Unbelievable Shunjuan Hasshokaku Mizunowo Gifu Japan: You WON'T Believe What's Inside!
Unbelievable Shunjuan Hasshokaku Review: Gifu, Japan - Hold on to Your Hats, Folks!
Alright, alright, settle in, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the sake) on the Unbelievable Shunjuan Hasshokaku Mizunowo in Gifu, Japan. The name alone already promises some kind of wild ride, doesn't it? And believe me, it delivers. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare yourself, because this place… well, it’s a whole experience.
Let's get the basics out of the way first, because, hey, gotta cover our bases:
Accessibility: Okay, this is important. I'm no expert on wheelchair accessibility, but from what I could see, they do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. They do have an elevator, which is a godsend when you're lugging around a suitcase the size of a small car. But, I can't say for certain how thoroughly accessible it is. So definitely double-check with the hotel directly if you have specific needs.
Cleanliness & Safety: (Phew!)
Okay, so I'm a bit of a germaphobe. Don't judge! But I was genuinely impressed with the safety protocols. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. Plus, staff trained in safety protocol made me feel a little less paranoid about touching door handles. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere! Honestly, they went all-in. They also had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call, which, again, made me breathe a sigh of relief. They even have room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch - they've thought of everything. The individually wrapped food options were a lifesaver. The best part? The Breakfast takeaway service was a godsend when I wanted to enjoy the view from my room (more on that later!)
Rooms? More like Luxurious Sanctuaries:
Okay, let's talk about the rooms, shall we? Seriously, these are not just rooms; they're mini-palaces. I stayed in a non-smoking one (thank goodness!), and it was glorious. I’m talking Air conditioning that actually worked, a perfectly Blackout curtains that let me sleep in, and a Bed with an Extra long bed that was so comfortable, I practically melted into it. They have Complimentary tea and Free bottled water! The Bathroom had a Separate shower/bathtub – a HUGE plus for a long soak after a day of exploring. Bathtub, Bathrobes, Slippers, Toiletries, Towels – all the luxurious essentials. And the best part? My room had a window that opened, and I spent ages just staring out at the view. I also liked the Internet access - wireless as a bonus. They were also nice to include desk, mirror and sofa.
Internet? Yes, You Can Still Instagram That Sushi:
Worried about staying connected? Don’t be. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND Internet Access – LAN if you're old school like me. It was surprisingly fast, too. Perfect for posting those envy-inducing pictures… Or, you know, for actual work stuff.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food! (And a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, let's talk about the food. This is where things got really interesting. They have Restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, plus a Vegetarian restaurant! The Breakfast [buffet] was an absolute feast! I'm talking everything from traditional Japanese dishes to a classic Western breakfast with sausages and eggs. You want Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yup. Desserts in restaurant? Oh, yes. There's also a Happy hour, because, well, vacation. I even tried the Soup in restaurant one night. (No regrets!)
Now, for the (minor) hiccups. The Room service [24-hour] was amazing for when you’re hungry, but sometimes the menu felt a tad limited. I’m also not sure I entirely understood the ordering system for the A la carte in restaurant, but I'm not entirely sure that's on the hotel.
Things to Do (and Not to Do, Like, Ever Forget to See):
This is where the Unbelievable part really hits you. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. I'm talking a Spa/sauna, a Sauna, Steamroom, and a Pool with view! (That view, people. That view.) I spent an entire afternoon getting a Body scrub and Massage. Pure bliss. And then, for some reason, I decided to try the Fitness center. Let’s just say I’m better suited to lounging by that beautiful Swimming pool [outdoor]. There’s a Foot bath too! Trust me, it’s heaven after a long walk. There is even a Gym/fitness to workout.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost):
They have Air conditioning in public area, a Concierge, Daily housekeeping (thank god!), and (drumroll please) a Convenience store! This saved my bacon (and my ramen craving) more than once. The Luggage storage was a huge plus, and the Laundry service was a lifesaver after I spilled miso soup on my favorite shirt. There is also a Cash withdrawal, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Safety deposit boxes, Front desk [24-hour], Elevator, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking, so basically no reason to be inconvenienced.
The "Wow" Moments (and the "WTF" Moments – Because Life Isn't Always Perfect):
Okay, so here’s where the real magic happened. I went on the Terrace! And the view… Oh, the view! It was like something out of a movie! A literal Proposal spot is here. I felt like I was floating on a cloud. But here's the thing - there was a random sign. Like one of those things that just appeared and said 'Please do not do X'. What it was referring to, I don't know. That's the kind of thing that happens to these amazing places.
