Location

Situated in a village near the town of Otaru, 1 hour from the airport by train, this Ryotel is something of an enigma. On one side there is the quaint village with a large amount of wooden chalet style housing, giving away the fact that this is a key ski spot in the winter. The back of the property borders a river and looks up to the hills very close behind, a skiers paradise in winter and a walking playground in summer.

However, once inside the hotel's confines, you are in a totally different world and space – we chose this place as much for its design as its Onsen. The almost invisible front door slides open automatically to reveal a small corridor and as the outer door closes behind you, the inner one opens into a magical inner sanctum and the very chic lobby and bar area. You have arrived at Kuramure !

Rooms

There are only 19 rooms (40 staff) and there are many different types. As far as size goes, they are all fairly similar, it is just the layout. Firstly you have the ground floor rooms with living room, tatami sleeping room/ alternative dining room plus a western twin bedroom so you can choose each night how you wish to sleep. The bathroom is sliced into 3 with open plan wash basin, wet room with marble Onsen sunken bath (the hot water is straight out of the ground so you can effectively have a hot spring soak in your own bath). Then there is a separate toilet.

Other rooms are: Maisonette style with a stairway leading up and then a similar arrangement to the ground floor rooms.

Duplex style. Living space downstairs with just the bedroom and bathroom up.

Japanese style. These come like a duplex but there are 2 tatami rooms upstairs for futon bedding. No western beds.

The overall design and feel of these rooms is sensational – so different from anything we have ever seen, and the little touches, beautiful wooden furniture pieces coupled with mod cons like wireless flat screen TV that you can move to any room you like, really make these special places to stay. There is also LAN internet access (free), a free mini bar, phone (classic old style BT type, very retro) and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining

Kuramure prides itself on 3 things: Onsen, hospitality and most of all, cuisine ! And you will not be disappointed with the fayre on offer here which is a scintillating combination of Japanese fused with some French influences. The resulting food is second to none, served in traditional Japanese style private rooms, though they cater for all with some conventional tables and other floor level tables with foot wells if you're not good at sitting crossed legged !

You may well have to cross your legs here though as all your drinks are free once you're inside the cosy doors of this great hotel. Choose from beers, wines, spirits and a great selection of soft drinks and Japanese liquor such as Shochu and Sake.

Spa / Onsen

Both the men's and women's areas have an indoor and outdoor option. In the winter there is nothing better than having a soak with the snow laden hill in front of you after a days skiing to ease your aching muscles. In the summer, enjoy the late light and relax here after a day walking in the hills. The water is naturally heated of course, emanating from a hot spring source by the hotel.

Overall

Kuramure is a completely unique property of 5* quality in every way – design, facilities, service and food. If you're popping to Hokkaido and want somewhere totally unique to put your head down, this is the place, Otherwise, build a holiday based around this unique little gem and use it as a base for skiing or hill walking.

* Please call us for more details of our Japanese resorts *

For more information about this hotel please download our printable PDF Fact sheet from here

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Hotel Facts

Accommodation

19 rooms in total with some Japanese only but 15 rooms have the choice of both conventional bed and Japanese style tatami and futon arrangement. All rooms are on the same level although some are maisonette style or 2 storey so have a slightly better view. Not all rooms offer a countryside view. There are non smoking rooms available.

Most rooms consist of a minimum of : Living/ dining area, tatami room, western bedroom, conventional bathroom but with private onsen constructed of marble.

Room amenities

• Heating
• Air conditioning
• Wireless TV
• LAN cable internet (free)
• Mini bar (free)
• Phone
• Tea and Coffee making facilities
• Ice bucket
• DVD players available to hire for free
• Stereos available to hire for free

Food & Beverage

Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch can be arranged.

Menus are set 12-14 courses. Something for everyone and the highest quality.

Breakfast is Japanese.

All drinks are free.

Services & Facilities

• Onsen – indoor and out
• Dining rooms – all private
• Bar – all drinks free. Soft drinks, wines, spirits, champagne and of course, Sake.
• Reflection room
• Outside terraces
• Music room for playing records (they have a collection)
• Library
• Free shuttle to and from Otaru-Chikko station (10 minutes drive)
• Some English spoken but very little