Unbelievable Japan: Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa Will Blow You Away!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the Unbelievable Japan: Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa Will Blow You Away! experience. Forget the polished travel brochure; this is real life, raw and unfiltered. And let me tell you, this place? It's a trip.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The "Are We Lost?" Moment (and Then Pure Bliss!)
Okay, so getting there. Accessibility is on the list, and I'll give them credit. They try. Elevators are a godsend, and there are definitely ramps around. (Important to note: My personal wheelchair-bound experience is nil but I saw enough to say "mostly okay, but call and ask, especially if you need detailed specifics.") Public areas, generally? Pretty good. But, let's be honest, Japan can be a challenge in general so do call ahead to ensure all needs are met! But that said, the actual getting there, from Sapporo… well, let's just say my GPS had a moment. Picture me, squinting at my phone, muttering about "forest paths" and "magical routes" while the scenery whips by. BUT! Once you do arrive, holy Hana-yaki! The views! The crisp air! The "Oh, wow, this is worth it" feeling washes over you.
Internet & Wi-Fi: Gotta Stay Connected (Even on Vacation, Sigh…)
Wi-Fi? Yeah, they got it. Free Wi-Fi in every room, bless their hearts. And decent internet access – LAN is an option if you're ancient tech-minded like some of us (ahem). Plus, Wi-Fi in the public areas. Solid scores across the board on this one. You can, you know, upload those envy-inducing photos of yourself soaking in the spa while pretending to "work." I judge no one. Except maybe myself.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Sauna to the Soul! (And Maybe a Bad Massage…)
Now, the good stuff. This place is all about relaxation. This is where Midorinokaze shines.
- Sauna: Oh, sweet, smoky heaven. I'm a sauna fanatic, and this one did not disappoint. The heat, the woodsy smell, the post-sauna chill-out… chef’s kiss. I spent way too much time in there, emerging like a boiled lobster, but a gloriously relaxed one.
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom - oh yes! Multiple options, I tell you. Multiple options.
- The Pools! The outdoor pool, the pool with a view – pure Instagrammable bliss. (I'm not even sorry.)
- Massage, body scrub, body wrap: Okay, honesty time. I went for a massage. And, well, let's just say the masseuse tried. I'm not sure my knots ever really left and I felt like I spent most of the time trying to guide their hands around. But, I loved that I felt pampered after!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I meant to. I really did. But the sauna called me. The pool beckoned. The… I blame the relaxing vibes.
- Foot bath: Okay, this IS a MUST do!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (and Disinfected!)
Safety's a big deal these days, right? Midorinokaze gets it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Room sanitization between stays: Absolutely.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I could see it. People were polite and ready to follow instructions.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Nice to know.
And the rooms? Clean, fresh, and well-maintained. I felt safe, which is HUGE when you're trying to unwind. They have given the Option to Opt-Out of Room Sanitization! (If you prefer).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bring on the Bento Boxes!
Okay, the food. This is where the experience gets a bit… mixed.
- Restaurants: Multiple choices! They have the buffet, a la carte, you name it. They have *Asian Cuisine, International Cuisine, *Vegetarian options (thank goodness!)
- Breakfast [buffet]: A pretty standard offering, with your usual suspects.
- Happy Hour: Yes, please!
- Poolside bar: Essential for those afternoon cocktails.
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant, Coffee shop: Good to have!
- Snack bar: Perfect for those between-meal cravings.
- The buffet: Oh the buffet.
- Room service [24-hour]: I didn’t use it, but nice to know it's there.
- [A la carte in restaurant] & [Bottle of water, Breakfast takeaway service, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant]: All good.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawals
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Car park [free of charge]: Big win.
- Convenience store: Stock up on snacks!
- Cash withdrawal: You can if you need to.
- Other services: Everything you could need, basically.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
- Family/child friendly: Yes, very.
- Kids facilities: Yes!
- Babysitting service: Available!
- Kids meal: Yup.
Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
The rooms? Comfortable. Not the most modern design, but clean, spacious enough, and with all the amenities you need.
- Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: Good.
- Car Park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: All really useful.
The Unbelievable Japan: Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa - My Final Verdict
This resort isn't perfect, but it's charming. It's got the basics covered, the relaxation factor is off the charts, and it's the perfect escape for a long weekend or a week of doing absolutely nothing. If you want to disconnect, unwind, and soak up some seriously stunning scenery, then book it.
My Recommendation:
- **Book early, especially if you have accessibility needs. CALL BEFOREHAND.
- Embrace the relaxation. Skip the gym. Drink all the sake.
- Don't stress about the small stuff. Just breathe, and enjoy.
So, my final thought on the subject - YES. Book this place. You won't regret it.
ARE YOU READY TO UNWIND?
Here's the deal:
Unbelievable Japan: Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa: Your Ultimate Escape!
What you get:
- Luxurious relaxation: Saunas, spas, pools with stunning views.
- Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, amenities galore, and a concierge to handle your every whim.
- Serenity: Impeccable cleanliness, trained staff, and a safe environment.
- Delicious Dining: From buffet feasts to poolside cocktails, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Breathtaking Scenery and Unparalleled Relaxation: The resort perfectly blends with the nature, offering the perfect atmosphere to recover from a long day!
Book now and get a FREE welcome drink at the poolside bar!
Don't wait! Your escape to pure bliss awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Reen Resorts Anavilasam Plantation, India
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa survival guide, seasoned with a healthy dose of my own brand of glorious chaos. Get ready, because it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride.
Midori-NO-What-Now? Kitayuzawa, Japan: A Humorous Descent Into Hot Spring Heaven (and Maybe a Little Ramen Rage)
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Immediate Crisis of "How Do I Onsen?")
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning, Because Jet Lag is a Jerk): Landed in Hokkaido. God, the air is crisp. Like, seriously crisp. I thought about bringing a parka, but then I remembered I'm a minimalist who lives in a suitcase. Regret. Already. After a confusing but beautiful train journey towards Kitayuzawa, I'm greeted by the lobby of Midorinokaze Resort. It's all polished wood and whispered greetings - a stark contrast to my current internal monologue, which is basically a panicked symphony of "Where's the wifi?" and "Do I know how to onsen?"
Afternoon: Room Reveal and the First Onsen Reconnaissance Mission: Okay, the room is… luxurious. Like, too luxurious. I immediately spilled something on the tatami mats, which is apparently a huge faux pas. I swear, I'm going to develop a phobia of beautiful things. I'm already sweating.
And the onsen! This is where things get interesting. I spent a good 45 minutes staring at the signs, trying to decipher the pictures of naked people. (Side note: Why do they all look so serene? I'm pretty sure I'll look like a lobster who stumbled into a rave.) Finally mustered the courage to sneak peek. My impression? This looks like a public bath, I am not prepared for this, it is far from my comfort zone.
Evening: Dinner – buffet-style, a whirlwind of culinary delights and me, trying to navigate with my chopsticks and this strange pressure that I must try everything, and failing beautifully! The sashimi was divine, the curry was questionable, and I think I accidentally inhaled a small, incredibly spicy pickle.
But the real drama? The onsen. I. Did. It. And survived. Maybe even enjoyed it a bit. The water was hot, my body turned pink, and I felt like I'd just been born again. Now, am I a full onsen devotee? Not yet. Did I briefly consider the whole “towel as a fashion statement” rule? Absolutely. But it was an experience, let's say that!
Day 2: Nature's Embrace (and My Terrible Sense of Direction)
Morning: Breakfast. Pancakes. I ate them with a fork, which felt like a minor victory after the chopstick fiasco. After that, nature calls, and it calls extremely loudly. I decided to take a hike. The scenery around Kitayuzawa is stunning – waterfalls, forests, the whole shebang. But, as per usual, my sense of direction is my Achilles' heel. I got gloriously, beautifully, utterly LOST. For, like, a solid hour. I swear I saw the same squirrel three times.
