Escape to Paradise: Tsuruya Ryokan's Kotohira Secret Revealed
Escape to Paradise? Tsuruya Ryokan: Kotohira's Secret… Unveiled (Finally!) - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (and probably a whole pot of sencha) on Tsuruya Ryokan in Kotohira. They call it an "escape to paradise," and well, let's just say it's an experience. I'm gonna be real with you: this isn't your polished, perfectly curated travel blog post. This is the messy, slightly-too-honest truth, from someone who’s just emerged, blinking, from its… well, I wouldn’t say “embrace,” maybe “slightly demanding embrace.”
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- Keywords: Tsuruya Ryokan, Kotohira, Japan, Ryokan Review, Spa, Onsen, Japanese Culture, Accessible Travel, Free Wi-Fi, Food Review, Shikoku, Luxury Hotel, Traditional Japanese Inn
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Tsuruya Ryokan in Kotohira, Japan. Discover the good, the bad, and the utterly bewildering – from the luxurious spa to the sometimes-sketchy Wi-Fi. Accessibility, food, and overall experience explored!
- (Because the internet demands it…) Accessible Hotel Kotohira | Spa Hotel Japan | Family Travel Japan | Japanese Inn Review | Luxury Ryokan Shikoku
(The Arrival - Or, "Where Do We Keep the Key?… Seriously?")
First things first: getting to Kotohira is a journey. But that's part of the allure, right? The promise of a hidden gem, nestled away from the tourist hordes. They offer airport transfers, which is a huge plus, and thank god, because navigating Japanese trains solo after a 12-hour flight? No thanks. The car ride itself was beautiful - lush green rice paddies, ancient temples peeking through the trees…setting the stage for something… serene. Serene, I thought. Famous last words.
Now, the accessibility. I’m happy to report (and it’s a HUGE deal for some, so I’m leading with it!) they do have facilities for disabled guests. Elevator access is a lifesaver, especially after all that travel. However! And this is a big HOWEVER… navigating the Ryokan itself, with its traditional architecture (think steps, uneven floors, and the occasional surprise low-hanging beam)… well, it’s an adventure in patience. They try – and the staff's genuinely helpful, bless their cotton socks – but it’s not exactly architecturally smooth. So, while they're trying to be accessible, it's not perfectly there yet.
(Rooms & Relaxation - A Tale of Two Worlds)
Once I finally got into my room… phew. The room. Absolutely stunning. The sheer space! That's the first thing that hits you. The traditional tatami mats, the sliding paper screens… it was like stepping into a movie. And the view! Overlooking the gardens, with the distant temple bells chiming gently… utterly magical. Blackout curtains were my best friend for beating jet lag, and the extra-long bed was a serious luxury. Daily housekeeping kept everything immaculate (thank goodness). I practically lived in those provided bathrobes. Slippers? Yes, please. The essential amenities were all there – the coffee/tea maker, the mini-bar (a lifesaver, for a midnight snack!), the in-room safe… But here’s the kicker: the Wi-Fi. “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” they boasted. Lies, I tell you, lies. The connection was… spotty. Let's just say it was less "seamless streaming" and more "intermittent dial-up." Prepare to feel disconnected, in the most literal sense. Thank goodness for strong internet plans on my phone.
Now, the ways to relax, THAT’s where Tsuruya shines. The spa – oh, the spa! I opted for the body scrub and wrap. Pure bliss. It's worth every penny, especially after that long-haul flight. The massage. I was so tense, I'm pretty sure my shoulders had formed their own country. The therapist was a miracle worker. Worth noting they offer spa/sauna experiences as well. The pool with a view? Stunning. The sauna? Perfect for sweating out all the, you know, stress of travel. The foot baths were a nice touch too, but honestly? After that massage, I could have relaxed on a bed of nails.
(Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Confusing) Food!)
Okay, the food. This is where things get… complex. Breakfast in the room? Yes, please! The Japanese breakfast was a culinary adventure, but be prepared for surprises. The alternative meal arrangements were helpful (I’m a bit of a picky eater, guilty as charged), and there was a vegetarian restaurant. The buffet in the restaurant was a feast for the eyes, if not always the stomach. Now, the Asian cuisine? Hit or miss, let's just say. The coffee shop was great for a quick caffeine fix, and the poolside bar was a welcome respite after a long day. They have several restaurants, and room service is available 24-hours - a great benefit.
