Shourotei Hotel Miyazu Japan

Uncover Hidden Kyoto: Shourotei Hotel Miyazu's Exquisite Secret

Uncover Hidden Kyoto: Shourotei Hotel Miyazu - My (Mostly) Wonderful Japanese Journey (and a Few Gripes!)

Okay, buckle up, folks. Because I’ve just returned from a soul-soothing, utterly beautiful (and sometimes slightly baffling) trip to Kyoto, specifically, the secret gem that is the Shourotei Hotel Miyazu. Look, I'm not always one for travel reviews, because let's be honest, they're usually bland and corporate. But this place? This place deserves it. And frankly, I need to process everything, so here goes my complete, unvarnished, and probably slightly over-the-top experience!

(Spoiler alert: most of it was amazing.)

Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks first. Because, and I know this from personal experience with my dear old Aunt Mildred and her unfortunate hip operation, accessibility matters. Shourotei Hotel Miyazu tries. They really do. The elevator is a godsend, especially if you've been pounding the cobblestones all day. I saw a staff member helping a woman with a cane, smiling genuinely. Facilities for disabled guests are offered on their site, which often mean there were some rooms more accessible than others, so inquire. The front desk is 24-hour, a definite plus, especially after a late flight. Now, for the downside… I didn't see a ton of visual aids, but the entire experience was simple to navigate, a plus. In terms of Internet access, Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms, which is a lifesaver for checking maps and communicating with the outside world, which is what I did the first day and a half. I felt so relaxed I didn't do it anymore.

The Rooms - Oh. My. God. (Also, Read the Fine Print!)

Okay, the rooms themselves are gorgeous. Seriously. Air conditioning blasted cold air right in your face, which was fantastic after a humid jungle hike. You get Air conditioning in public area, what else do you need? Blackout curtains that actually work (a rarity, my friends!), plush bathrobes (I basically lived in mine), and a coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water was a nice touch. Complimentary tea was a godsend. I'm a sucker for slippers -- the little things, right? And the refrigerator? Perfect for keeping my emergency supply of Japanese pocky sticks chilled. Alarm clock worked. Reading light by the bed. See it? Every detail was designed for comfort. Also, and this is CRUCIAL -- non-smoking rooms only!

Bathroom: They nailed it. Separate shower/bathtub, hair dryer, mirror, toiletries, towels… Oh my. Bathtub was extra large, so I could soak away the aches from your day. They had a scale! So, I got on it and was like, "Huh. Still the same, I guess."

Now, the bummer: I didn't notice any bathtub phone. Not that I ever use one.

The Food - A Symphony of Flavors (and a Few Carb-Loaded Adventures)

Listen, I'm a foodie. I live to eat. And the food at Shourotei Hotel Miyazu? Mostly fantastic.

Breakfast was a buffet, and a breakfast buffet in Japan is an experience. Asian breakfast was incredible. You get the delicious fish. Lots of rice. (If you're a carb-avoider, you might struggle a bit – I definitely did! I swear, I ate more rice in a week than I do in a year.) They also offered Western breakfast, which was decent if you're craving something a little more familiar. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant!
Lunch and Dinner: The restaurants themselves were a highlight. A la carte in restaurant, (and a Vegetarian restaurant option!) and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was an adventure I want to take again right now. The sushi? Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The coffee shop in the morning was a nice touch, too.
Room service was 24/7!
Snack bar was a thing.

Ways to Unwind - Spa-tacular (But A Little Pricey)

Okay, let's talk relaxation. This is where Shourotei Hotel Miyazu truly shines.

The Spa: Okay, here goes…I spent the entire first day at the spa. I had the Body scrub, the Body wrap, and the Massage. Worth every penny.
The pool and view was an instant shot of relaxation.
Sauna, Steamroom. If you are into that, you will love it.
Fitness center. I attempted to use it once. Maybe the next day.

Cleanliness and Safety - Comfortably Clean (and Making Me Feel Safe)

The team was on top of the whole Cleanliness and safety thing. The Anti-viral cleaning products made me relax, and the Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. The staff always wore masks, which made me feel safe. There was hand sanitizer available everywhere. They have Hygiene certification and Safe dining setup. The fact that they offered Rooms sanitized between stays made me relax.