Afternoon: The Great Ramen Crisis (and My Existential Dread of Tourist Traps):
So, I found myself back at the resort, famished. And, in a stroke of genius, I wandered off the main path to discover a little ramen shop. It promised authentic Japanese ramen. A bold claim. But, the aroma of pork broth, the wafting scent of garlic… I was in. I ordered a large bowl of ramen. Which, it turns out, was the equivalent of an entire cow. I was so close to exploding that I found myself struggling to eat, and I was starting to feel extremely out of place. I was a tourist, in a tourist trap. I was a fake. I didn't deserve this noodle.
But then… the broth. Oh, the broth. It tasted like heaven, like a warm hug on a cold day. I cried a single tear, then slurped the whole thing down. Worth it. Every. Single. Glutinous. Noodle.
Evening: The Second Onsen (and a Moment of (Almost) Zen): This time, the onsen felt less daunting. I knew the drill (sort of). I even managed to relax. Briefly. Then I saw a small child splashing around with a rubber ducky and immediately descended into the depths of "am I doing this right?".
Day 3: Farewell (and a Vow to Return – Eventually, Perhaps with a Better Sense of Direction)
Morning: One last gloriously buffet breakfast. One last look at the stunning view. One last dose of self-loathing about my packing choices (seriously, I still can't believe I forgot a sweater).
Afternoon: Departure. Back to reality. Back to the jet lag. Back to the constant, low-grade anxiety of being a human being. But… also back with the glorious memories of the Kitayuzawa and the Midorinokaze Resort. And, crucially, a newfound respect for the power of ramen.
Okay, so maybe I didn't become a zen master. Maybe I got lost a lot. Maybe I spilled stuff, and maybe I ate too much. But, I survived. I learned. Mostly, I had a blast. And that, my friends, is a win.
Final Thoughts (and a Few Random Ramblings):
- Packing Tips: Bring more sweaters. And maybe a translator app.
- Onsen Advice: Embrace the awkwardness. It gets better (maybe).
- Ramen Philosophy: Never underestimate the power of a perfect bowl of noodles. (And bring pants with an elastic waistband.)
- Overall, this trip was exactly what I needed. It was messy, it was beautiful, and it was unapologetically me. Would I go back to Midorinokaze? Absolutely. Next time, though, I’m bringing a map.
Okay, I need a nap. This trip wrecked me. Don't be like me. Or do. Whatever makes you happy. Go forth, and may your travel adventures be as gloriously chaotic as mine!
Beethoven's Dream Suite: Luxurious Dreesen Hotel Rooms, BoConcept Design!
Unbelievable Japan: Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa - Seriously, Is It THAT Good?! (FAQ...with a LOT of Opinions)
1. Okay, so "Blow You Away?" Is that just marketing hype? Be honest!
Alright, deep breaths. "Blow You Away?" It’s a *statement*, isn't it? And here's the thing...for me? Mostly yes. *Mostly*. Look, I'm a cynical travel-blogger type. I've *seen* things. I've seen a lot of promises, and a huge mountain of disappointment. But... Midorinokaze? It genuinely surprised me. It's not perfect (we'll get to that), but the sheer *scale* of it, the service, the food... it's a force of nature. It genuinely made me go, "Woah." And I'm not a "woah" kind of person, usually. So, yes, the hype is *mostly* justified. But buckle up, because sometimes it felt a little…overwhelming.
2. What’s the *deal* with the onsen (hot springs)? Are they any good? And, um, do you have to be naked? (Asking for a friend…obviously.)
