Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort Apartment Awaits!
Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort Apartment Awaits!
Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort Apartment Awaits! - A Review (and a bit of a Rant)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill some serious tea about Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort Apartment Awaits! (What a mouthful, right? Let's just call it "Heaven" from now on.) I just got back, and my brain is a swirling vortex of onsen steam, impeccable service, and the lingering scent of… well, let's just say luxury.
First Impressions: The Access and the Altitude of Bliss
Getting there… well, it's Tokamachi. If you know, you know. Let’s just say it’s not a hop, skip, and a jump from the airport. Airport transfer is, thankfully, an option, and a good one to consider. Otherwise, it's a scenic, perhaps slightly nerve-wracking (for me, anyway, I’m a terrible navigator!), drive. Once you arrive, however, the stress melts away quicker than ice cream on a summer day. The car park [free of charge] is a godsend after a long drive. And the elevator? Pure joy, especially after lugging my suitcase up Everest (okay, maybe just a small hill) pre-Heaven. Accessibility? They claim to cater to facilities for disabled guests, but I didn’t see a ton devoted to accessibility features, other than the elevator. This is something to inquire about before you book.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary (with a Few Minor Gripes)
The apartments… Oh, the apartments. I had a "high floor" room with a window that opens (essential for fresh air and dramatic exits, obviously), air conditioning (praise be!), and more internet access – wireless than I knew what to do with. I'm talking Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, it was faster than my ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend's Instagram feed. (Sorry, still a little bitter.) They also had Internet access – LAN, which is a nice touch for the serious web warriors. There was a desk, a laptop workspace, and I even considered getting some real work done. I didn’t, but the thought was there.
The bathtub was practically a swimming pool. The bathrobes? Plush perfection. Complimentary tea? Yes, please! Free bottled water? Hydration is key, people! The mini bar… well, let’s just say I indulged a little. And I took advantage of a few items from the room service [24-hour] menu. The daily housekeeping was also a delight - my room always looked immaculate when I came back, even though I had it looking lived in in a day.
Okay, a few minor quibbles: The alarm clock felt a little… retro. And while the blackout curtains mostly worked, a sliver of sun always managed to creep in. Minor things, really. The absolute best things were the separate shower/bathtub – a must for onsen prep – and the sheer amount of space. There was a seating area, a sofa… I could have hosted a small gathering of my imaginary friends! And finally, there was a smoke detector and smoke alarms which made me feel safe.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe in the Land of the Rising Sun (…and Sanitizer)
Alright, let's talk about the elephant (or should I say, the germ) in the room: COVID. Heaven takes this seriously. They're rocking anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a cool option. They also have hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed hyper-aware of distancing. I even spotted a staff trained in safety protocol. It felt genuinely safe, which is incredibly important these days. They have First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call, if needed. I, for one, applaud these efforts.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Asian Breakfasts to Midnight Munchies
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. They have restaurants! And Asian cuisine in restaurant! And Western cuisine in restaurant! And both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast! I’m getting a little overwhelmed with options, honestly, The breakfast [buffet] was extensive and offered a little bit of everything. They also had bottle of water which was amazing for hydration.
There's also a coffee shop which was a godsend, and they have room service! I mean room service [24-hour]. I took full advantage. They have a bar and a poolside bar, but, full disclosure, I never made it to either. I was too busy soaking in the onsen. Okay, truth: I was mostly in my bathrobe. I’m judging no one for that. I did notice a snack bar. They also had A la carte in restaurant, should you not be a buffet type of diner. The buffet in restaurant however, had everything you could want and more. You absolutely can't go wrong with this place.
Ways to Relax and the Onsen of My Dreams: Pure Bliss (and a Wet Towel to the Face)
This is what you're here for, right? The onsen. The reason for all the hype. And believe me, it lives up to it. They have a Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, and a Steamroom. The Foot bath was a nice touch – a perfect way to unwind after a long day of… well, relaxing. They also have a Swimming pool (I didn’t use it, but it looked lovely) and a Pool with view.
