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for independent travelers

We really wanted to love our stay at Yamanochaya, especially because of its beautiful location and the wonderful onsen experience. Unfortunately, the property didn’t quite live up to our expectations. The property itself felt quite dated, and we noticed some areas in the common spaces where the decor and furnishings were visibly worn or broken. Our room also had a small area of mold on the floor, apparently from a leaking AC unit. While it wasn’t a major part of the room, it was disappointing to see and something that should be addressed. The biggest disappointment for us was the kaiseki meal. We consider ourselves very open to trying different foods and have traveled extensively, so we were looking forward to experiencing a traditional Japanese meal. Unfortunately, the meal left quite a bit to be desired. Some of the dishes didn’t seem particularly well prepared, and the steak was quite tough. Overall, we found the meal difficult to get through and it wasn’t the dining experience we had hoped for. That said, there were definitely some positives. The staff were extremely friendly, warm, and accommodating, and they did their best to make us feel welcome throughout our stay. The onsens were also a highlight and provided a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone. Overall, Yamanochaya has a lot going for it, particularly its location, onsens, and genuinely kind staff. With some investment in updating the property, maintaining the common areas, addressing issues such as the mold, and improving the dining experience, I think it could be a much more memorable stay.

Staying at the Genji Kyoto Machiya Townhouse Annex was one of the most unique and memorable parts of our time in Kyoto. It gave us the opportunity to experience a classic Kyoto neighborhood and get a real sense of what it might be like to live in one of the city’s traditional machiya homes. The townhouse was beautifully decorated and thoughtfully styled, striking a wonderful balance between traditional Japanese character and modern comfort. The design, materials, and details really captured the spirit of old Kyoto without feeling dated. There was something very special about coming back each day to such a beautiful and peaceful space. The townhouse was also very comfortable for the three of us and gave us plenty of room to relax during our four-day stay. It felt much more personal and intimate than a typical hotel experience and really added to the feeling that we were experiencing Kyoto rather than simply visiting it. The breakfast each morning was delicious and was such a wonderful way to start the day. And the rooftop cocktails were absolutely divine! Enjoying a drink from the rooftop while taking in the surroundings was one of those experiences that made our stay feel truly special. Overall, the Genji Kyoto Machiya Townhouse Annex offered a wonderful combination of authentic Kyoto atmosphere, beautiful traditional design, comfort, and memorable hospitality. If you’re looking for something different from a conventional hotel and want to experience a more traditional side of Kyoto, this is a very special place to stay.

We had a wonderful stay at the Bellustar Tokyo Pan Pacific. The hotel is modern, beautifully designed, and has a very thoughtful feel throughout. Our room was extremely comfortable, and the views of Tokyo were absolutely amazing — especially at night. The location was also a big plus. Having easy access to several different subway lines made it very convenient to get around Tokyo and explore different parts of the city. It was a great home base for our stay. What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff were exceptionally warm, welcoming, and attentive without ever feeling overbearing. Any requests we had were handled quickly and efficiently, and we always felt well taken care of. Overall, the Bellustar Tokyo Pan Pacific was a fantastic choice for our stay. Between the beautiful modern design, comfortable rooms, incredible views, convenient location, and genuinely excellent service, it made our time in Tokyo even more enjoyable. We would definitely stay here again.

Our small group tour in Tokyo with Mami was one of the highlights of our trip! Mami was absolutely amazing — warm, personable, knowledgeable, and so much fun to spend time with. She took us to three completely different venues, and each one offered something unique. The food at every stop was wonderfully prepared, and it was such a great way to experience different flavors and sides of Tokyo that we probably wouldn’t have discovered on our own. What really made the experience special, though, was Mami herself. She made us feel comfortable right away and had such a genuine, engaging personality. She shared her knowledge of the food and the local area while making the tour feel more like we were spending an evening with a friend than being on a formal tour. By the end of the evening, we honestly did not want to leave her! It was such a fun and memorable experience, and Mami made it even better. We would highly recommend this tour, especially if you have the opportunity to have Mami as your guide!

For what it is, it's great

Great staff and beautiful hotel

Great capsule hotel. I don't think I would stay in one again. Great experience but I prefer regular hotels.