Aburaya Tousen: Nagano's BEST Kept Secret (You NEED to See This!)
Aburaya Tousen: Nagano's BEST Kept Secret (You NEED to See This!) - A Rambling Review (Because Perfection is Boring)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the unfiltered truth about Aburaya Tousen. Forget those polished travel brochures – this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, the warts are few and far between compared to the absolutely glorious, soul-soothing stuff.
Accessibility: Can Nana Get Around?
Right, first things first: how easy is it to actually get around? This is HUGE. For those with mobility issues, or just plain like things easy, Aburaya Tousen mostly delivers. They've got elevators (thank the travel gods!), which is always a win. They even list Facilities for Disabled Guests, which is a promising start, though I didn't personally put it to the test. However, I did notice that the Elevator makes getting around really easy. The Front Desk [24-hour] is always there to help and that is really important.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is It Safe To Breathe?
Let's be blunt: the world's a germy place. But Aburaya Tousen? They're REALLY on it. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Double-check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Tripple-check. They were practically obsessed with cleanliness, and honestly, I loved it. The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and my germaphobe tendencies felt strangely at ease. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch! They are also equipped with First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher made me feel safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Booze)!
Okay, now we're talking. Seriously, the food at Aburaya Tousen is a highlight. Forget boring hotel buffets; this place is a culinary adventure.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a glorious sprawl of deliciousness. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, everything in between. Think fresh fruit, pastries, savory Japanese dishes… I may have eaten my weight in croissants.
- Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. You can select dishes to eat in restaurant with A la carte in restaurant or eat a Buffet in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant.
- Poolside bar: This is the ultimate relaxation zone with Poolside bar! Drink and view the amazing Swimming pool!
- Snack bar: Need a quick nibble? They got you covered.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfect to drink with your meal.
- Bottle of water: Always there, you will always stay hydrated
- Coffee shop: If you feel like working or relaxing.
One night, I had the most incredible Happy hour with a Bar at the Poolside bar! I ended up spending the entire time there.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Yes, Please. (And Maybe Naptime, Too)
This is where Aburaya Tousen truly shines. It's not just a hotel; it's a full-blown relaxation retreat.
- Pool with view: The Swimming pool is truly magnificent and it's a great way to relax and get rid of tensions. Especially the view of the mountain is superb!
- Spa/sauna: Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, the works! I practically lived in the spa. The Spa was a sanctuary. The Fitness center is really helpful too.
- Foot bath: Perfect after a day of exploring the area.
- Fitness center: Nice, not a huge gym, but definitely enough to get your blood pumping.
Services and Conveniences: Because Life Should Be Easy (Even on Vacation)
- Concierge: They were incredibly helpful and knew EVERYTHING.
- Daily housekeeping Well, that is necessary.
- Laundry service: Thank god!
- Room service [24-hour]: Seriously, if you need a midnight snack, they have you.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, please!
- Currency exchange: Always good to have, though I'd recommend getting some Yen before you go.
- Cash withdrawal: Another godsend.
- Luggage storage: Very useful.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: if you are planning to do a company retreat or a seminar.
- Ironing service: Great for business trips.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always handy for grabbing a last-minute present.
- Elevator: Very useful for people of all ages.
- Doorman: Very welcoming.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, Baby!
This one surprised me. Aburaya Tousen is definitely Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities and Babysitting service. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw plenty of happy families. It’s nice to know they are welcome.
Available in All Rooms: Is My Room a Fortress of Comfort?
Alright, let's talk rooms. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and designed for maximum chill.
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in the summer.
- Free Wi-Fi: Bless them for this, and it works everywhere.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Luxuriate!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a morning caffeine fix.
- TV: Yep, got one of those.
- Bed: Comfortable with Extra long bed.
- Blackout curtains: Great for sleeping in after a long day of spa-ing.
- Additional toilet: Always a blessing!
- Fridge: Essential to store water, juices, etc.
Getting Around: Transportation Tango
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Definitely a plus if you're driving.
