Nippondaira Hotel

It was wonderful to walk into my "superior Japanese-style room" and see Mt Fuji right there through the glass across the bay! The weather was kind for my two-night stay, and I was able to see Fuji-san the whole time I was there, whether from my bedroom, living room or balcony, or from elsewhere in or outside the hotel. As a photography enthusiast, I was very happy with the views I was able to capture. The experience was a major highlight of my 6.5 week trip. The accommodation itself was great, very spacious, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. Comfortable twin beds, good lighting and storage space, a living area with a Japanese table and four seats, all glass on the bay side to maximise the view, big tv, coffee machine with quality tea and coffee capsules as well as Japanese tea-making equipment, well-stocked mini-bar, safe, yukata, pyjamas and slippers...large bathing area with dual sinks, seating and the bath with the shower, and the toilet in separate rooms. An exquisite little bonsai plant. Wifi worked perfectly. There were sliding doors between the living area and bedroom for cosier sleeping. The hotel has six restaurants as well as a shop selling souvenirs and foodstuffs, and a spa. Travelling solo I often order room service or buy a meal to eat in my room, but that wasn't possible here and I found I enjoyed eating in "The Terrace" - excellent food and service, relaxed atmosphere and another Mt Fuji view. (I would've liked to try one of the Japanese restaurants, but I thought the set courses might be too much food for me.) I did buy some delicious biscuits from the shop to have in my room with a tea or coffee. The breakfasts, also in The Terrace, were very good. The hotel's a lovely place to walk around, beautifully designed and pleasingly, sparingly ornamented, accented by some impressive bonsai. The Christmas decorations were nice too! There's an extensive outdoor/garden area. The staff were unfailingly courteous and helpful. There were no problems with luggage forwarding, and my departure taxi arrived before time. There's a free shuttle bus between the hotel, Higashi Shizuoka Station and Shizuoka Station. Hours vary - the first one into the downtown leaves around 10am. It takes 30-40 minutes and is a good way to go back and forth if you don't have your own vehicle. From the hotel you can walk to Kunōzan Tōshō-gū, Tokugawa Ieyasu's resting place. It was an absolute treat to stay at the Nippondaira, and I unreservedly recommend it!