A Word to the Wise (and a Summary):
Look, the Unbelievable Shunjuan Hasshokaku Mizunowo is not a perfect hotel. Life isn't perfect. But that's what makes it so darn charming. It's got a few quirks, the occasional head-scratching moment, and sometimes the staff's English isn't perfect. But the sheer beauty of the location, the ridiculously comfortable rooms, and the commitment to providing a relaxing and safe experience more than make up for it.
This place is for those who are after the extraordinary. I mean, it's basically a Shrine. If you are looking for a cookie-cutter experience, then look elsewhere. If you're looking for an unforgettable escape that's loaded with surprises, then book it. Book it now. You won't regret it.
Overall Score: 9 out of 10. Highly Recommended!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just traveling to Shunjuan Hasshokaku Mizunowo in Gifu, Japan – we're experiencing it. And let me tell you, after this trip? My perspective on tranquility might just be permanently… warped. Prepare yourselves; this itinerary is gonna be less "perfectly Instagrammable Zen garden" and more "slightly bewildered human stumbling through beauty."
Shunjuan Hasshokaku Mizunowo: The Almost-Perfectly-Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Initial "Wow, This is Serene!" (And the Tiny Disaster)
- 14:00 - 14:30: Nerves-Based Travel: Land at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) – which, bless its heart, is a beautifully designed airport. But I’m already sweating. Airplane security (again) always does this to my palms. The usual struggle to claim my baggage from the carousel, then the inevitable head-scratching at the train ticket machines. I swear, even with translation apps, figuring out Japanese train schedules is a contact sport.
- 14:45 - 16:00: The Train Ride of "Whoa.": Bullet train to Gifu-Hokujo station, then local train/taxi to Mizunowo. The scenery! Seriously, green mountains, tiny villages, rice paddies glistening like emeralds… it's almost enough to make me forget I probably left my toothbrush charger at home. (Note to self: always double-check EVERYTHING).
- 16:00 - 16:30: Arrival at Shunjuan Hasshokaku & Initial Giddiness: The moment I step into the ryokan, I feel a genuine sense of relief and awe. The entryway's like something out of a film. The tatami mats… so soft! The smell of wood… heavenly! The staff… impeccably polite. I'm assigned my room, and I'm just like "Is this real life?"
- 16:30 - 17:30: Room Exploration & The Great Kimono Catastrophe: Okay, this is where it gets real. My room is huge, with a private onsen (hot spring bath)! I'm practically squealing with joy. Then, I try to put on the provided yukata (a light cotton kimono). Catastrophe. I'm pretty sure I resembled a confused burrito for a good ten minutes. YouTube tutorials to the rescue! Eventually, I manage to fumble my way into looking somewhat presentable.
- 17:30 - 18:30: The First Soak & Philosophical Musings (and Minor Terror): Time for that onsen. The water's HOT. Like, "melt your worries away" hot. I close my eyes, trying to soak up the serenity. Suddenly, a tiny insect lands on my nose. My serene bubble bursts. I may or may not have shrieked. (Okay, I definitely shrieked.)
- 19:00 - 20:30: Kaiseki Dinner & Overwhelming Deliciousness: Kaiseki is the traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Each dish is a tiny work of art. I'm pretty sure I ate things I couldn't even pronounce, but everything was exquisite. The staff patiently explained each course (I'm certain they could see the bewildered delight on my face). I think I may have also accidentally ordered a lot of sake. (Well, it helps with getting over the insect incident.)
- 20:30 - Bedtime (Or Attempting to Sleep Like a Human): Back in the room, in the futon. Trying to sleep on a futon for the first time. It's surprisingly comfortable, but my brain is buzzing with… everything. I’m pretty sure I spent at least an hour re-living the Yukata incident in my head.
Day 2: Zen, But Make It Weird.
- 07:00 - 08:00: Attempted Sunrise Meditation & The Fluffy Pillow Incident: I’m trying to embrace my inner Zen. I drag myself out of bed – though, the futon and blanket are cozy, I feel like a weighted blanket is on me. I'm attempting to meditate in the garden… but I can't seem to stop thinking about the weirdest things (like, how many different shades of green can there possibly be?!). Also, I am extremely sensitive to the sound of birds. I jump at the sound of a single pigeon.