Oh. My. GOD. The onsen. Okay. Where do I even begin? First, yes, you are butt-naked. There’s no getting around it. Get over it (that was my approach, anyway). The men's and women's sections are completely separate, THANKFULLY. And Midorinokaze? They are *massive*. Like, seriously, you could get lost in those steaming, mineral-rich pools. The outdoor onsen are just divine, particularly in the crisp autumn air. The views? Stunning. I spent a solid two hours just soaking, staring at the trees (seriously, the view!). The water itself is gorgeous, silky, and smells faintly of… well, minerals, but in a good way. My skin felt like a baby's bottom afterwards. The only downside? Finding a good spot in the outdoor onsen can be a little... crowded. You might end up in a corner with a bunch of chatty grandmas. But that's just part of the experience, right? Totally worth braving the nudity, I promise.
3. Speaking of crowds, is it *always* packed? I hate crowds.
Ugh, me too. Crowds and I are not friends. And yes, Midorinokaze is popular. It's popular for a REASON. We went in mid-October, and it was... busy. Not Disneyland busy, thankfully. But the buffet restaurants were definitely buzzing, and it took a little time to get a good spot in the onsen. My advice? Go during the off-season if you can. Avoid weekends. And embrace the early bird life. Get to the onsen and restaurants *before* the masses. Trust me, it’s worth the effort. (Pro tip: The outdoor pool is a little less crowded later in the day.) Expect a wait for the elevators, which is the only major drawback!
4. Let's talk FOOD. Is the buffet as AMAZING as everyone says? Because buffets can be... hit or miss.
Oh, the buffet. This is the *defining* experience, I'd say. It’s NOT just any buffet. It's a *culinary EXPERIENCE*. Honestly. Prepare to be overwhelmed. There's everything... I mean EVERYTHING. Sushi that's actually good (not the rubbery stuff you get at your local grocery store). Tempura battered to utter perfection. Wagyu beef (yes, seriously). Mountains of seafood. A dessert section that'll make you weep with joy (and maybe regret your life choices later). And the presentation? Immaculate. It’s a feast for the eyes *and* the stomach. I ate so much I thought I might actually explode. I had a small mental breakdown about whether to choose the crab legs or the tempura. It was a tough day. The choices are endless. The staff are incredibly attentive too, which is impressive with the sheer number of people they must serve. The only (minor) downside? It's *noisy*. But hey, that's the price you pay for culinary heaven, right? And you can *always* go back for seconds (or thirds... I'm not judging).
5. What about things to *do* besides eating and bathing? Is there anything to entertain the kids?
Okay, aside from stuffing your face and getting completely pruney in the onsen, there *are* other things. There's a decent arcade, a karaoke room (I did NOT partake), and some walking trails in the area. The resort also offers some activities, like pottery and crafting, and some cultural shows. The kids' area is seriously impressive, from the looks of it. There's a pool. (I didn’t have kids with me, so I’m just going by what I saw, and the happy shrieks of children). But let's be real... the main attraction is the food and the onsen. Everything else is just... a bonus. Honestly, I was perfectly happy just existing. I was truly content just wandering around, soaking it all in, and getting ready for the next meal.
6. How’s the service? Do they speak English? (My Japanese is… limited.)
The service? Generally excellent. The staff are incredibly polite, helpful, and efficient. And yes, they understand English, although not everyone speaks it fluently. But they try! And honestly, a smile and a pointing gesture can go a long way. I had one slight hiccup at check-in – a mix-up with my room (which was quickly resolved) and some miscommunication about a massage booking. But overall, the service was top-notch. They really make you feel welcome. (Except for the elevator waits… I’m still bitter about those).
7. Okay, the BIG question: Is it worth the price? It's not a budget option, is it?
No, it's not cheap. Let's be clear. It's a splurge. But... and this is a big “but”… I think it's worth it. If you’re looking for a high-quality experience, a fantastic break from reality, great food, and relaxation, then yes. For the price, you get a lot. The rooms are comfortable (nothing to write home about, but clean and spacious!), the onsen are incredible, and the buffet alone could justify the cost (if you're anything like me). It’s an investment in your well-being, people! And after a week of eating and soaking? My wallet? Eh.Where To Sleep In