The experience wasn't always perfectly cohesive. One night, I swear the soup was served from a different dimension. But it was always interesting. Be prepared to embrace the unfamiliar!
(The Pandemic Pivot… Or, "Is That Sanitizer or Industrial Cleaner?")
- Cleanliness and safety: They clearly take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha. They're doing everything they should be, and that gave me a lot of peace of mind.
- The staff are super masked up, and everyone is respectful of distancing. I appreciated that they're making an effort to keep the atmosphere safe.
- Individually-wrapped food options were plentiful, which put me at ease.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, in case you want to reduce exposure.
(The Staff and Service - Angels in Disguise (Mostly))
The staff? Overall, genuinely lovely. They're incredibly polite, always willing to help, and patient with my, ahem, limited Japanese. The Concierge was a lifesaver for booking local experiences, and the 24-hour front desk was a comfort. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and while there may be some language barriers, they try so hard.
(The Quirks, The Annoyances, and the Overall Verdict)
Tsuruya Ryokan is not without its imperfections. The Wi-Fi situation… grumble, grumble. The sometimes-confusing food. The navigating… well, the physical layouts. But… and it’s a big but… there’s something undeniably magical about it. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect (literally, thanks to the Wi-Fi!) and reconnect with yourself, your travel companions, and the simple joys of life. The spa is incredible. The views are breathtaking. The staff are wonderful.
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. With more patience, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi router. Because even with its quirks, Tsuruya Ryokan offers an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. It's a place where you can almost escape reality. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Remember to pack your sense of humor, your willingness to try new things, and maybe a phrasebook. You’ll need it.
My final word? Go. But go prepared. And if you see me there, say hello! I’ll be the one frantically trying to get a decent Wi-Fi signal, and desperately clinging to my complimentary tea.
Singapore's Hotel NuVe Urbane: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into… me at Tsuruya Ryokan in Kotohira, Japan. This isn't your clinical, perfectly-organized travel blog. This is me, trying to remember how to eat with chopsticks while trying not to burst into tears of joy at the beauty of it all. Let’s get messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Glorious Arrival… and Utter Confusion
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Takamatsu Airport: Okay, first hurdle. Getting to Kotohira. Let’s be honest, I’m pretty good at getting lost. Luckily, Japan’s public transport is a freaking marvel. Found the train… eventually. Had a panic attack trying to buy the ticket, bless the kind Japanese lady who helped me out, pointing at the right buttons. "Arigato," I sputtered, feeling my face go red.
- 3:00 PM - Train Ride to Kotohira Station: The scenery! Oh. My. God. Rice paddies stretching out like emerald carpets. Tiny villages with impossibly neat houses. Realizing I will never look at my apartment complex the same way ever again. Started doodling in my notebook. Badly. My drawing skills are… let’s just say, “abstract expressionist.”
- 4:00 PM - Arrival at Tsuruya Ryokan! This is where it starts to get… magical. The entrance, the lobby… it's all so impossibly elegant. The perfectly raked gravel, the delicate paper lanterns, the quiet murmur of the staff. They offered me hot tea. I almost cried. Not kidding. Jet lag, beauty overload, the overwhelming goodness of the whole thing.
- 4:30 PM - Check-in: The staff, so polite. Smiling! Bowing! Apologizing for… well, I don't even know what. My pathetic attempt at Japanese made them giggle, and I giggled with them. (I learned "konnichiwa" and "arigato" - I'm basically fluent.) Got handed the key to my room and almost tripped over the threshold of the door. Elegance, thy name is challenge for a klutz.
- 5:00 PM - Room Exploration & Initial Freak Out (the Good Kind): Okay. The room. The room. Tatami mats! Sliding doors! A private onsen! Suddenly I'm rethinking all my life choices. Why am I not living this way always? Spent a good hour just wandering around, touching everything, taking approximately a million photos. (Sorry, Instagram followers. You're about to be very bored).