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast & the "Almost Too Much" Moment: Breakfast is another beautiful affair. More tiny, delicious dishes. I’m starting to think I’ll need a crane to get me out of here. Somehow, I find myself overwhelmed by the sheer perfection of it all. It's… a lot. My attempts to keep my chopsticks away from my mouth end in some epic fails.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Exploring the Surrounding Area & the "Lost in Translation" Adventure: Time to explore! Mizunowo is a small place, but the surrounding areas are worth it. I attempt to visit a local temple. My Japanese is… limited. Let’s just say, I suspect I might have accidentally asked the monk if he enjoyed… knitting? (He responded with a very puzzled look and a polite smile. I retreated in shame.) And I took some scenic photos. Nothing too extraordinary.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch & Finding My Happy Place (It Involved Noodles): Back to the ryokan for lunch. Simple, delicious noodles. The comfort of simplicity! I feel my stress levels slowly beginning to recede. Maybe this Zen thing isn't so bad, after all. I think I can handle this. I think I can handle more sake.
- 13:00 - 15:00: The Hot Spring Round Two & The Great Relax-Off: More onsen time! This time, I embrace the heat. And no bugs! I start to understand the appeal of doing absolutely nothing. The world melts away. This is it. This is paradise. 20 minutes later, my fingers look like prunes. I feel like I'm reaching peak relaxation.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Tea Ceremony & The Utter Beauty of Doing Something Simply: I attended a traditional tea ceremony. It's a slow, deliberate ritual. The matcha (green tea) is bitter but refreshing. The ceremony is incredibly focused on the act of preparing and serving the tea. I'm just trying to take something from the experience. I even feel like a bit of the "inner peace" starts to click.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Free Time & Evening Serenity: Wandering around. Gazey. Contemplating the fluffy clouds. Thinking about nothing. Enjoying the quiet. Watching the sunset turn the mountains a beautiful shade of purple, pink, and gold.
- 19:00 - 20:30: The Second Kaiseki & Becoming a Food Critic (Maybe): Another Kaiseki dinner! The presentation, the flavours… everything is phenomenal. I start to think I might actually develop a discerning palate.
- 20:30 - Bedtime: Attempting to wind down, reflect on the day. Successfully navigating the futon. Sleep like a baby.
Day 3: Departure & a Little Bit of Sadness (and the Toothbrush Charger!)
- 07:00 - 08:00: Farewell Breakfast & the bittersweet goodbyes: One last breakfast, one last glance at the mountains, one last wave to the impeccably polite staff. This place has grown on me. Saying farewell is hard. I almost want to stay. Almost.
- 08:00 - 09:00: Prep for Departure: I pack, and double check my luggage. The toothbrush charger! OH, NO! I KNEW I FORGOT SOMETHING.
- 09:00 - 10:00: Transportation, Sadness and Reflection: Train to Gifu-Hokujo, then the bullet train to the airport. I watch the landscape blur past, feeling a pang of sadness.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Airport Adventures & The Promise to Return: Airport security, more queueing, more sweating. So many things to see, so many people to meet, so much to do. I decide to walk through a museum, trying to relax.
- 12:00: Back to Reality: Plane. Home. Back to the world of regular-sized beds and, well, life.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: The experience. I’m tired, but in a good way. I experienced pure beauty, total relaxation. I had the best, weirdest, most imperfect, most human trip imaginable. I’ll never forget it. And I'll definitely be back. It wasn't all "Zen perfection," but it was a perfect experience. And I’m going to miss those damn noodles. And, maybe, just maybe, my toothbrush charger will return.
There you have it. My chaotic, honest, and oh-so-
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So, like… What even *is* this whole thing, anyway? (For the clueless among us)
But… why? Why are we doing this? What's the point? (Philosophical Angst, Incoming!)
What do I *do* if I’m lost or confused? Because, let’s be real, that’s gonna happen. (The Guaranteed Confusion Section)
Okay, okay, FINE. But what's the *actual* process? Like Step 1, Step 2, Step… oh god, I hate steps. (The Dreaded “How To” Part)
Are you… are you sure you know what you're doing? Because I’m starting to doubt it. (The Imposter Syndrome Section)
What if I get stuck? Like, REALLY stuck? (The “I’m Trapped!” Section)
Is there like, a *golden rule*? Some nugget of wisdom to make this whole dumpster fire of an experience... slightly less fiery? (The "Meaning of Life" Section, Probably Disappointing)
