Chikurakan Tateyama: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Chikurakan Tateyama: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Chikurakan Tateyama: More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Mountain-Sized Hug (and a Few Unexpected Hiccups)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a tsunami of opinions on Chikurakan Tateyama: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! They're not just saying it's a gem, folks. It's a sparkling, slightly flawed, breathtakingly beautiful gem nestled in the embrace of the Tateyama mountain range. I’m still recovering – and by recovering, I mean obsessing over the memory.
(SEO & Metadata - Blame the Algorithm!)
- Keywords: Chikurakan Tateyama, Tateyama, Japan, Hotel Review, Mountain Resort, Spa, Onsen, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Luxury, Review, Travel, Japan Travel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Fitness, Dining, Views, Japanese Alps, Hot Springs, High Altitude, Mountain Getaway, Authentic Experience.
- Meta Description: A deep dive review of Chikurakan Tateyama, a hidden gem in the Japanese Alps. Discover stunning views, luxurious spa services, accessible amenities, and the unique charm of this mountainside retreat. Flaws and all!
(Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly)
Let's be real, accessibility is huge to me. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. The website claims the hotel is accessible, and in some ways, they’re spot on. There's an elevator (thank GOD!), and the public areas are generally pretty easy to navigate. Facilities for disabled guests are listed.
But… and there's always a but isn’t there? - navigating in a wheelchair inside the rooms feels… tight. It's not bad, but it's not the spacious, effortlessly accommodating experience I hoped for. The wheelchair accessibility of the onsen (more on that later!) was… well, non-existent. A real heartbreaker, that one. They try, bless their cotton socks, but it's definitely not perfect. So, be prepared to make some adjustments if you're relying on specific accessibility needs.
(On-site Accessible Restaurants & Lounges - Mostly Good)
The restaurants I visited were generally pretty good, with decent spacing between tables. I didn't feel like I was elbowing other patrons. The lounges were similarly accommodating. They really DO try to be welcoming in every way.
(Internet Access - Thank You, Lords of Wi-Fi!)
Okay, this is a win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The Internet was solid, the Internet [LAN] was a great backup when the Wi-Fi felt a bit overloaded. The Internet services were what you'd expect: emails, streaming, no complaints.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Heaven, Pure Heaven)
Oh. My. God. Let's just start with the Pool with a View. Picture this: an infinity pool, the mountains looming majestically in the background, and you, floating in lukewarm bliss. I could have stayed there for days. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom - YES, YES, AND YES! The massage was phenomenal. I'm talking knots that haven't seen the light of day in years were banished. Seriously, those masseuses are magic. They have a Fitness center that caters your needs, but I was to busy lazing around. The Foot bath was a delightful bonus. There's also a Gym/fitness center. In one word, it’s heavenly.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Top Notch, Mostly)
Honestly, I felt incredibly safe. Anti-viral cleaning products were in use. Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service was great. Cashless payment service - modern and convenient. The daily Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. They had a Doctor/nurse on call, just in case, and a First aid kit. The Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and being provided with Hygiene certification made me more at ease. My room was sanitized between stays. Professional-grade sanitizing services were evident. I didn't opt out of any room sanitization. Safe dining setup assured me and, in general, the level of cleanliness was impressive. The staff were trained in safety protocol, and the overall impression was one of serious attention to detail. They removed Shared stationery removed.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Coma Incoming!)
Okay, where do I begin? A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, but really, I’m just going to talk about the experience. The food at Chikurakan Tateyama… WOW. The Buffet in restaurant was a culinary adventure! You are going to have to plan, you are going to have to pace yourself. Otherwise, you will find yourself face-first in a pile of exquisite sashimi, wondering how you got there. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour] are all exceptional. The Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant,Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant were all catered. They even had a Bar with a delightful selection of local sake. My only minor complaint? The sheer amount of food! I was perpetually two steps away from a food coma.
(Services and Conveniences - They’ve Thought of Everything… Almost)
The Air conditioning in public area was essential during the steamy summer days. There are Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. I appreciated the concierge, especially when my train connection went sideways. The Luggage storage was a lifesaver. The car park was free and easy to access.
(For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes)
They are genuinely Family/child friendly. While I don't have kids myself, I saw plenty of them having a blast. They have everything a kid would ask for. The Babysitting service is available.
(Access - Everything You Need, Really)
The CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms all made it feel secure.
(Getting Around - Easy Peasy)
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking - whatever your preferred mode of transport, they've got you covered.
(Available in All Rooms - The Essentials, Plus Some!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The rooms are beautifully designed and everything you need is provided. The bed was heavenly, and the bathrobes were so soft it felt like being hugged by a cloud. The complimentary tea was always a welcome touch. The blackout curtains… oh, the blackout curtains! They were a godsend after those massive buffet sessions.
(The Onsen: A Love-Hate Relationship)
And now, the elephant in the room: the onsen! The Japanese hot spring. This was a MAJOR highlight for many, Many, MANY guests. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, with stunning views. The water is divinely soothing. I spent at least an hour a day soaking and reflecting.
