Hotel Shirakabaso Review: The Best Place to Stay in Kamikochi

After watching a YouTube video of Kamikochi that looked “like somewhere outside of Japan,” I decided to go immediately.
I wanted to stay somewhere memorable, so I first checked the Imperial Hotel—but the price was far too high.
Next, I found Hotel Shirakabaso, and there was only one room left on Friday, July 11.
Although it wasn’t a weekend, I decided to adjust my work schedule and booked it on the spot (reservation date: May 25).
I was surprised at how popular it was.

The location is unbeatable—right in the Kappa Bridge area.
From the terrace, you can see the Hotaka mountain range and the Azusa River, and nearly every review said they would love to return.
The French dinner course with a touch of Japanese warmth was highly praised, so I looked forward to it from the moment I booked.

• Solo Traveler’s Special: French Course Dinner at La Belle Forêt [Limited Dates]: 33,000 yen
• Main dish upgrade (Shinshu Wagyu beef): +3,500 yen
• Nature Guide Night Tour: 1,500 yen
• Early Morning Tour: 1,000 yen

I arrived early in the morning, and the staff kindly stored my luggage.
When I checked in later, my bags had already been brought up to my room.

The moment I opened the door, I was welcomed by a Japanese-style entryway with a large mirror and a spacious closet.
On the opposite side, a generously sized unit bath offered both comfort and ease of use.

Through the sliding door, the room opened up into a bright, wood-accented space that felt warm and inviting.
Two semi-double beds stood neatly side by side, while a coral-pink sofa set at the back added a charming pop of color—just the right size for me to sink into and relax.

Complimentary coffee, black tea, green tea, and mineral water were thoughtfully provided, and though the drinks in the fridge came at a cost, there was a single piece of chocolate placed inside as a sweet little surprise.

It was exactly the kind of room I love: stylish yet cozy, filled with details that show great care. For one person, the space felt wonderfully generous, the kind of place that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

At check-in, guests can choose their dinner time—5:30 PM or 7:00 PM.
Since I had booked the night tour for that evening, I chose the earlier 5:30 PM slot.
There were quite a few other solo travelers, so I felt completely comfortable dining alone.

Because I have a buckwheat allergy, I was served a special menu different from the others.

• Amuse-bouche: Chilled carrot, sweet shrimp, and consommé cream
  　→ Rich, creamy, and delicious.
• Appetizer: Shinshu salmon tartare from Hakuba with quinoa
  　→ Pleasant crunchy texture, refreshing lemon sauce, generous portion.
• Soup: New onion potage
  　→ Naturally sweet and so tasty I wished for more.
• Fish: Pan-fried sea bream with highland lettuce and vin blanc sauce
  　→ Juicy flesh, fragrant crispy skin, and a creamy sauce; chopsticks were provided, which I appreciated.
• Meat: Roasted Shinshu beef fillet with porcini risotto and young corn (+3,500 yen upgrade)
  　→ Others had roast beef; the young corn was outstanding, though the upgrade may not have been necessary.
• Dessert: Apple sorbet with brownie topped with yokan (allergy-friendly option)
  　→ A bit too sweet, but the coffee was excellent.
• Petit four: Dried persimmon with cream cheese filling (sweet)

Warm bread was served as much as you liked. Drinks included beer, wine, sparkling wine, and apple juice.
I’m not a strong drinker, and although I would have loved to enjoy a glass of white wine, I hesitated—especially dining alone.
Still, while dining alone felt a bit lonely at times, it was a rare treat to enjoy a full French course at my own pace.

After dinner, I joined the night tour, then relaxed in the large public bath.
The bed was just the right firmness and size, with a foot pillow to soothe my tired legs. The night was quiet, and I slept soundly until morning.

The next day began with the 6:00 AM early morning tour.
I had a coffee in my room before heading out, only to find the temperature surprisingly low—my light jacket wasn’t quite enough to keep warm.

Breakfast was served buffet-style, with both Japanese and Western options.
I couldn’t decide, so I tried a little of everything.
One highlight was the freshly made eggs Benedict, served warm right to the table.
I had promised myself not to overeat—but of course, I ended up completely full.

The dining hall had plenty of window-side seats with great views, and from the terrace, you could enjoy the Hotaka mountain range all to yourself.
The staff were even happy to take commemorative photos with the mountains in the background (though I was too shy to ask!).

Another nice touch was that breakfast was available in a yukata, which made the experience even more relaxing.
Afterward, I was able to take my coffee back to my room, where I enjoyed it while packing my things and planning the day ahead.
In everyday life I’m always pressed for time, but here I could savor a slow, luxurious morning—a rare treat.

The guest rooms had spacious, easy-to-use unit baths, but the hotel also offered a public bath.
After a long day of hiking, soaking in a large bath felt wonderful. Although it wasn’t very big, the hot water was just right and helped ease away my fatigue.

Another great feature was the hotel shop. Not only did it sell souvenirs, but it also carried a wide selection of hiking gear, including trekking poles and rainwear—quite practical for hikers.
What truly saved me was that I had forgotten my eye drops, which I rely on for my dry eyes. I realized this late at night, and even at Matsumoto Station I couldn’t find any. Thankfully, the shop had a mini drugstore section, and I was able to buy what I needed. They also stocked common medicines like painkillers and stomach remedies, so it gave me real peace of mind.
Without the eye drops my eyes would have turned red and blurry, so being able to buy them here was an absolute lifesaver.

For me, this hotel was truly top-class—the best I have ever stayed at.
Although the price is on the higher side, I felt that the level of service and comfort was absolutely worth it. Both the overall atmosphere of the hotel and the staff’s warm hospitality were outstanding.

Most of the guests seemed calm and refined, many of them likely returning visitors. I think it is a place particularly well-suited for older travelers who appreciate a serene and high-quality stay.

As for myself, I would love to come back here every year—walking through Kamikōchi, reading quietly in the shade, and simply enjoying the refreshing mountain air.
This is a place I would love to call “my summer retreat.”