Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe: Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem!
Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe: Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem! (A Thoroughly Messy Review)
Okay, so you're thinking about escaping to Japan, huh? Smart move. But the problem is, where? Let me tell you, I stumbled upon a place that might be the secret sauce, the hidden gem everyone raves about but rarely actually finds: Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe. And I'm here to give you the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly over-caffeinated truth. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna be a wild ride.
First Impressions: The Accessibility (and My Own Two Left Feet)
Right off the bat, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Accessibility. Look, I’m not rolling around in a wheelchair (though sometimes, after a particularly vigorous hike, I feel like I should be). But I did appreciate that Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe seems to take this stuff seriously. They have facilities for disabled guests, and while I didn't personally test them, the fact that they mention it gives me a good feeling. They've got an elevator, too, which is a lifesaver after those amazing (but leg-burning) hikes. Car park [free of charge] and On-site one is also a huge bonus. No more circling the block like a lost buzzard!
The Internet (or, My Addiction to the World Wide Web in the Land of the Rising Sun)
Okay, let's be real. I'm a digital zombie. I need my internet like a fish needs water. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! They also have Internet access – LAN if you're old-school (or, you know, really need a stable connection for a giant file transfer). Wi-Fi in public areas is also a thing, so I could update my Insta while shamelessly lounging in a bathrobe. Internet services are available, and the fact that I had Internet [LAN] and Internet access – wireless made my heart sing.
The Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks)
Let me paint you a picture: I stepped into my room, and immediately sighed with pure, unadulterated joy. Non-smoking. Air conditioning. Blackout curtains (essential for combating jet lag and my crippling fear of sunlight). A proper desk, a laptop workspace, and a desk! All the basics, right? But it's the little things that make the difference. Like, the slippers! Oh, the slippers! The bathrobes! (I lived in one for most of my stay.) Free bottled water? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Double-check. Refrigerator? Yep. In-room safe box? Important when you're carrying around a small fortune in, y'know, memories. The extra long bed was fantastic (I'm a bit of a flopper). Wake-up service worked as expected (thank goodness!). Soundproofed and with a seating area.
And the separate shower/bathtub! Pure luxury! Let’s talk about the mirror! Needed for self reflections lol.
Now, the Quirks (and the Occasional Imperfection):
Okay, so maybe the room wasn't perfect. The hair dryer was a bit… geriatric. The alarm clock seemed intent on launching itself across the room every morning. And the mini bar selections were, shall we say, limited. There were also the occasional issues of things not working.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Regret)
Alright, let's talk food, the thing that truly makes or breaks a trip (at least for me). Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe seems to understand the importance of a full belly.
Breakfast: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast in room. I did a little dance in my room when I saw that option. Breakfast [buffet] was a feast. This is the place to start.
Restaurants: There were Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and a Coffee/tea in restaurant. I have to say that the restaurant was very good indeed.
Snacking: Snack bar. Ah, the snack bar, my friend. A dangerous, delicious friend.
Special Requests: Alternative meal arrangement
Drinks: The Happy hour was glorious, I tell you! And the Poolside bar was so satisfying. Also, Coffee shop.
Room Service: Room service [24-hour]. Enough said.
Things To Do (and Ways To Relax): The Ultimate Zen Experience (Almost)
Spa/sauna. I could talk about the Spa, Foot bath, Sauna, and Steamroom for hours. I did the Body scrub and the Body wrap - and it was like all the stress of modern life just melted away, leaving me a relaxed blob.
Swimming: They have the Swimming pool [outdoor], and the Pool with view.
Fitness: Fitness center, Gym/fitness. So, I intended to use the gym. I really did. But those amazing massage options? Well, let's just say my commitment to fitness was… challenged. (Also, there was this pesky thing called a bed.)
Things to do: They had a Shrine which I thought was a good touch.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Especially These Days)
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. In these crazy times, cleanliness and safety are HUGE. Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe gets it. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also had a Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I felt like I was in a bubble of cleanliness, which was, honestly, a huge relief.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Staff: Staff trained in safety protocol.
Other: Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Ironing service, Laundry service, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop,
Business Related: Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. I am not sure why they did that in the middle of a holiday.