But… this is where the accessibility issue really hit home. The steps and the narrow spaces made it incredibly difficult for anyone with mobility issues to truly enjoy the experience fully. I wished I could have just floated in that warm water as
Andrews, TX Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to descend into the heart of… well, my heart, and that happens to be nestled snugly in the Japanese Alps, Specifically, Chikurakan, Tateyama. Forget that perfectly curated Instagram feed – this is real life. This is travel with the duct tape still visible, the coffee stains on the itinerary, and the occasional existential crisis thrown in for good measure. Here we go… (deep breath)
Day 1: Arriving in Tateyama and Trying (and Failing) to Be Zen
Morning (like, REALLY morning): Arrive at Toyama Airport. My flight was supposed to be seamless, but, thanks to a screaming toddler who clearly hadn't learned the value of an earplug, it was anything but. I'm talking a full-blown operatic performance of wails. Anyway, I'm here! The airport itself is pretty… well, it's an airport. Clean, efficient, and full of that oddly-pleasant airport air. Pick up the rental car. (Pray for me, I’m from the land of “left is right,” and the Japanese roads… they’re… different.)
Mid-morning: Drive to Tateyama Station. The scenery along the way? Jaw-dropping. Seriously. Lush green rice paddies, mountains looming in the distance… it's the kind of postcard-perfect view that makes you want to burst into spontaneous yodeling. The rental car, though… I almost took a wrong turn. Twice. Okay, maybe three times.
Lunch: Find a tiny ramen shop near the station. Ordered the most complicated thing on the menu (because, why not?). Turns out to be delicious, even if I think I accidentally ordered a side of pickled… something. (Still not sure what it was, but it was definitely an experience).
Afternoon: The fun part: riding the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route! This is, and I'm not exaggerating, a journey. A train, a cable car, a bus, a trolleybus… you name it, we’ll ride it. The whole thing is a logistical masterpiece; they've basically engineered an entire amusement park just to get you up into the mountains. The air got thinner up there. The views? UNREAL. Snow-covered peaks, even in July (mind-blowing!). I had my moment of Zen. Briefly. My stomach rumbled.
Evening: Check into the Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Tateyama. The room is… minimalist chic. And cold. Really cold. Apparently, I'm supposed to be happy with the view of the mountains. I'm sure in time I shall be. Dinner is served. The Kaiseki dinner is more of a mini food adventure. Some tastes are delightful, others… well, let's just say I learned a LOT about the different textures of seaweed.
Day 2: The Murodo Plateau – Embracing the Wild (and Possibly, a Yak)
Morning: Wake up. Realize I left my socks under the tatami mat. Curse the minimalist chic. Head back to the Alpine Route, aiming straight for the Murodo Plateau. This is where the magic really happens. The air up here is so pure you can practically taste it.
Mid-morning: Hike around the Mikurigaike Pond. I felt like a walking cliché. Seriously, everyone around me was taking pictures, humming under their breath, and looking absolutely thrilled. Me? I just kept thinking about how much I needed a coffee. Walked the entire path and got a lovely picture.
Lunch: Attempt to find a non-spicy curry. Found something I think was chicken. Delicious.
Afternoon: Here's where things got… interesting. I decided to take a side trail. (Impulse? Absolutely.) It was supposed to be "easy." It wasn't. It was uphill, rocky, and involved a significant amount of sweating. But the view from the top? Worth it. I'd conquered a mountain! (Or, you know, a smallish hill, but still.)
Later Afternoon: Found the local shop and bought some souvenirs. Got a lovely bear hat and some local sweets. Back to the hotel, now I was properly tired.
Evening: The Onsen (hot spring) experience. Okay. Breathe. This is the part you spend weeks mentally preparing for. Naked. In public. With other… people. It's mortifying, but also kind of… liberating? You feel better after the hot spring. And a lot more comfortable with your body. I think. Maybe.
Day 3: Farewell, Tateyama – Until Next Time (Hopefully!)
Morning: One last, lingering glance at those glorious mountains. Packing, is never my strong suit. Always feel like I'm leaving something behind. This time it was my favorite set of socks. That sucks.
Mid-morning: Enjoy a final, truly delicious breakfast. This time I actually managed to identify everything on my plate! Took some pictures of it.
Afternoon: Drive back to Toyama Airport, return the car, and… say goodbye to this magical place.
Evening: Flight time. On the plane I had a strong urge to book another trip. It was that good.
Post-Trip Ramblings and Imperfections:
The Language Barrier: My Japanese is… abysmal. I survived on smiles, pointing, and the occasional frantic "arigato." Everyone was incredibly patient and helpful. True story: I tried to ask for directions and ended up accidentally ordering a plate of pickled plums. It tasted… unusual.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: There were moments of sheer, unadulterated awe. Moments of frustration (damn those stairs!). Moments of feeling completely lost and overwhelmed. Moments when I wanted to stay forever. Moments when I wanted to run screaming back to my cozy, noise-polluted apartment. This is travel, baby. It's messy. It's beautiful. It's worth it.
