Sanyo-so

The breakfast is extraordinary, we are talking about a real Japanese breakfast. But dinner... dinner is an event in itself, nine courses, carefully designed down to the last detail. There will be dishes you won't know whether to touch or just look at. The location is exceptional, buildings surrounded by forest with a landscape design that surpasses everything you can see in the photos, I have traveled to Italy, France, etc, and this is the most incredible private garden I have ever seen in my life. In fact the entire building is like a museum. Anyone who might complain about "the bed" or "it looks old" is mistaken, is choosing the wrong place, that person may need a Hilton or another typical chain hotel. This is a building that is considered a heritage site in Japan. And the staff, the staff also exceeds all expectations of friendliness. We travel with two children, including one of 5 years, and it is not normal for so many attention, such as bringing a blanket - without asking for it - in case the child was cold during dinner. Sanyo-so was the best part of one of the best trips of our lives. EDIT. I just found that the Sanyo-so garden was designed by Japanese garden artist Jihei Ogawa, several of his works are registered by the government as an Important Cultural Property. And many of the buildings were designed by architect Togo Murano -recipient of the Order of Cultural Merit, considered equivalent to the highest rank (Grand Cordon) of the Order of the Rising Sun-. So no, this is NOT just any building, it is not a building for those looking for a typical Hilton, it is a masterpiece of Japanese design.

Sanyo So is located in a large property. We stayed in the Deluxe room in the new building. The room has a sitting area right next to our own garden with a little stream. It was so private! The hallway leading to the restaurant has windows all along with views of greenery and waterfall, also lit up at night. A nice walk leading to the dining room, so beautiful! The Japanese garden was well maintained with a stone bridge, pond and ancient pine trees, a pleasant place to walk around. Both breakfast and dinner were traditional kaiseki style, serving food that were in season. Staff were fantastic and friendly.

The grounds were beautiful and spacious, as was the room, though it definitely showed some wear. Each meal we had was varied and delicious/interesting, with many different things to try. We loved the in room onsen and the views. The ryokan is located in a lesser visited area, so the area was very quiet and chill - more "small town" feeling (which we liked). We took the nearby cable car to the Mt Fuji viewpoint, which had great views and was uncrowded on a weekday.

We love everything. The staff are amazing and so helpful, especially those at the restaurant. My grandma enjoyed the food so much during our stay here and she said that was the best meals she had in our trip. Thanks so much for accommodating her with no seafood option. She loved it and I really appreciate. The room was spacious and private onsen in room was great. We all had good sleeps. Would like to come back.

very beautiful hotel, japanese garden and architecture was very nice, private onsen in villa was great.