Uncover Hidden Japan: Ryokan Yusen Shidate's Ancient Secrets
Uncover Hidden Japan: Ryokan Yusen Shidate - My Chaotic, Wonderful Dive into Ancient Secrets (and Questionable Karaoke)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Ryokan Yusen Shidate and my brain is still trying to process the sheer… experience. They call it “Uncover Hidden Japan,” and honestly, it felt like uncovering a whole new level of bliss, alongside some seriously questionable karaoke performances. This review is going to be messy, honest, and probably all over the place, just like my internal monologue after too much sake.
First Impressions & The Elevator of Doom (Accessibility & Services/Conveniences):
Let's be real: Japan can be a logistical puzzle. Getting to Yusen Shidate was an adventure in itself (airport transfer sorted – thank god!), but once I was there, the charm hit you like a warm, slightly damp, but comforting hug. The lobby… well, it's traditional, beautiful, and… slightly claustrophobic if you're used to wide-open spaces. Speaking of which the elevator? It's a classic case of Japanese efficiency meeting potentially panic-inducing smallness. Think of it as a vertical sardine can. And yes, there’s an elevator, which, you’ll need, given the facilities for disabled guests (though I didn't personally experience them). They've made an effort to be accommodating, although I’ve heard some areas are a little… tricky depending on your needs. Daily housekeeping was a godsend, keeping my room from resembling a bomb site after my sake-fueled explorations of the gift/souvenir shop (I may have bought a slightly terrifying porcelain cat). The doorman was incredibly polite, my luggage, the luggage storage was a lifesaver during my pre-check out activities, and the concierge? Absolute gold. They knew everything. And I needed that level of guidance because I'm the kind of person who gets lost in a paper bag if it's aesthetically pleasing. Cash withdrawal was also a plus.
My Room: A Sanctuary of Tranquility (Available in All Rooms):
Okay, let's talk about the room. Air conditioning (essential, people, essential!), blackout curtains (also essential, particularly after that karaoke session), and a window that opens (airing out the sake fumes). The bed? Heavenly. Seriously, it should be illegal how comfortable they are. I collapsed onto it after a long day and promptly forgot all my worries. Free Wi-Fi (yessss!), complimentary tea, and free bottled water made me feel like a pampered ninja. The bathtub… oh, the bathtub! With bathrobes and slippers provided, it was like sinking into a warm, bubbly cloud. I took so many baths, I think I started to develop gills. The bathroom phone was an intriguing touch. (I didn't call anyone, but the option was there.) The in-room safe box and safety/security feature added peace of mind. The desk provided a spot for me to write this very review. And the interconnecting room(s) available, I bet it would be great for families.
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking & Snacking):
This is where Yusen Shidate really shines. Forget the bland hotel buffets of my past. This was a food adventure. The Asian breakfast was a masterpiece of textures and flavors. They had a vegetarian restaurant, which, for a vegetarian like me, was fantastic (also a lifesaver). I practically lived off the Asian cuisine in the restaurant. The bar was a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks. And don't even get me started on the buffet in the restaurant (which I avoided based on my own dining habits). I was so pleased that they provided the bottle of water and coffee/tea .The desserts in the restaurant were pure artistry. The happy hour was a well deserved daily celebration.
The Spa & Relaxation: Finding My Zen (Ways to Relax):
Now, this is where the "hidden secrets" bit really came into play. The spa/sauna was simply divine. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in the sauna, sweating out the city stress and the occasional regrettable decision (karaoke, I’m looking at you). The massage was the best massage of my life. The pool with a view was stunning, although I’m more of a steamroom kinda gal. They have a fitness center but I got enough exercise just walking to breakfast. There was a foot bath, and the lovely body scrub and body wrap. I left feeling like a completely renewed human being. After this level of relaxation, I needed a wake-up service to get things started again.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Ever-Present Hand Sanitizer (Cleanliness & Safety)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. Yusen Shidate took safety seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere (I'm talking, everywhere). They had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. If I was worried about the level of hygiene during my stay in the past, the hotel’s new system immediately made me feel safe. They followed individually-wrapped food options, and ensured safe dining setup, also including sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The staff were trained in safety protocol and seemed genuinely concerned with ensuring everyone's well-being. I opted out room sanitization, but I’m extremely grateful for all of their work, it shows.