- Taxi service: Available if you need it.
Internet: Gotta Stay Connected, Even in Paradise
Woohoo! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and a strong signal. Good for checking emails, posting envy-inducing Instagram stories, and generally avoiding the real world for a bit. Internet access – wireless is also avalaible. They got Internet [LAN] and Internet services.
My Aburaya Tousen "Aha!" Moment: The Spa (Again!)
Okay, I'm going to be extra on this one. The spa truly and utterly made the trip for me. First, there's that view from the Pool with view: mountains, lush greenery, and the clear, crisp air. The Massage I got was heavenly. I think I actually melted into the massage table. And the sauna… oh, the sauna. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I made a friend in the Sauna with whom I shared my experiences. I can't stress the importance of visiting the Steamroom. I really spent the better part of a day there. The whole atmosphere is designed to make you forget your worries and just be. I left feeling like a new person, reborn from a chrysalis of stress. I truly have to say. Every single service was worth the price.
The Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The Japanese Bathing Ritual: Took me a hot minute to figure out. There is a whole protocol there. I even asked the Front Desk [24-hour] for advice.
- Signage: Mostly in Japanese, but that's part of the charm, right?
Overall Vibe: Worth the Trip?
Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Aburaya Tousen is a haven. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and escape the daily grind. It's a place with a soul, and a place that I want to go back to.
Final Verdict:
This hotel is a bit of paradise. From the pristine cleanliness to the soul-reviving spa, Aburaya Tousen has genuinely earned its reputation as a hidden gem.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this Aburaya Tousen itinerary isn't some perfectly curated Instagram post. This is the REAL deal, the messy, glorious human experience of trying to enjoy a fancy onsen in Nagano. Let's see if I can even remember what I did.
Aburaya Tousen: Nagano - A Hot Mess Adventure (in the best way possible)
Day 1: Arrival & Spa-Induced Bliss (Mostly)
- 10:00 AM – Arrival at Narita (NRT) – The Great Luggage-Shuffle: Okay, so, flight from… well, let’s just say it involved a layover in a place I swore I'd never voluntarily revisit. Anyway, finally land in Tokyo! My luggage? A chaotic symphony of broken wheels and questionable contents. Taxi to the airport (expensive, but my sanity and sanity-like objects were more important). Then: Shinkansen to Nagano. The good news? The bullet train is sleek. The bad news? My stomach decided to loudly protest the pre-packaged airplane food for the entire ride.
- 2:00 PM – Train to Nagano & Scared of the Train: The train arrives in Nagano…I'm scared that I won't make the right train and will be stuck and alone.
- 3:30 PM – Arrival at Aburaya Tousen – "Woah, This Place is Fancy!" The taxi ride to "Aburaya Tousen" starts off by getting the hotel name wrong because I'm terrible at reading kanji. We finally arrive. Suddenly, I feel like I've stumbled into a Wes Anderson film. Seriously? The lobby is all wood, minimalist design, and a view that made me go, "Oh. Okay. I could get used to this."
- 4:00 PM – Check-In & The Kimono Catastrophe: Check-in was smooth, even though I was still clutching my luggage like a life raft. The best part? They give you a freaking kimono to wear around the hotel. I spent a solid 10 minutes wrestling with the concept. The instructions were… cryptic. Let's just say I looked more like a wrapped present than a graceful Japanese guest.
- 5:00 PM – Onsen Time – Mild Panic & Pure Relaxation: Okay, so this is what I came for: the onsen. Public bathing? Never. Ever. But dammit, I was here. The changing room was a blur of awkwardness. I am fairly certain I saw my reflection in the mirror and asked myself, "How did this happen? I should be at home eating pizza." I entered the water, and initially, I was just… overwhelmed. Then, slowly, the tension melted away. The heat, the quiet, the view… it was pure, unadulterated bliss. I went for a long sit.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner – The "I Think I Understand Japanese Food Now" Moment (Maybe): The multi-course dinner was an experience. Tiny portions, exquisitely presented. I had no clue what half of it was, but I savored every single bite. The server, a woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, explained things (in broken English, but bless her). I think I understood about 20% of it, the other 80% based on the presentation.