Events: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events, On-site event hosting.
For the Kids (and the Inner Child):
They have Babysitting service, which is kind of a surprise, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around:
Accessibility: The Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge].
Other: Valet parking, Car park [on-site], Bicycle parking, Taxi service, Car power charging station.
The Quirky Stuff That Makes It Special (My Favorite Part!)
Proposal Spot: Yup, they have those.
Terrace: I spent so. much. time. on the terrace. Reading, drinking coffee, contemplating the meaning of life (or just what I was going to eat for lunch). Bliss.
Couple's Room: Now that's nice.
The Decorations: The place is just beautiful, and it’s the touches – the thoughtfully placed flowers, the calming artwork – that really make it feel special. Room decorations all over the place.
Anecdote Alert! My Epic Sauna Bender (and Why You Might Want to Join Me)
Okay, so remember those incredible saunas I mentioned? One afternoon, I decided to dedicate myself to the art of relaxation. I spent a solid three hours rotating between the sauna, the steam room, the cold plunge pool (brrrr!), and the lounge area. I emerged feeling like a completely different human being. Seriously, I could have won a gold medal in the "Most Relaxed Person on Earth" competition. It was an experience that truly sold me on the whole place.
The Verdict: Should You Go? (Absolutely.)
Look, Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe isn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it's damn close. It's a place where you can truly unwind, disconnect, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe your travel companion if you have one). It's comfortable, clean, and has a wealth of facilities. The staff are friendly
Saguenay's Hidden Gem: Auberge le Parasol - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary for Kirinosato Takahara in Tanabe, Japan. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. I'm talking less "precision timing" and more "winging it with a healthy dose of panic and ramen."
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tanabe Train Station Debacle
- Morning (Approx. 9 AM - 12 PM): Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Okay, let's be real. This part always starts with a frantic scramble to find the bloody train station. I swear GPS hates me. Last time, I ended up in a vending machine graveyard. Seriously, rows and rows of discarded soda cans. Anyway, eventually, managed to get on the Nankai Limited Express bound for… well, somewhere south, hopefully in the right direction. And of course, I dropped my passport halfway through. Thankfully, nobody noticed the near-heart attack I had. (Annotation: Note to self - invest in a passport lanyard. Seriously, a lanyard. I'm 40. What is wrong with me?) The train was packed with what looked like, from their expressions, they knew where they were going. I, on the other hand, was just thankful for the seat.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): Train to Tanabe. That's the plan, anyway. This is where the food adventures begin. Immediately began sniffing out lunch options. The bento boxes in the train station are always a gamble. You either get a culinary masterpiece (unlikely) or something that resembles airplane food (more likely). Today… somewhere in the middle. Luckily, the view was better: rolling hills, rice paddies shimmering in the sun, and the occasional bewildered cow staring back at me. I love cows.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4 PM - 7 PM): Arrive in Tanabe… hopefully. Find the local bus to Kirinosato Takahara. (Pray to the travel gods this is easy. Bus schedules? Nightmare fuel.) Check into the ryokan. Okay, here's the important part. I have been dreaming of a traditional Japanese ryokan experience. Tatami mats, futon beds, onsen (hot springs), the whole shebang. Hopefully, it's not a huge disappointment. I’m envisioning utter zen, and a little bit of "Lost in Translation" (Bill Murray not included).
- Evening (7 PM onwards): Dinner at the ryokan. This is where the real fun begins. Kaiseki dining, or multi-course Japanese haute cuisine, is the name of the game. Prepare for tiny portions, inscrutable ingredients, and the constant guilt of not knowing how to properly use chopsticks. Last time, I stabbed a piece of tofu so hard it ended up on the ceiling. (Annotation: Practice chopsticks. Seriously.) Afterward, if I’m not too jetlagged (and probably am) and the onsen isn’t full of overly friendly, chatty grandmas (also likely), it’s into the hot springs! Pray for blissful relaxation and not a terrifying encounter with a rogue water spider.
