Izumigo Ambient Azumino Hotel

We came to this hotel after a day of enjoyable sightseeing and hiking at the Snow Wall along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route. The hotel invited us early to the sumptuous and marvellous dinner prepared for us. I like the minced tuna and raw salmon slices, the miso soup, dumpling and vegetable tempura. The wasabi ice cream was an energiser. I thought I would have a sound sleep at night as I was physically exhausted from the day walking but I found my body is not acclimatised to the cold temperature at this mountainous resort. I raised the aircon temperature to the maximum 29 degree and still felt cold. I should have turned on the heater but did not know how to do so. Thus, the bitter coldness woke me up on few occasions disrupting the sleep ryhmth. The next morning, I decided to go for an early morning walk at the Azumino mountain forest behind the hotel. The wind was cold and my hand was numbed as I braved my way up the slope with only a short and t shirt. Back at the hotel, I was greeted with a sumptuous breakfast of yogurt, coffee, soba noodles, nattos, croissants, salad, fresh milk and many other good food. I went for a refreshing onsen bath at basement 2 before check- out. There was no one using the onsen and I have the whole onsen to my self. What I like about this hotel is that it is located right in the mountain forest and the air is filled with so much negative ions from the numerous tall trees. The Japanese named it Shirin yoku. There are beverages at the 'oasis' but were meant for hotel members not the hotel guests. Why the difference? We felt not so welcome. The reception staff were courteous and helpful but it would be ideal if they can learn to speak English. Language barrier inhibits effective communication. We were sent to the West Wing instead of our rooms at the East Wing. We were surprised that both beer and wines were complimentary during dinner. If there is a chance, I would want to stay at this hotel but will remember to turn on the heater at night.

We are part of TOTO Japan Indonesia tour and had a late check-in just before dinner. Its a huge old hotel that is divided by east and west rooms and located in Azumino mountainous area. Our room are located on the east wing of the third floor. Its an old hotel with old style furnishing hotel as in 1980s - 1990s however it is very clean Japanese standard. The highlight of the stay is the dinner which is very tasty pork cutlet, very succulent tender sweer pork. And their famous spider long leg crabs, very sweet. And their souvenier shop have a large selection of local produce. Other than that, there is not much you can do in the hotel. So one night is enough to experienced Ambient Azumino hotel.