Services and Conveniences - Efficient and Helpful (Mostly)

Concierge: The concierge was fantastic. Really. They helped me figure out the train system (which is a beast), booked tours, and even recommended a hidden noodle shop that was out of this world.
Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
Cash withdrawal: They offered it!
Laundry service: They offered it!
Luggage storage. They handled my mountains of luggage.
Smoking area. They had one!
Convenience store. They had it!

Getting Around - Smooth Sailing (Unless You're Me)

Car park [free of charge]: They had free parking!
Taxi service. It was easy to find one.

The Verdict? (And A REALLY Hard Sell)

Shourotei Hotel Miyazu is, in a word, wonderful. It’s not perfect. It’s human. It's imperfect in all the right ways!

My advice? Book it. Now.

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Shourotei Hotel Miyazu Japan

My Shourotei Hotel Mishap: A Messy Love Story in Miyazu (And I'm Not Even Sorry)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your polished travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly hysterical account of my three days in Miyazu, Japan, at the supposedly serene Shourotei Hotel. Let's be real, serenity and I have a complicated relationship, especially when jet lag and a questionable sense of direction are involved.

Day 1: Arrival, Realization, and Instant Ramen Regret

14:00 - Arrive at Miyazu Station: Okay, the train ride from Kyoto was gorgeous. Rolling hills, tiny villages… it felt straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Until the moment I actually got to Miyazu Station. Suddenly, it was all a blur of kanji, confused tourist faces, and the sinking feeling I’d packed the wrong shoes (again).
14:30 - Taxi to Shourotei: Finding a taxi? Easier said than done. Me, flapping my arms like a bewildered sea bird while shouting "HOTEL! SHO-RO-TEI!" apparently works wonders, because eventually, a tiny, elderly gentleman (bless his soul) whisked me away in a car that could probably tell a few stories of its own.
15:00 - Check-in and Initial Wonder: The hotel itself? Stunning. Seriously, pictures don't do it justice. That view of Amanohashidate? Breathless. The lobby? All polished wood and tasteful minimalism. I actually thought, for a fleeting moment, "Maybe I am capable of doing this whole 'Zen vacation' thing."
16:00 - The Room & The "Oh, Shit" Moment: My room! A beautiful tatami-matted space, sliding paper doors, a private balcony… the works. Until I tried to figure out the air conditioning controls. And the shower. And the… well, you get the picture. I spent a solid hour wrestling with technology that seemed designed to intimidate. This is where the ramen came in. I went to the konbini and got the instant ramen because it was too late and I was hungry. It also tasted like pure, salty regret.
18:00 - Dinner - Seafood Sabotage: Dinner was a thing. Kaiseki, the multi-course traditional meal. Beautifully presented. But, and this is a big BUT, I have… specific feelings about raw fish. Let's just say the squid sashimi and I had a very brief, very awkward encounter. I'm pretty sure I offended the chef with my silent, panicked chewing. The other dishes were amazing, though!

Day 2: Beach, Bikes, and Bewilderment

08:00 - Rise (ish) & Breakfast Bliss: Woke up. The view from the balcony was spectacular. The breakfast buffet? A triumph. Perfectly grilled fish, fluffy rice, and tiny, adorable pickled things. This was going to be the day I turned things around.
09:00 - Amanohashidate Beach Adventure: The plan: cycle across the Amanohashidate sandbar (basically a bridge of sand, linking two sides of the bay) on rented bikes. The reality: nearly falling into the ocean five times, my bike (affectionately nicknamed, "The Destroyer") developing a mind of its own, and a general feeling of being hilariously inept. The views, though? Unforgettable. I did it!
12:00 - Lunch & The Mysterious Noodles: Found a tiny, local restaurant. I attempted to order… or, more accurately, pointed at the menu with wild abandon. Ended up with a bowl of soupy noodles and something that looked suspiciously like a pickled… jellyfish? It was…interesting.
14:00 - Exploring the Kasamatsu Park Viewing Platform: This was my first time experiencing the "matanozoki" – bending over backward between your legs to view Amanohashidate upside down. It's meant to bring you good luck. Let me tell you, it brought me a lot of awkwardness and a distinct urge to lie down. Did it work? Ask me again in a year.
16:00 - Onsen… or My Public Humiliation: Okay, the onsen (hot spring) experience. The guidebook says "Relax, soak, enjoy." My brain, however, translates that to "Panic, sweat profusely, and accidentally flash the entire room." Seriously. I was so self-conscious about the whole "naked in front of strangers" thing that I spent the whole time meticulously scrubbing every square inch of myself. I don't think I relaxed for a single second.