Things to Do: More Than Meets the Eye (Things to Do):
Beyond the spa and the food, there was plenty to keep me entertained. The hotel is a great base for shrine visits and exploring the surrounding area. Though this is not mentioned in the hotel description, the hotel is a short distance from the local karaoke bar. And, let's be honest, karaoke is a cultural experience. Even if you sound like a dying cat. Which, let’s just say, I did. The car park was a bonus for those who rent.
For the Kids (For the Kids):
While I didn't have any kids with me, Yusen Shidate seemed well-equipped for families, with babysitting service (thank goodness!), and kids facilities, as well as kids meal.
The Bottom Line: Would I Go Back? YES. (And Should You?)
Look, Yusen Shidate isn't perfect. (That elevator, though…) But the imperfections are part of its charm. It’s a place that embraces tradition, offers incredible food, and manages to provide a genuinely relaxing experience. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of Japan, forget your worries, and maybe, just maybe, even embrace your inner karaoke superstar.
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Ryokan Yusen Shidate: A Messy, Marvelous Muddle (My Japan Itinerary!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is the REAL DEAL. This is me, navigating the zen-filled, exquisitely irritating, and utterly breathtaking Ryokan Yusen Shidate in Japan. Let's start, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Bathing Ritual (aka, Public Nakedness…in a Fancy Setting!)
- Morning (ish, let's be real, I'm not a morning person): Landed at Narita. Flights are torture, people. Torture. Cramped legs, recycled air, the existential dread of pre-packaged airplane food…Anyway, survived. Took the Narita Express (smooth, organized - the Japanese are good at this) and stumbled onto a local train to get closer to the Ryokan.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Yusen Shidate. First impression? Whoa. Like, WHOA. The lobby is all minimalist chic and hushed whispers. It’s intimidating, honestly. Filled out the forms (mostly in Japanese, bless the helpful staff), and settled into my room. It's… perfect. Tatami mats, sliding paper doors, a little alcove with a scroll. I felt like I had stepped into a postcard.
- The Afternoon Disaster (or, "How I Almost Drowned in a Zen Pond"): The Ryokan hyped their private onsen as a highlight. So, feeling brave (and a little jet-lagged), I decided to try it. Now, I’m not used to public nudity (or any nudity, really). I was flustered, sweaty, and fumbling with the provided toiletries. It was a comical mess. I then somehow, by a series of unfortunate events, almost fell into the outdoor pool while making my way back to the locker room. I almost lost my balance when getting inside the pool, because there was a very strong current, which could be a sign of a nearby drainage. I quickly got out of it, and then proceeded to stumble around for a good 20 minutes trying to figure out which way was "out." But, hey, eventually emerged a changed woman (or at least, a significantly less embarrassed one). The water was glorious. And the view of the mountains? Forget about it.
- Evening: Dinner! Kaiseki is an art form, and Yusen Shidate delivers. Course after course of exquisitely prepared, tiny, baffling, and delicious things. Some I recognized (sushi, yakitori). Some… not so much. I had a tiny fish that looked back at me. Definitely a moment. They brought me a drink, I forgot the name but it was a delicious sparkling beverage with a floral taste. The service was impeccable. So polite, so attentive. However, I'm pretty used to the "American" standard of service. I have to say that Japan, at least regarding this Ryokan, is on a whole new level. They were even ready to refill my water at any time, even when I had barely touched the bottle.
Day 2: Kimonos, Temples, and the Truth About Being a Tourist (and More Bathing!)
- Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Maybe it was the futon. Maybe it was the fact I didn't have a screaming toddler next to me. Breakfast was a stunning array of Japanese delicacies. I, of course, tried everything. Except for the natto. (Nope. Not today, Satan.)
- Mid-Morning Mishap (or, "I Look Like I'm Wearing a Bed Sheet"): Decided to embrace the local culture and wear a kimono. I am not coordinated. At all. After a good hour of awkward struggle (and a lot of help from the lovely staff), I finally resembled a somewhat-decently-dressed Japanese woman. My first few steps were clumsy and awkward. Honestly, I felt like I was waddling. But I pressed on!
