Yama no Yado Shimofujiya

We'll always remember Shimofujiya for their hospitality and delicious food. All the staff were incredibly kind and thoughtful, and they added a personal touch to everything they did. The room itself was gorgeous. We picked the suite with the cedar bath which I really enjoyed. In retrospect, any of the other rooms would have been great for us as well but we did enjoy having our own private bath. For the women, when you arrive you can pick your yukata material and then a staff member will come up when you are ready to help you put it on. The men also have a yukata provided. Suddenly you're transformed! :) We spent the next hour taking photos and walking around the property, although it was a little chilly being the end of November. I could write many pages about the food, both dinner and breakfast, but it is something you need to experience first-hand and I believe the meal is seasonal as well. My only tip in that respect is to arrive hungry :) If you are hesitant about using the onsen, you can book the beautiful outdoor one for 30 minutes at a time in the evening and for a reasonable cost. Make sure you make a reservation when you arrive. Also, the outdoor onsen doesn't have a shower so remember to shower beforehand. We are very grateful for the kindness of literally every single staff member at Shimofujiya. They work hard to provide a luxurious experience for their guests. A few tips which may be helpful: - You can send the hotel an email from Tripadvisor to request a shuttle bus pick up from the Nasushioabara bus station. The email isn't on their website as far as I could see. - If you learn some basic Japanese, it will go a long way. Most of the staff speak only Japanese and it will help you conduct basic communication if you know a few phrases. - If you have time, it's worth taking a stroll around the Nasushiobara bus terminal as well. The info booth has lots of resources. - Depending on your experience, there's a chance you'll eat something here that you've never had before (and won't be able to identify before you eat it!). Beforehand you can work out your dietary restrictions but otherwise, best to expect an amazing eating adventure!