But the real star is the onsen itself. Honestly, I want to run it in my own house. Soaking in that steaming, mineral-rich water under the stars… Pure heaven. The feeling of weightlessness, the utter relaxation… it's transformative. They also have Massage and Body scrub, which I wish I could have done, I may have been too chill.
For the Kids (and the Child in Me):
They have Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and a Babysitting service. They also do Kids meal. While I don’t have kids, I noticed a designated area for them, which seemed well-equipped.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and My Stay Longer)
They offer a ton of perks. The concierge was super helpful. Daily housekeeping – yes, please! Luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service… they've got it all. There’s a convenience store if you forgot to pack your favorite snacks. They also do Contactless check-in/out which is a plus in these COVID times.
Things to Do: Beyond the Onsen (…if You Can Bear to Leave)
Okay, let's be honest, one of the biggest challenges here is leaving. The resort is so lovely, it would be easy to just stay put. But if you do decide to venture out, they can help you with that. They have car park [on-site], bicycle parking, and offer taxi service. Meeting/banquet facilities are available if you are traveling for work. They also got Business facilities. They have Cash withdrawal if you need to. They also offer Currency exchange, as well.
Accessibility Score, Round 2, and Some Ramblings
Here's where I have to be a bit critical: While Heaven says they cater to those with disabilities, I didn't see evidence. I'm not an expert on accessibility, but I just did not see a lot of dedicated features, other than an elevator. I want to know if they are fully equipped to service those that are disabled.
The Verdict: Book It (Seriously!)
Look, Heaven isn’t perfect. But the onsen? The service? The sheer feeling of relaxation? Absolutely worth it. Is it a bit pricey? Yes, but you're paying for an experience. A luxurious experience. I already crave to be back. It's a place to unplug, unwind, and just… be.
Here’s my offer to you (and a shameless plug to get you to book):
Book your stay at Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort Apartment Awaits! before next month and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival (because you deserve it, you fabulous creature!). And, as a bonus, one of our special offers includes a discount on a massage or body scrub! Now, who's with me?!
KLIA Luxury Muslim-Only Semi-D: KL's Best Kept Secret!
Alright, strap in, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a chaotic, glorious, probably-slightly-hungover chronicle of my Tokamachi hot springs adventure. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and the Existential Dread of Empty Onsen
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Narita. Ugh. Long flight, stiff neck, the usual. The plan was a direct train to Tokamachi, but after a 2-hour delay, I ended up missing it and was so hangry. I hate the train system, very tired, and still figuring out the language, the signs were only in Japanese. I did the best I could.
- 4:00 PM: Arrived at the luxury resort apartment in Tokamachi. "Luxury", huh? Okay, it was pretty swanky, with panoramic mountain views and a private balcony overlooking… wait for it… a freaking hot spring. I nearly wept at the beauty. I was also a little scared that the hot springs were going to be empty.
- 5:00 PM: Deep, deep breathing in the apartment, I unpack the suitcase, a complete disaster of clothes and necessities: I always overpack.
- 6:00 PM: First onsen dip! Okay, so the water was like liquid silk, the mountains were majestic, and I totally forgot I was a sweaty, jet-lagged mess. This is what all the fuss is about, I realized, sinking deeper into the heated embrace of the water.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Ordered a plate of sashimi, which almost seemed to be looking at me. I am not a very confident eater, and I hope I did not butcher the ordering, but the food was magnificent. Ate it all.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the onsen. This time, completely alone. It was beautiful and peaceful, but for some reason, I was very aware of my own mortality, staring at the night sky and thinking, "Seriously, is this all there is?" Okay, maybe the jet lag was kicking in hard.
- 9:00 PM: Attempted to watch a movie. Fell asleep halfway through. Still slightly paranoid about the empty onsen.
Day 2: Exploring the "Art Triangle" (and My Own Lack of Culture)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling like a new person. This hot spring thing? It might be the answer to everything. Breakfast was so good.
- 10:00 AM: Brave the outside world! The plan was to explore the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, a massive outdoor art installation spread across the countryside. "Art Triangle", apparently. Me? I know very little about art.