- Afternoon: Explored the local area. Visited a stunning temple, the colors like a painting. It was peaceful and beautiful, despite the constant flurry of selfie sticks. Observing tourists is an experience in itself. I think I blended in, though maybe a little too well. Got mistaken for a local several times. I'm quite sure I overpaid for some mochi, because, well, tourist.
- Evening: Back at the Ryokan. Took another onsen, minus the near-drowning incident. Fully embraced the relaxation. I also had a massage. Heaven. Utter, pure, unadulterated heaven. I think I might be converted to a life of luxury.
Day 3: The Great Tea Ceremony Let-Down (aka, My Inner Critic Takes Over)
- Morning: Tea ceremony! I was genuinely excited about this. The whole ritual, the history, the grace. I fantasized about a moment of profound enlightenment. The ceremony was beautiful. The meticulous movements, the quiet respect. The tea itself, however, tasted like… grassy nothingness. And, to top it off, I felt this unshakeable feeling of inadequacy. My posture wasn't right. My smile felt forced. I, unfortunately, kept getting distracted by everything else. However, to top it all off, I had to sit on my knees the whole time! It was absolutely horrible! My legs were in so much pain! In a stroke of irony, a cat was outside the room watching the ceremony, it almost looked like a painting.
- Afternoon: Decided to counteract the tea ceremony letdown with some retail therapy. Found a charming little shop with the most stunning ceramics. Ended up purchasing a ridiculously expensive tea set.
- Evening: The final kaiseki dinner. Tears in my eyes, not from sadness, but from the utter perfection of the food. I wanted to try everything again! I sat there, reflecting on the fact that this whole experience felt unreal. I asked some questions about the different dishes. I think the waiter began to hate me, but in the end, it was worth it. I felt like a queen. A slightly bewildered, possibly jet-lagged queen, but a queen nonetheless.
Day 4: Goodbye, Yusen Shidate…and Hello, Reality (Though Possibly a Bit More Zen Now)
- Morning: Woke up. Packed. And cried a little while looking at the view from my room.
- Morning Misadventure: While heading to the lobby, I had an encounter with a very angry cat and almost lost my composure in front of the staff.
- Farewell Breakfast: Another incredible meal.
- Departure: The Ryokan staff were so incredibly kind. They all bowed as I left. Leaving the Ryokan was extremely hard, and I now understand the feeling of being "homesick" for a place I've only been for a few days.
- General Observation: Japanese culture is amazing. It's polite, refined, and deeply moving. It's also… very different. Sometimes I felt out of sync. Sometimes I felt completely overwhelmed. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. I have learned far more than I expected, and my vision of the world has expanded greatly. I can't wait to get back someday.
This is it, friends! The raw, unfiltered truth about my adventure. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was emotional. But it was unforgettable. And hopefully, a little bit entertaining. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go lie down and think about natto for a while.
Escape to Paradise: ARTOTEL Sanur Bali Awaits
Uncover Hidden Japan: Ryokan Yusen Shidate's Ancient Secrets - FAQ (with a Side of Rambling)
Okay, so… Yusen Shidate. Worth the hype? Seriously?
Ugh, the hype. Right? Look, I'm gonna be honest. Before I went, I saw the photos. Immaculate rooms, serene gardens, food that looks… well, *art*. I figured, "Another Instagram trap." And part of me *was* right. You take, like, a million photos. But then…then you're *there*. And the air? It's different. Like, genuinely. It smells like… I don’t even know. Earth and ancient secrets and maybe a hint of cedar. I’m not a nature expert, okay?!
So, yeah. Worth the hype? Mostly. Except that *one* rice bowl… We'll get to that. But generally? Yes. Be prepared to feel, like, extremely zen one minute, and completely lost the next. It's a rollercoaster.
What kind of vibe can I expect at Ryokan Yusen Shidate? Is it stuffy?