Day 3: Serenity (Almost!), Souvenirs, and a Surprisingly Sweet Farewell

08:00 - Another Breakfast Buffet Victory: Today, I conquered the miso soup. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless!
09:00 - Visit Chion-ji Temple: This temple was beautiful, with a focus on children and wisdom, and the architecture was captivating. It felt different, but more importantly, I realised I had grown used to the Japanese way of life. The peace and quiet was truly mesmering.
10:00 - Souvenir Shopping & The Wandering Tourist: Okay, time to find some actual souvenirs. I ended up lost in a labyrinth of craft shops, ending up with a collection of weirdly specific items (a tiny porcelain cat figurine, some strange tea, and enough chopsticks to feed a small army).
12:00 - Last Lunch & That Moment of Truth: The final lunch. I opted for comfort food: a simple (and thankfully, cooked) bowl of udon noodles. As I looked out at the bay, I realised… I was sad to leave. Despite the mishaps, the language barriers, and the near-constant state of bewilderment.
14:00 - Check-Out and Departure: The hotel staff were incredibly kind, despite my frequent stumbles and obvious lack of grace. As I left, I realised something: Maybe, just maybe, the imperfections were part of the charm. Miyazu, with its quirks and challenges, had somehow managed to win me over.

The Verdict:

Would I recommend the Shourotei Hotel? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster. Pack your patience, your sense of humour, and maybe some basic Japanese phrases. And for the love of all that is holy, learn how to use the air conditioning controls before you arrive. Would I go back? You bet your bottom dollar. I already miss it. And if that's not a sign of a trip well-spent, I don't know what is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go practice my bowing. My next adventure awaits!

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Shourotei Hotel Miyazu Japan

Uncover Hidden Kyoto: Shourotei Hotel Miyazu - FAQ (and a Whole Lot More!)

Okay, Okay, Shourotei Hotel Miyazu… What's the Deal? Is it Worth the Hype (and the Trip)?

Alright, let's get real. The hype? Oh, it's there. The Instagrammable onsen views over that little inlet? They're real. The perfectly arranged kaiseki dinner that makes you feel like you're trespassing on a Michelin-starred chef's art project? Also real. But worth it? That depends. Look, I went. I went *expecting* some zen-like perfection. I went ready to meditate on the beauty of simplicity. I... well, I almost tripped over a tatami mat (more on that later). So, is it worth the trip? YES. But with a HUGE caveat. You're not just buying a hotel room. You're buying an *experience*. A potentially life-altering, if you're into that sort of thing, experience. You're buying peace, tranquility, and a chance to eat things you probably can't pronounce (but will gleefully devour). BUT, you've also got to be ready to maybe, just maybe, be a *teeny* bit bored. And that's okay! Seriously, it's a feature, not a bug.

The Food! Tell Me EVERYTHING About the Kaiseki! (My Stomach is Rumbling Already…)

Oh. My. Goodness. The kaiseki... Okay, picture this: Tiny, *exquisite* dishes. Like, so small you're convinced a fairy chef prepared them. Each one a tiny work of art. And the flavors! Forget everything you think you know about "Japanese food." This is next level. I swear, I had a piece of something that looked like a perfectly sculpted pebble, and it somehow tasted like the purest essence of the ocean and… happiness? I honestly don't know what it was. The staff meticulously explained each course, but my Japanese is... let's say "rudimentary." I spent most of the time nodding and going "Hai! Hai! Oishi!" (delicious!) while completely clueless. My biggest regret? Not asking them for a second helping of the grilled fish with the… *thing* on top. The *thing* that tasted like heaven. I'm still mourning it. Also, the wine pairing? Splurge. Just do it. You deserve it after the long trip.