- 11:00 AM: First stop: the "House of Light," an installation by James Turrell. It was as if someone had decided to paint the insides of a spaceship, wow! I loved it even though I didn't understand it.
- 12:00 PM: Lost. Utterly, beautifully lost. Wandered through rice paddies, got slightly chased by a grumpy goat (who, I suspect, was judging my fashion sense).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at some tiny, utterly charming cafe. Best ramen of my life. Seriously, the broth was a revelation.
- 2:00 PM: More art! Saw some other installations, got a mild existential crisis contemplating the meaning of a giant, brightly colored concrete ball. Started to suspect I'm not sophisticated enough for this.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the resort. Needed a mental break, the art was hard.
- 4:00 PM: The pool time. Did some laps to burn the noodles out of my body. Just trying to get some exercise, actually got some.
- 6:00 PM: Onsen again. God, I love this.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I had the same plate of Sashimi as before, but this time I felt like I was eating with a purpose.
- 8:00 PM: The existential dread is back. At least I'm clean. Fell asleep, again.
Day 3: Hiking Hysteria and the Quest for Local Booze
- 9:00 AM: Woke up, feeling like I could run a marathon. Or at least walk around the apartment.
- 10:00 AM: Attempted a hike. Mountains looked so inviting. The trail was lovely, the air crisp, until…
- 11:00 AM: Got lost. Again. This time on a much steeper, more treacherous part of the mountain. Briefly considered sacrificing my phone to appease the mountain gods.
- 12:00 PM: Found the trail again! Celebrated with a triumphant… mini-snack pack of Pocky biscuits.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I realized that I am really bad at hiking.
- 2:00 PM: Found myself drawn back to the pool for another swim.
- 4:00 PM: The dreaded art museum tour is again. I needed a mental reset, I thought.
- 6:00 PM: The best of the onsen hours. I am so free from the world in the hot water.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner again. The restaurant's food is so amazing that I could eat here for the rest of my life.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks! My mission: find the local sake. Success! Enjoyed a delightful, and somewhat potent, tasting session. The resort bar has very, very good sake.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the apartment. The existential dread is gone! I'm too drunk to worry about anything.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Onsen Bliss
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling… surprisingly good. Maybe all the bathing and sake had worked their magic.
- 10:00 AM: One last dip in the onsen. Squeezed in every last drop of hot spring goodness. Said goodbye to the water.
- 11:00 PM: Packed, paid the bill (ouch), and took one last look at the mountains.
- 12:00 PM: The train and the airport awaits.
- 2:00 PM: So long, Tokamachi. You were weird, wonderful, and the closest I've ever come to inner peace.
- 4:00 PM: Back home…
Final Thoughts (and Confessions):
- I definitely didn't see everything I planned. Got lost repeatedly, but it did not matter.
- My Japanese skills are still limited, but I think I'm slowly getting better.
- The onsen? Absolutely worth it.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Maybe next time, I'll even try to learn a bit more about art.
- Oh, and I'm pretty sure I left a sock… somewhere.
I hope this brings a smile to your face!
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Unwind in Heaven: Tokamachi's Luxury Hot Spring Resort - You REALLY Wanna Know Stuff? (FAQ Edition) ...with a Side of Me!
Okay, okay, so what *IS* this "Unwind in Heaven" place, anyway? Sounds kinda...cheesy, no?
Alright, look, the name *is* a bit much. I'll admit it. "Unwind in Heaven." Sounds like a bad romance novel cover. But trust me, once you get to the Tokamachi resort... yeah, it *kind* of lives up to the hype. It's basically these luxury apartment-style things with private onsen (hot springs) in each one! Think gorgeous views of the mountains, like, real mountains, not those tiny humps near the coast, and complete serenity. Seriously, the silence is incredible. I heard a freaking *owl* hooting at like, 3 in the morning the first night. Freaked my cat out, but it was also… pretty magical. Okay, maybe the name isn't SO bad. Just a little.
Are these apartments *actually* luxurious? Like, do they have heated floors and, I don't know, a butler who judges your decisions?