Day 2: The Kumano Kodo Trail and a Near-Death Experience (Kidding…ish)
- Morning (8 AM - 12 PM): Attempt the Kumano Kodo trail. Okay, the Kumano Kodo is no joke. It's beautiful, historical, and allegedly not for the faint of heart (which I definitely am, at least when it comes to hiking. (Annotation: pack better shoes!) Plan to hike a small portion. Hopefully, I won't get lost, eaten by a bear, or succumb to the sheer beauty of the scenery and collapse from overwhelming emotion. (Possible, actually.) The trail is lush with towering cedar trees, moss-covered rocks, and the whispers of ancient pilgrims.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): Lunch (hopefully with a vending machine near by) and exploring the village. Need to find some decent food. I'm thinking something hearty after the hike. Udon? Ramen? Even a convenience store onigiri would do the trick at this point. Wander around the village, soaking in the atmosphere. I might try to find a local shop for some souvenirs, or maybe just stare blankly at the landscape, wondering how I ended up here, and why my feet hurt.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5 PM onwards): Back to the ryokan. Rinse and repeat with the onsen (hopefully without the water spiders). Dinner. Possible attempt at learning some basic Japanese phrases. (Result: "Konbanwa" and variations thereof. Pretty much as good as I get.)
Day 3: The Onsen Blowout, and the Ramen of Regret
- Morning (8 AM - 12 PM): Back to that onsen! I'm going to take this place by storm. Seriously, I will be the queen of the onsen. I will own that hot spring. Maybe I'll finally figure out how to sit properly, without looking like a beached whale.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): Time for some serious relaxation. I'm talking massage, maybe a nap, possibly just staring at the ceiling and contemplating the infinite depths of my own boredom. Whatever my travel companions want to do, I'm in.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5 PM onwards): One last, lingering onsen soak. I'm squeezing every last drop of zen out of this experience. Farewell dinner. This is where things get interesting, or maybe just awful. I'm either going to go out with a bang, indulging in some incredible local delicacy (more likely), or I'm going to succumb to my deep-seated love of instant ramen and eat that instead. (Annotation: Resist ramen temptation. Resist!) If I actually have the energy, maybe a farewell drink at a local bar. But honestly, I'll probably be asleep by 9 PM. Jet lag is a powerful beast.
Day 4: Departure and the Vague Promises of Return
- Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): Sad, slow packing of my things. One last look at this beautiful place. I’m going to try, really try, to commit the scenery to memory.
- Late Morning/Afternoon (11 AM - 4 PM): Return via bus and train, to KIX. This is the time for deep reflection. Contemplation of life choices, regret over the food I didn't eat, and a profound desire to return. And maybe a vow to learn some actual Japanese before I come back. Praying to catch my flight without too much drama.
- Evening (4 PM onwards): Flight back home. Post-travel blues kick in. Start planning the next adventure. This time, I am definitely using a passport lanyard. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually learn how to properly use chopsticks. Maybe.
Kirinosato Takahara Tanabe: Seriously? Japan's **Hidden** Gem? (Let's Find Out)
Okay, so... Kirinosato Takahara? Where on Earth (and in Japan) is this place? And why should I even care?
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't exactly a "pop it into Google Maps, BAM, you're there" kind of situation. Kirinosato Takahara (seriously, try saying *that* three times fast) is nestled deep in the mountains of Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. Think... *way* off the beaten path. We're talking rural Japan, the kind where the closest convenience store might be a 45-minute drive. And why care? Well, if you're sick of the crowds of Kyoto and Tokyo… if you crave tranquility, stunning nature, and a slice of real Japanese life untouched by hordes of tourists… THEN you care. It’s the anti-Instagram, the place where you can actually breathe. But honestly, the road to get there? My god... remind me to tell you about the hairpin turns later. Let’s just say, car sickness medication is highly recommended. (I, uh, *totally* forgot mine.)
What's the "vibe" like? Is it all… Zen gardens and silent contemplation?
