Here we introduce testimonials of some of the guests who have enjoyed a stay at Nippondaira Hotel. Former President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), New York native Jay Ponazecki shares her thoughts.
“Although I am not a big fan of big hotels (I tend to stay at boutique hotels or small Japanese Hot Spring inns), I’m so glad to have experienced this wonderful hotel and believe others will enjoy it too!
It is so easy to get to from Tokyo, Yokohama, Atami, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. For foreigners living in Japan, it’s a respite from the urban heat, hustle and bustle, yet with all conveniences. For international visitors, it’s a great place to inhale/exhale in between busy sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto. Very convenient too for a Fuji experience without having to travel to Hakone or the Fuji lakes.
Two-story Glass Window
It was steaming hot when I left Tokyo, but it was six degrees cooler on Nippondaira and with a breeze no less! What an escape from the heat!
Nice shade at the Nippondaira Hotel garden
It’s a wonderful GREEN immersion. As soon as the shuttle van leaves Shizuoka City and starts driving uphill to Nippondaira, it’s green, green, green. Then there’s green in the rooms. And green 36O degrees outside around the hotel. It pulls everyone outside. Time slows down with the greenery, the sky, the views, the breeze, the tranquility and the songbirds. It’s wonderfully quiet and tranquil. You can hear songbirds (Japanese nightingale) and crickets. People were outside walking and sitting. The hotel grounds are so big that people become part of the greenery. Everyone was relaxed and happy. There are many places to sit in the shade with a book (or iPhone) or to chat with family and friends. And one can walk barefoot in the grass — something one can’t do all the time in Japan.
Hotel garden with Mt. Fuji view
Great strolling/jogging path and one can freely walk on the grass. I got my minimum daily steps in just walking the grounds a couple of times which I wanted to do as the view and light kept changing. The paved path is also very wheelchair friendly.
The ever changing views of the sky, Fuji, Sugura Bay and the Minami Alps Foothills are living art. And the massive two story picture window and the picture windows in each room (with private terraces) and the Japanese restaurant (and other places) make you one with the living art. The views are stunning day and night. It was magical seeing the sparkling lights down below and lights on boats in the Bay at night.
Their system is 2pm check in and 12 Noon checkout. So, you have nearly 24 hours to relax and enjoy the view. Also, I should mention their Afternoon Tea was superb!”
Follow Jay on Facebook and Instagram to enjoy more of her photos of flowers and travel from across Japan.