Heated floors? Oh, honey, you are in for a treat. They have heated EVERYTHING. The floors (bliss!). The *toilet seat* (life-changing!). The towels... okay, I'm getting carried away. But yes, it's luxurious. Think high-end everything. They have super comfy beds (slept like the dead, and I *never* sleep!), a fully equipped kitchen, and a living room with a view that will make you spontaneously start Instagramming. No butler judging your choices (thank the gods!), but you do get a concierge service that's pretty darn close. You can even have groceries delivered before you arrive, which, let me tell you, is essential if you're me, i.e., someone who can't leave the apartment without a supply of junk food.
The hot springs... are they worth it? Private ones, right? Because, public onsen? Nope. Just. Nope.
Oh, the onsen. The *reason* you go! And yes, PRIVATE! Thank the lord above. I am *not* about communal bathing, thank you very much. I'm a bit of a prune when it comes to that. The water is amazing - feels like liquid silk. You're basically sitting in a natural hot tub, surrounded by views. It's incredibly relaxing. I spent, like, *hours* in mine. You get this feeling, right? Like all the stress and all the anxieties are just... dissolving. I even tried to take photos (see, the Instagramming!) but the steam kept fogging up my camera. I might have gotten a couple of decent ones, though. You just gotta get that angle. The key angle that lets you capture the… the *poetry* of being completely naked in hot water with a mountain backdrop. Ahem. Anyway, yeah. Worth it? Absolutely. Run, don't walk. (But walk gently, because you'll be in a towel... or nothing at all!)
Is Tokamachi itself interesting? Or are you just stuck at the resort, praying to never have to interact with another human?
Okay, so Tokamachi is... you know, a bit of a slow pace. It’s not like Tokyo, that's for sure. And, look, I'm from a city, so I *do* enjoy my privacy. I had hoped to never see another human, but I was also a bit stir-crazy by day three. But you do go to the grocery store, and the locals are super polite. Tokamachi is known for its snow, and you could go skiing, snowshoeing, and doing other winter activities. But a warning! If you go in the winter, bring *layers*. You'll need them. I made the mistake of underestimating the cold, and, let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. My teeth were chattering so hard I thought they were going to fall out. So! Yeah. Tokamachi. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. And it's *cold* if you don't dress accordingly.
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all... weird?
Okay, the food. This is a big one. I am *extremely* picky. Like, I live on a strict diet of coffee, carbs, and comfort food. The resort gives you a list of local restaurants. One of the restaurants, a tiny place that only seats like eight people, had the most amazing ramen I've ever tasted in my life. Seriously. The broth was perfect, the noodles were chewy, and the pork belly... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. I went back three times! The other restaurants are perfectly fine. But that ramen. Oh. My. God. It changes a person. The grocery store has lots of interesting Japanese snacks—some of them I didn't recognize, and I am not ashamed to say I was a bit wary. I stuck to the familiar, which meant a LOT of Pocky.
What was the hardest thing about the trip? What sucked? Be honest!
The hardest thing? Honestly? Leaving. And maybe packing. Packing is always a nightmare. I always overpack, and this trip was no exception. I swear, I brought enough clothes for a month, even though I was only there for a week. Lugging that suitcase around was a pain, especially on the train. And the jet lag… ugh. I slept for like, a week when I got back, which was also a bonus in my book. And, yeah, the cold. If you don't prepare, it *will* be a miserable experience. But, honestly? The worst thing was having to leave that onsen. Seriously, I could have stayed there forever. I'm already planning my return.
Would you recommend this place? And… would YOU go back?
Absolutely, 100%, YES! Unwind in Heaven? Okay, cheesy name aside, it's actually pretty apt. It's a perfect place for a solo trip (which I did!), a romantic getaway, or even a relaxing time with friends. It's a chance to switch off, enjoy the peace, and just breathe. I am already saving my pennies to go back. Seriously, the onsen alone is worth it. The ramen is a *close* second. Maybe I'll even try taking a picture that’s not blurry this time. If you are thinking about going, don't hesitate! Just... pack warm clothes. And maybe, just maybe, bring me back some Pocky!
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