- 9:00 PM – Stargazing – "I swear, I can see another planet!": The hotel has a rooftop observatory. I'm not a star person. But the sky was absolutely ridiculous. I'm pretty sure I saw constellations I never knew existed, and briefly thought "maybe I was meant to live here" before freezing to death.
Day 2: Exploring, Mishaps, and More Onsen
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast – Toast, Eggs, and Utter Confusion: Breakfast was a traditional Japanese spread. I opted for toast and eggs. I found some miso soup and was instantly in heaven.
- 9:00 AM – Exploring the Area – This Might Be a Mistake: I decided to leave the hotel. "EXPLORE!" I yelled to myself. I thought I'd go for a hike. I set off with a vague idea of where I was going.
- 10:00 AM – The "Lost Tourist" Phase: I was, unsurprisingly, lost. The map was useless. The scenery? Stunning. My sense of direction? Non-existent.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch – Ramen Rescue: Found a tiny ramen shop after wandering for hours. The ramen was hot, flavorful, and saved me from a full-blown meltdown. It was the best ramen I had the entire trip.
- 2:00 PM – Back at the Hotel – Spa Bliss, Take Two: Back at the hotel, I went straight to the onsen. This time, I was a pro. I knew the routine. I even managed to look at the view without freaking out.
- 5:00 PM – Souvenir Shopping – The Weird and the Wonderful: I went souvenir shopping. I bought things I don't need and will probably regret.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner – Decided to eat outside: I decided to eat outside the hotel, and found the most amazing little place. I highly recommend it.
- 9:00 PM – Onsen – "I'm Going to Cry" and "I Never Want to Leave." I went back one last time. I sat alone, watched the steam rise, and felt my worries – my life – just fall away. It was at this point I cried. With joy. Followed by a deep sense of… well, contentment. This feels like the only place I've ever truly felt like myself.
Day 3: Farewell & the Long Trek Home
- 8:00 AM – Last Breakfast – Tears in My Ramen: I ate more ramen and cried.
- 9:00 AM – Check-Out – "I'll be back."
- 10:00 AM – Train to Tokyo – "Sayonara, Mountains!"
- 1:00 PM – Final Thoughts and a Pizza - I miss it already. I'm exhausted, but in the best way possible. Worth it. This all felt worth it.
Final Thoughts:
Aburaya Tousen? Absolutely do it. And for God's sake, learn how to wear a kimono before you go. And bring a better map. And don't be afraid to get lost, because sometimes, those accidental detours lead to the best discoveries. And bring a box of tissues. You'll need them. Tears of joy, maybe. Tears of utter, hilarious confusion, definitely.
This trip was a messy, imperfect, and utterly beautiful adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. (Except maybe some better luggage.)
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Aburaya Tousen: Nagano's BEST Kept Secret (You NEED to See This!... Seriously, Go!) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, Okay, Aburaya Tousen. What's the *REAL* Deal? Is it Just Another Ryokan?
Alright, let's be real. My initial thought? "Another fancy ryokan? Ugh, passport-snatching wallet buster." Wrong. SO. WRONG. Aburaya Tousen is...well, it's magic, alright? Think less "cookie-cutter luxury" and more "living inside a Studio Ghibli film." It's got the *vibe*. And that's the thing, right? It's not *just* beautiful tatami mats and meticulously arranged flower arrangements (although, yes, they’ve got those). It's the feeling you get when you're there. A genuine, almost unsettling sense of peace. I almost cried when I walked into my room. Like, happy tears! Don't judge me. It was just… perfect.
Location, Location, Location! Where Exactly is this Elusive Gem?