Zen gardens? Maybe. Silent contemplation? Potentially… if you can resist the urge to squeal with delight every five seconds. The vibe is… incredibly relaxed. Picture this: you wake up to the sound of birdsong, not buzzing traffic. You stroll through rice paddies that look like Monet painted them. You breathe in air so fresh it makes you feel like you’ve been reborn. It's not just pretty landscapes, though. It's warm and welcoming, and the locals are so genuinely kind you'll want to hug them all (though, maybe ask first, cultural sensitivity, you know?). I was walking down a road, COMPLETELY lost, and this woman with about a million wrinkles and a smile like sunshine invited me into her greenhouse to try persimmons. Best. Persimmons. Ever. This is the kind of place where worries just... melt away. Mostly. I mean, I *did* lose my phone in a rice paddy once. But even that was sort of... charming? In retrospect. Totally frustrating at the time, though.
So, activities… what is there *to do* besides… you know… exist?
Okay, let's be brutally honest: if you're after non-stop action, Kirinosato probably *isn't* the place for you. But if your idea of fun includes hiking through stunning mountain trails, soaking in onsen (hot springs) with epic views, and experiencing traditional Japanese culture… HELL YES. There's the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, which is a must-do (even if you only walk a short section like I did, mostly because my legs were screaming). The onsen are phenomenal (but be warned, many require you to be naked - major culture shock for this Midwesterner!). You can visit local craft workshops, try your hand at making soba noodles (hint: it’s harder than it looks. I made a noodle monster!). Seriously, it's all about slower living. Remember, this isn't Disneyland. It's about embracing the peace. And eating all the delicious food. (Speaking of which…)
The FOOD! Spill the tea! What culinary delights await? (Vegetarian options, please!)
Okay. Food. This is where Kirinosato *really* shines. Forget fancy, Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, it’s all about fresh, seasonal, and incredibly delicious home-cooked meals. Think mountain vegetables (literally dug from the mountains!), local fish, and some of the best rice you’ll ever taste. Seriously, the rice is LIFE. And fear not, veggie friends! While meat is definitely present, there are fantastic vegetarian options. Be prepared to communicate (a phrasebook and a willingness to point vigorously at pictures can work wonders!), and you'll be rewarded with amazing tofu dishes, vegetable tempura, and more. I had a tofu dish once… it was like a cloud of deliciousness exploded in my mouth. I still dream about it. And you'll be eating from your Tatami floor. That's where the magic truly happens.
Where to stay? Any recommendations? (Or, any places to AVOID?)
Honestly, I don't have a ton of experience with hotels there, but *ryokans* (traditional Japanese inns) are key. They range from basic to luxurious, but they all offer a deeply immersive experience. You'll sleep on futons (prepare for a potential backache – worth it!), eat amazing meals, and often have access to onsen. Do your research, because some are more foreigner-friendly than others (language barriers can be real!). I stayed at one with very limited English… which led to some hilarious (and occasionally confusing) interactions. I vividly remember trying to explain my dietary restrictions with frantic hand gestures and a dictionary. It was so funny. And memorable. But don't expect a Ritz-Carlton. Expect charm, hospitality, and a unique glimpse into Japanese life. Just… pack a phrasebook. And maybe some ibuprofen. And don't forget the car sickness medication (I regret so much).
How do I get there? Because this is sounding like a logistical nightmare.
You're not wrong. It's not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. You'll likely fly into Osaka (KIX) then take a train and/or bus. The train is the fastest, but the bus can be more direct, depending on your destination. From there, you're looking at car rentals or local buses… which can be fun, or a bit of an adventure (translation: prepare to get lost). I'll be honest, the driving is… challenging. Those mountain roads are *tight*, and the Japanese are generally pretty cautious drivers. But if you're staying in a ryokan, they might offer pick-up services from the nearest station, so check with them beforehand. Also: download offline maps. Cell service can be patchy. And if you're anything like me… you'll get incredibly lost, even with GPS. It's part of the "charm," right? (Said with a slightly manic laugh).
Okay, the hairpin turns. Elaborate. Please. (I'm getting the sweats just thinking about it.)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The hairpin turns. Picture this: you're in a tiny car, on a narrow mountain road, with a sheer drop on one side. The road twists and turns like a snake on crack. And the turns? Oh, the turns. They're sharp. Extremely sharp. Your stomach lurches every time you take one. You pray to the gods of driving that no bus comes barreling towards you. You might accidentally let out a little yelp of fear. (I did. Several times.) And then, just when you think you can't take anymore, the road just...Best Rest Finder