Onsen Time! What's That Like? (The Naked Part… I'm a Little Shy…)

The onsen. Ah, the onsen! Okay, full disclosure: I'm *not* a fan of being naked in front of strangers. It's just not my jam. But… the onsen at Shourotei? Changed my mind. Mostly. First, the views. Seriously, they sell the hotel on these views for a reason. Imagine soaking in the hot springs, looking out over the peaceful harbor, maybe with a little bit of snow falling (depending on the season, of course, and I went in the spring, so no snow for me, sadly.) Second, the atmosphere. It's so… serene. Everyone is just… *there*. Naked. Contemplating. (Or, in my case, desperately trying not to make eye contact). Look, it’s awkward at first. There's no getting around it. But you relax. Your muscles melt. You get over yourself. And by the end, you're practically a zen master. (Or, you know, you’re just really, really relaxed.) There's a private onsen option too, which I totally chickened out and booked. Highly recommend if you're even a *little* iffy. Trust me. It’s worth it.

The Rooms! Are They Like, Super Minimalist? Is There a TV? Do I Need to Bring My Own Pillow?

Yes. Yes. And NO! (About the pillow.) The rooms are Japanese minimalist, which means beautiful, simple, and a little… spartan. Expect tatami mats (I almost ate it on one, remember?), sliding doors, and an overall feeling of calm. There's usually a *very* low futon bed. Comfortable, surprisingly. There's a TV. But trust me, you won't be watching it. (Unless you're a masochist who enjoys ruining the vibe.) You're there to *disconnect*. To breathe. To contemplate the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of that amazing grilled fish). Bring your own pillow? Absolutely not! They have everything. And by everything, I mean a perfectly fluffy, cloud-like pillow that will make you question all your life choices. I seriously considered stealing a pillow. Don't tell anyone.

Miyazu Itself - Is There Anything to Do Besides Eat and Soak? (Asking for a Friend...)

Okay, so Miyazu is… sleepy. It's utterly charming, but don't expect a bustling city. You're not going to be clubbing. You're not going to be bar hopping. (Unless you count the *one* tiny, authentic, local bar I discovered. Think eight seats, mostly elderly locals speaking rapid-fire Japanese, and the best "omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality) I've ever experienced, despite my utter lack of linguistic skills.) But there's beauty! The Amanohashidate sandbar (a literal bridge of sand) is stunning. You can take a boat tour. There are a couple of temples and shrines to poke around in. And, most importantly, there's the *opportunity* for doing absolutely nothing. Seriously. Embrace the boredom. Let it wash over you. Miyazu is a place to recharge your soul. It's not a place for non-stop activity.

Logistics: How Do I Get There and What Should I Pack? (The Practical Stuff!)

Getting there involves some train travel. It's manageable, but it takes time. (Think Kyoto to Miyazu… then maybe a taxi. Or a bus. I got a little lost, to be honest. The signage is great, but I was so busy admiring the scenery, let's just say I might have missed a turn or two. Eventually, I found my way!) Research your route beforehand, people! What to pack? Comfortable clothes, especially if you plan to explore the area. A swimsuit (for the onsen… or the private one!). Good walking shoes. And most importantly… a *sense of adventure*. And maybe some phrasebook or a translation app - it helps! Also, and I can't stress this enough, a universal adapter. And patience. Lots and lots of patience. Especially if you, like me, are easily flustered. But the journey is worth it, I promise. The destination is otherworldly.

Alright, spill. Any Downsides? Is It REALLY as Perfect as It Sounds?

Okay, look, I'm not going to lie. There are downsides. It's expensive. It's a splurge. And if you're expecting "perfect," you're setting yourself up for disappointment. The hotel staff are *inWhere To Sleep In

Shourotei Hotel Miyazu Japan

Uncover Hidden Kyoto: Shourotei Hotel Miyazu's Exquisite Secret