- 6:00 PM - Dinner! (Or, My Battle with Chopsticks Begins): Kaiseki dinner. Oh. My. Goodness. Tiny, perfect works of art. Every course a surprise. Each dish more beautiful than the last. The flavor! I am in heaven. The poor waitress kept having to show me how to use the chopsticks. (I'm pretty sure I'm the clumsiest human on this planet.) I may have spilled some soy sauce on my sleeve. Don't judge. The food was worth it.
- 8:00 PM - Onsen Time! (My First Bathing Experience.): The onsen… let's just say, it's an experience. Naked. In public. A little terrifying, if I'm being honest. But! The water! So warm! So relaxing! Slowly began to unwind, feeling completely… relaxed.
Day 2: Shrine-Hopping, Noodles, and Philosophical Questions
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Another Round of Heaven): A beautiful breakfast. Just when I thought it couldn't get better than dinner! The fish! The rice! The tiny, perfectly arranged pickles! Eating like this should be a national sport. I could get used to this "waking up slowly and eating like a queen" lifestyle.
- 9:00 AM - Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san): Okay, this is where the real climb begins. 1,368 steps. Up. Up. Up. My legs are already screaming. But the views! Absolutely breathtaking! The walk is full of the scent of incense and the chanting of prayers. I swear, I think I had a spiritual moment on step 500. Felt like I could face anything! (Except maybe another 868 steps.)
- 11:00 AM - Shrine Exploration: Got to the top! Beautiful, powerful, steeped in history. The main shrine. The other buildings. Saw the little statues and the people praying. I lit my own incense. I made my own wish. I would tell you what it was, but a girl's gotta keep some secrets.
- 12:30 PM - Udon Noodle Lunch: Okay, this is officially my favorite. Udon noodles. Thick, chewy, delicious. The broth! Perfection! Found a tiny, local place. Watching them make the noodles by hand… pure artistry. I slurped loudly (apparently, it's polite!). I may have ordered seconds.
- 2:00 PM - Wandering and Contemplating: I took a walk through the town admiring the traditional wooden houses, the gardens and the cute little shops. Bought some local crafts. Sat on a bench by the river for a long time. I'm starting to feel at peace. Maybe it's the noodles. Maybe it's the air. Maybe it's the vibe.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Ryokan - Tea Time and Relaxation: Some of the tea, delicious and soothing. Finally mastered the art of sitting still. (I'm a terrible fidgeter.) Journaling. Thinking. Feeling. So much more comfortable (and less stressed) than when I'd arrived.
- 6:00 PM - Final Kaiseki Dinner: Another mind-blowing dining experience. It's hard to believe that it could be better than the night before, but it was. Everything was better. The colors. The tastes. The whole experience just sings.
- 8:00 PM - Onsen Again: Yep, the onsen again. This time, didn't feel so self-conscious. Enjoyed it even more. Watched the stars. Thought about how I never want to leave this place.
Day 3: Goodbye (Sob), and the Longing Begins
- 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast - The Sadness Starts to Creep In: The end! I'm eating breakfast and wondering why I have to leave. I want to stay forever. I'm already planning my return.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out and Heartbreak: Said goodbye to the wonderful staff. They bow, I take a deep bow back. I was legitimately sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM - Last Train Ride and Final Thoughts: On The Train. Looking out at the landscape. I'm not sure how to describe the impact.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: I'M GONE. Back to reality. But changed. Forever changed.
Final Thoughts:
Tsuruya Ryokan. Kotohira. Japan. This was more than a trip. It was an experience. A transformation. I went in as a slightly anxious, somewhat clumsy, utterly overwhelmed tourist. I'm leaving (for now) feeling… different. Calmer. More appreciative. And yes, I've definitely found my love of udon noodles. This will be a trip I will never, ever forget. And I'll be back. Count on it.
Neonowy Giżycko: Poland's Hidden Gem? (You HAVE to See This!)
Is Tsuruya Ryokan really as amazing as everyone says? (Spoiler: I'm still processing this)
What about the food? (Because, let's face it, that's *always* important.)
Seriously, though, what's the "secret" of Kotohira that they're "revealing"?
The Baths! Tell me ALL about the baths! (Specifically, the onsen experience.)
Was it "worth it"? Because this sounds expensive.
The Rooms! What are they like? (Ignoring the 'luxury' tag - what's the REAL feel?)