Final Thoughts: Chikurakan and Tateyama… you stole my heart (and my socks!). I will be back. And next time, I’m bringing a phrasebook, a better sense of direction, and a whole lot more courage. Arigato, Japan. Arigato, Tateyama. You were a disaster, and I loved every single minute of it.
Chikurakan Tateyama: Japan's Hidden (and Slightly Overwhelming) Gem - FAQs! (aka, My Brain Dump)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the raw, uncensored truth about Chikurakan Tateyama. Forget the perfectly curated travel blogs, here's the *real deal*. I've been, I've seen, I've almost lost a sock in the process of figuring out how to use the vending machines – seriously, those things are a trial in themselves.
What *is* Chikurakan Tateyama, anyway? Is it secretly trying to kill me?
Okay, deep breaths. Chikurakan Tateyama is basically this epic mountain range and alpine route slicing right through Japan. Think stunning vistas, crazy-cool transportation (ropeways, buses, trollies – oh my!), and an elevation gain that'll leave you gasping… both from the beauty AND the thin air. Is it *trying* to kill you? Probably not. But the weather can be a real jerk, so pack layers, people! Layers are your friend!
Is it as beautiful as all the photos? (Because, let's be honest, photos lie.)
Okay, prepare to have your mind blown. *Most* of the photos? They're actually underselling it. Yes, I said it. Underselling! I remember standing at the Murodo Plateau, face-to-face with the snow walls (in May, mind you!), and my jaw just dropped. It was like the entire world had morphed into a perfectly painted postcard. The colours! The air! The sheer *scale* of it all... It’s just overwhelming in the best possible way. Seriously, I was a blubbering mess of awe and a little bit of altitude sickness.
What’s the best time to go? 'Cause I hate crowds. And the cold.
Here's the rub: there's *no* perfect time. Peak season (April/May for the snow corridor, summer for hiking) means crowds. Shoulder season (late May/early June or late September/October) means potentially unpredictable weather. Honestly, I went in mid-May, and it was glorious (and freezing). The crowds weren't *horrendous*, but still… get there EARLY. Like, before the sun even thinks about peeking over the mountains early. Seriously, the queues for the Tateyama Ropeway... they're a thing. Bring a book, a snack, and a whole lot of patience.
Oh, and the cold? Prepare for it. Even in summer, layers. ALWAYS layers!
How do I *actually* get around? And am I going to need a degree in engineering?
The good news: you *probably* won't need an engineering degree. The bad news: navigating the various modes of transport takes a little getting used to. You've got buses, a cable car, a ropeway (that’s like a giant gondola, for the uninitiated), a trolley bus… it's basically a transportation buffet! They sell round-trip tickets, which is the easiest way to do it. Just follow the signs and try not to get lost. (I may or may not have almost ended up on the wrong bus at one point… It was a *very* close call.)
Hiking? Is it *hard* hiking? Because my idea of "exercise" is walking to the fridge.
Okay, the hiking options vary. You can do a gentle stroll around Murodo Plateau, or you can tackle some serious climbs. There's something for everyone! I'm not a hardcore hiker, and I found the trails around Murodo perfectly manageable. Though, let's be honest, high altitude + not-so-stellar fitness = definitely feeling the burn. Pack water, snacks, and take breaks! Don't be a hero. Enjoy the scenery, dammit!
Food! What about food? Is it all ramen and… well, ramen?
Okay, food is a mixed bag. At the various stations along the route, you'll find some options. Ramen and curry rice are staples, of course. But I had some surprisingly delicious soba noodles in one of the cafes! And the onigiri (rice balls) from the convenience stores? Perfection! Pack some snacks too, just in case. Because hangry on a mountain is a *very* bad combination.
Speaking of convenience stores… the ones at the base of the mountain have the best selection. I loaded up on Pocky and weird, delicious Japanese snacks. Don't judge me.
Accommodation – where do I stay? Are there options that don’t involve sleeping on a futon on a straw mat?
Ah, the age-old question. Options are limited, especially if you're hoping to stay *on* the mountain. There are a few hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), but they book up FAST. Seriously, start planning your accommodation months in advance. You can also stay in Toyama City at the base, like I did. It's a convenient option and gives you more choices. Just be prepared for an early start each day if you do end up in the city, it's a long journey back and forth.
What's the absolute BEST thing about Chikurakan Tateyama? (Besides the obvious, like the scenery, duh.)
Okay, so maybe this is cheesy, but here goes… the *feeling*. The sheer, unadulterated *awesomeness* of being up there. Standing on the top of the world (or, you know, a very tall mountain), surrounded by pristine air and views that stretch on forever. It's like your worries melt away. It's an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life. Even the slightly-less-than-perfect moments (like the near-disaster with the vending machine) somehow add to the magic. Seriously, go. Just GO! You won't regret it (probably). This also maybe, just maybe, makes all the travel-related stress worth it.
Any regrets?
Lots. I wish I'd have taken more time, more photos, and been better prepared for the cold. I regret not trying more of the local food and not having more time to explore the hiking trailsAore Island Paradise: Vanuatu's Hidden Gem - Luxury Resort Awaits!
Post a Comment for "Chikurakan Tateyama: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!"