Ah, the hiding-place. It's nestled in the mountains of Shibu Onsen, Nagano. Now, "mountains" doesn’t quite convey the *depth* of it. Think winding roads, dense forests, and a definite feeling of being *away* from it all. Getting there involves a bit of a trek, maybe a train and a bus – part of the charm, honestly. It's like the universe is saying, "You *deserve* this experience. Earn it." The journey is absolutely worth it, though. The air smells cleaner, the sounds are softer, and all your anxieties seem to melt away before you even check in. Getting lost is okay. Just make sure you eventually make it through the maze!
I've Seen Pictures. Is it *Actually* That Gorgeous? (Because Pinterest lies, you know.)
Okay, this is where I get *really* emphatic: YES. It's better. And that's saying a lot, because the photos are stunning. Every corner is curated. Every detail is considered. From the paper lanterns casting a warm glow in the hallways to the perfectly placed cherry blossoms (if you go at the right time, seriously, GO IN SPRING!), it's a visual masterpiece. I even took, like, a thousand pictures... and I’m a *terrible* photographer. And yet, they still came out halfway decent. It has incredible value and the overall effect? Impeccable.
Let's Talk Food. Is the Kaiseki Dinner Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
*Worth it?!* Dude, the kaiseki dinner is *life-altering*. I'm not even kidding. It’s not just food; it's an *experience*. Each course is a tiny, edible work of art, beautifully presented. The tastes... oh, the tastes! Freshly caught fish, local vegetables, perfectly cooked everything. One dish was this delicate little dumpling in a clear broth, and I swear, I almost levitated. The service is flawless, the pacing is perfect. It’s an investment, sure, but one I'd make again in a heartbeat. Seriously, consider taking a second mortgage. It's *that* good. (Okay, maybe not...but it's really, really good.)
Tell Me About the Onsen! What Are the Baths Like? (Are they awkward?)
The onsen (hot springs) are a massive part of the allure, and, okay, yeah, maybe a *little* awkward at first. Nudity is the norm, and you're sharing the warmth with strangers. But honestly? You get over it *fast*. The baths are incredible. Indoor, outdoor, different temperatures...pure bliss. I sat in the outdoor bath under the stars one night, with snowflakes falling on my face and just... well, it was almost perfect. Plus, the onsen is AMAZING for your skin! My skin felt like a baby's butt for DAYS afterwards! Just make sure you follow the etiquette (rinse off before getting in, don't splash, etc.). And try not to stare. (It’s tough, but try!)
Okay, But Seriously. What's the *Worst* Part? There HAS to be something...
Alright, fine. Let's get real. The *worst* part? Leaving. Seriously. When it's time to pack your bags, you'll have a profound sense of loss. Like you're being ripped from a dream. Also, booking. It’s popular. You'll probably need to plan in advance, and that can be frustrating. And, uh, the price. It's an investment. But honestly? Those are the only downsides I could come up with. I'm still trying to figure out when I can go back.
What's the Vibe? Is it All Ultra-Quiet and Formal?
It's respectful, yes. But not *stuffy*. It's elegant and refined, but there's a sense of warmth and genuine hospitality. The staff are amazing, not in that forced, robotic way you get at some places. They are friendly, helpful and will go above and beyond to make your stay comfortable. I tripped and almost fell near the entrance, and a staff member rushed over without needing to say a word. It's a place where you can relax and be yourself. It definitely isn’t a place to be loud and obnoxious. It’s a place where you are encouraged to be gentle with your voice, and yourself. They understand quiet.
Any Tips for Making the Most of the Experience?
Embrace the zen! Put away your phone (seriously, put it away!), slow down, and just *be*. Wear the yukata (the provided robe) everywhere. Wander the grounds. Try all the different onsen. Eat everything. And, most importantly, *talk* to the staff. They're a wealth of information and can help you enhance your visit. If you’re unsure, just ask. They want you to have the best experience and will help wherever possible. And trust me, you'll want to.
Is it Kid-Friendly?
Hmm... that's a tough one. I'd sayHotels Near Your
