'll probably need to take a train to Noboribetsu Station. From there, it's either a taxi ride or a shuttle (check with the resort, they might provide one). The journey will give you an opportunity to stare out the window and take in the gorgeous scenery, if you can stay awake after the flight.
Be prepared to speak a bit of Japanese! It gets easier. Not everyone speaks English, but the staff are super friendly and accommodating, even if there is some confusion.
So, is it really worth it? Would you go back?
A thousand times YES! Despite the minor imperfections – the iffy air conditioning, the slightly dated facilities, the moments of lost-in-translation. It was a truly magical experience. I mean, I'm already plotting my return. I'm dreaming of the onsen, the freshHotel Finder Reviews
