Meigetsuso

Comentarios destacados

• JJ199

  16 enero 2014
  Great Ryokan

  Having traveled to many ryokans around Japan ranging from the very traditional (Hanzuiryo) to the modern (Gorakadan) we often found that it was often a minor tradeoff between outstanding food and standard of accommodations. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of both at Meigetsuso. After a 3 hour bullet train from Tokyo and a short taxi ride from the train station we found ourselves at Meigetsuso. While the lobby and some public areas were decorated in a somewhat Victorian style era, the remainder of the ryokan is traditionally Japanese. Our lodgings were comfortable with outdoor private baths and the addition of a small kitchenette (while not common in ryokans) was a convenient addition. The two meals provided daily (in particularly dinner) were extremely delicious, creative and of great quality. We had outstanding beef, seafood dishes and fresh vegetables. The ryokan was also very flexible with dietary restrictions where applicable. In addition, it housed a small wine and sake cellar, allowing guests to pair meals on a daily basis. And we were able to communicate with the 1-2 staff members that could speak some English. The public baths were comfortable but when compared to other ryokans lack some luster. The one other slight disadvantage of this location is that there are not many day time activities outside of skiing. Unlike other small towns that may boast several museums and other scenic options. Overall, I would highly recommend Meigetsuso for its combination of great food and comfortable lodgings. It was a nice change from other more popular hot spring locations like Hakone and Hokkaido.

  

• awaodoriTL

  16 agosto 2016
  One of the best ryokan with great atmosphere

  Unlike other luxury ryokan which hew very close to tradition, Meigetsuso has embraced Western culture but in an utterly Japanese way. There is a reading room furnished in old English style, a sitting area with a whiskey bar, and a little art gallery with local pottery. Feels surprising homey and unpretentious, probably because it is a sincere reflection of the owner's tastes. Great place to enjoy the wonderful onsen and relax in the evening. Which is good because there's nothing in the vicinity to see! There's a small hill to walk if you feel like the need for exercise. If you don't need the experience of the little Japanese onsen village, this would be the perfect place to unwind. For the excellent level of service, amenities, atmosphere and food, it's really good value for money.

  

• John A

  04 abril 2018
  Modern Rambling Ryokan

  We visited Meigetsuso when there was still a lot of snow on the ground and when you take a lot of comfort from the hot water springs. We stayed in a room advertised as capable of accommodating two to four people. The room, Hanada, was immense -- two large tatami rooms, a sitting room with an easy chair, a dining area, and, of course, a private bath. The room was meticulously clean, the futons were comfortable and warm enough for the cold weather, the views of Mt. Zao from the room were great. The ryokan itself was a rambling sort of structure and we enjoyed walking the halls in our yukatas. Complementary amazake and konyaku were offered in the late afternoon, again, a touch that hit the spot on a cold day. The hallways and public areas were very tastefully decorated, and in some ways, made us feel like we were staying in a friend's home. The food -- breakfast and dinner -- was excellent and was served in our room. The service was excellent and plentiful. We were somewhat disappointed by the size of our private bath -- only one person at a time could enjoy the hot water spring. We wished that the designers of the inn had given less space to the tatami rooms and more space to the bathroom (very small) and, as I wrote, the private hot spring bath. While we did not use the public baths, we did look at them and they were large and comfortable. The rotemburo was down a long flight of stairs, and it could be enjoyed in private. When you enter, a light goes on outside to inform other guests that the rotemburo is in use and the door is locked. We would have tried this bath, but the walk down the stairs in the cold air was a bit discouraging. We did, however, enjoy the family bath -- it was spacious, clean, and had sliding doors to the outside, and the access door locked to protect your privacy.

  

• bona_tiger

  16 diciembre 2018
  The touchstone of a sophisticated onsen ryokan

  Sitting at the foothills of Kaminoyama, Meigetsuso offered spacious rooms and a view of the tranquil town. Upon arrival, they unconventionally served grape juice as welcome drinks which was refreshing. We were then led by our dedicated server on a grand tour of the major facilities in the ryokan and provided with an informative introduction to onsen etiquette and tips by her on route to our room where the check-in paperwork was completed. The whole process from the moment we were welcomed at the front porch to having us settled in our room was seamless and made us feel relaxed and welcomed. The same dedicated server who spoke good English and was a single point of contact for service a la a butler would also serve us dinner in-room (more below). Our room has a private onsen with its beauty only be fully appreciated during day time - all windows could be opened and soaking in it feels like it was an open bath, overlooking the rooms neat small Japanese private garden. Two indoor public baths (both spacious) did not change for different gender guests. There was a semi-outdoor stone bath which required a bit of a covered walk in the cold to get to but which did not offer much view. Very private though. The other family indoor bath was most impressive: worked on a first come-first served basis, hassle free and did not require a prior reservation. It was spacious for family use with a full range of amenities. The inclusion of a baby changing station made it a true luxury for family holiday with infant! No complaint our in room dining experience. We had dinner at our tatami bedroom whereas breakfast was served in the dining room at an original table. Otherwise we have to be up earlier than necessary to allow for clearance of the futon beddings. Ryokan has to serve breakfast and dinner at preset time slots. With breakfast being served at the table, there was an option laying around for an easy lazy day which might not an option for many other ryokans. We picked out wine from the drinks menu but one could also order from the ryokans own cellar which is open for guests to view and buy. There was a sizeable collection of western red and white wine of Japan. Again unconventional for many ryokans. There was also a well-stocked and spacious inhouse gift shop which stayed opened to 8pm this allowed some last minute souvenir shopping (if needed). Fabulous dinner started off with dainty appetizers, followed with traditional Japanese soup being served in western style (the soup being poured into the bowl of ingredients to enjoy ). Each course was served individually at a moderate pace. The beef steak was cooked perfectly to our request. While the shabushabu way was utilized to cook our vegetarian udon, our tentative server asked if we would like to have congee to be cooked in the same nabe (pot), scooping up the remainder soupbase! And just when we thought congee would be the last carb dish for the night, we were offered two style of rice balls for supper! How wonderful to a carbohydrates maniac to close the night with a trio of carb dishes: fat local Yamagata udon, vegetarian congee and rice balls! Breakfast was sumptuous too - we could sample two different local grains. We visited the lounge felt like an ornate Scandinavian-inspired living room. High ceiling and roomy, it located in a standalone building and displayed a number of artifacts. It even came with a real wood burning fireplace we could feel the warmth of the flickering flames and heard the crackling fire sound as we sipped our morning coffee before set off. This ryokan had an eye for little details. Luxury came with price but a worthy experience if one was prepared to pay.

  

• JPDallas

  03 abril 2019
  Perfect Luxury Stay - Best Ryokan in Yamagata and Miyagi Areas!!

  Perfect all around: wonderful property (looks new), terrific food, and nicest folks & service. Had a great suite, a huge traditional tatami room, a western dining room, an indoor onsen, an outdoor onsen, a couple of washrooms, and a patio backyard over looking the city and mountains across. Michelin-star like meals of countless dishes with top local ingredients. Loved the design, finishings and layout of the property, lots of common areas to raom around (tea room, bar room, library, garden and gallery, etc.).