Stuffy? Well, yes, if you’re the kind of person who thinks "quiet" means "awkward silence." The staff are *incredibly* polite. Almost… disconcertingly so at first. You feel like you should be whispering all the time. But then, you realize they're just genuinely welcoming. The ryokan itself, though, isn't stiff. It's a gorgeous mess of old and new. You have these impossibly perfect traditional rooms, and then you stumble on a perfectly imperfect, moss-covered lantern in the garden. It's like a beautiful paradox. It's like a REALLY expensive, extremely stylish grandma's house. Full of secrets.
Just… try not to trip over your own feet (I may or may not have done this on multiple occasions…).
The food… Is it as amazing as the photos make it look? (Because, honestly, I'm here for the eats.)
The food… Ah, yes. The *food*. Okay, so, the *presentation* is a work of art. Seriously. It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. And the flavors… layers upon layers. You're tasting things you’ve never tasted before. Seaweed salads that actually taste… good! Tiny, perfectly formed… things. It's a culinary adventure. Honestly? About 90% of the time, it was *divine*.
But (and there's always a "but," isn't there?)… That *one* rice bowl. The one with the… I don’t even know. Some sort of fermented… something? It was *intense*. I’m talking, face-scrunching, "maybe I shouldn't have eaten the weird green stuff" intense. I think it had tiny fish eggs that tasted like the ocean… but the ocean after a really, REALLY long day. Let's just say it wasn't my favorite. But! It was an *experience*! And it makes for a good story, right?
So, overall: Phenomenal. Prepare your tastebuds for a journey. And maybe… maybe ask about the ingredients *before* you shovel it in. Just a thought. Especially if your stomach's as delicate as mine (which, let's be honest, probably is).
What about the rooms? Are they comfortable? (I need my creature comforts!)
The rooms are… well, they're *gorgeous*. Simple, elegant, with views that make you want to weep (in a good way, usually). The tatami mats are surprisingly comfortable. Seriously! I was worried it felt like sleeping a rock but no, it was good. Almost… too good. It made getting out of bed difficult in the mornings. You’ll have the little futon, which they set up while you're at dinner. They were so quiet about it, that I kept thinking they were ghosts. A very well groomed, very polite ghost army.
The private onsen (hot spring bath) in your room? Absolute heaven. After a long day of… well, doing nothing but being zen, it's pure bliss. The only downside? You'll never want to leave (and you might smell suspiciously of sulfur for a few days afterward).
Onsen. Let's talk Onsen. Is it…awkward?
Okay, the onsen stuff. It IS different. You’re naked with other people. That’s… new. I'm a very modest person. I practically wear a turtleneck to the beach. The first few times, I was a shivering, mortified mess. You're hyper-aware of everything. Your wrinkles! Your (lack of) tan! The weird little bump on your toe!
But then… you relax. (Maybe after a few glasses of sake.) Everyone is just… there. Just soaking. Not staring. Eventually, you realize nobody actually *cares*. The water's amazing, warm, and healing. It's like a giant, communal hug. Plus, the outdoor onsen at night, under the stars? Magical. Absolutely magical. Bring a small towel, and remember: you're there to soak, not to judge. And everyone is probably as nervous as you are.
Is it worth the price? Because, let's be real, it's expensive.
Okay, the big question. The price. Yeah, it’s pricey. Like, REALLY pricey. You’re basically paying not just for a room and food but for an experience. For… a sense of peace. For a break. Is it “worth it?” That depends. If you're on a budget and that rice bowl sounds horrifying? Probably not.
But if you're looking for a splurge, a genuinely unforgettable experience, something that will stay with you long after you leave… If you need to disconnect from the world (and yes, I mean Instagram and all), I'd say… *yes*. Just… start saving now. And maybe… politely ask about the rice bowl ingredients. Trust me on that one.
Any tips for a first-timer? Survival tips, if you will.
Okay, survival tips. Because you *will* need them.
- **Learn a few basic Japanese phrases.** "Hello," "Thank you," "Where is the bathroom?" – you know, the essentials. It’ll make everything easier and get you those extra smiles.
- **Pack light.** You'll be changing robes, and you don’t want to lug a huge suitcase.
- **Embrace the silence.** It's part of the experience. Try to be present, soak it all in. You don't have to be a monk. But put down the phone!
- **Be prepared to feel really, really relaxed… and also a little lost.** It's okayHotels With Balconys
