Kamikochi is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts. Fascinated by the beauty of nature, many people visit this place at an altitude of 1500 meters every year. In order to protect the untouched nature, there are only a handful of lodging facilities in Kamikochi. Among these is the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, which has a long history and is a classic hotel with a red triangular roof that everyone who visits Kamikochi longs to stay at at least once. During the winter, when Kamikochi is covered in snow and ice, the hotel closes, only to reopen in late April of the following year. In late autumn, just a week before winter's sleep, I visited the hotel of my dreams. What he encountered there was a variety of initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable hotel while preserving tradition.


Kappa Bridge, the symbol of Kamikochi, and the Azusa River flowing beneath it. The Hotaka Mountain Range can be seen in the back left.


Myojin Pond was also called ``Mirror Pond'' in ancient times. As the name suggests, the surface of the lake is like a mirror.
90 years with the beautiful nature of Kamikochi
Kamikochi Imperial Hotel opened in 1933 (Showa 8). Although it was completely renovated from wooden to reinforced concrete in 1977, the exterior has remained almost exactly as it was when it first opened. A red roof appeared between the trees. The height of the building itself is surprisingly low, and it looks like a modest mansion nestled among the trees. The path that leads to the facade is downhill, which seems to embody the thoughtfulness of Kamikochi's nature, which is a bit modest but warmly welcomes visitors. This year, Kamikochi Imperial Hotel will celebrate its 52th anniversary.


Kamikochi Imperial Hotel when it was completed in 1933. The appearance is almost the same as it is now.
A sense of profoundness and relief created by a long history
It feels like a mountain hut where the residents have lived with great care. I'm sure everyone thinks that when they step through the entrance to the lobby lounge. There is a profound feeling that can only be created by a hotel with a long history, as well as a soft, enveloping sense of security. The unique, slightly sweet smoky aroma that comes from burning wood is blended with a profound feeling and a sense of security. The copper mantelpiece, which is the source of the smoky scent, has an overwhelming presence in the center of the lobby lounge.
Under the mantelpiece, the firewood is lit at 15 p.m. on days when the daytime temperature is below 6 degrees (closed from mid-June to mid-September). This ceremony, called the "ignition ceremony," is very popular among guests. Around 9 o'clock, people gather around the mantelpiece and watch as the staff uses bellows to light the firewood. The homely atmosphere is exactly like that of a mountain hut. The atmosphere is created precisely because there are only 74 rooms, which is far fewer than the Imperial Hotels in Tokyo and Osaka.


This iconic mantel of the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is 5.1 meters high and weighs approximately 650 kg. You can feel the dignity and warmth of being in a chalet in the mountains of Europe.
A guest room that gives you a sense of relief as if you were wrapped up in it.
The guest rooms also feature dark brown pillars and beams and white walls. The feeling of relief that envelops you is similar to the relief you feel when you step into the lobby. The tables, chairs, and beds all have a solid, dignified feel, evoking a sense of unwavering confidence and pride that is typical of a classic hotel with a long history. On the other hand, the bathrooms and other plumbing facilities were equipped with the latest equipment, giving it the pride of being a luxury hotel.


Twin room with balcony. The great nature of Kamikochi spreads out outside the window.


Although the cuisine is based on the Imperial Hotel's orthodox French cuisine, it uses vegetables from Shinshu and Hida beef throughout, giving it a taste unique to Kamikochi Imperial Hotel.


Aiming to be a sustainable hotel that coexists with nature
Starting in 2022, Kamikochi Imperial Hotel will further promote initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, with the goal of becoming a sustainable hotel that coexists with nature. The handles of toothbrushes, hairbrushes, razors, etc. are all made from bamboo or wood, and shower caps and clothing covers are made from plant-based products. As a result, we succeeded in reducing the amount of plastic used by 9% compared to conventional methods. The handles of toothbrushes and hairbrushes made from natural materials feel comfortable in the hand and blend naturally with the atmosphere of the room.
Regarding these initiatives, General Manager Isao Asai says the following.
“Sustainability initiatives are, of course, being carried out in the same way at the Imperial Hotels in Tokyo and Osaka.However, the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is a hotel with beautiful nature.That's why we have to take the initiative. In fact, we operate with virtually zero CO2 emissions by using CO2-free electricity from Shinshu and purchasing J₋ credits for gas and kerosene. We are also actively promoting sustainable initiatives that are only possible in Kamikochi, such as actively participating in the activities of the Society to Make Kamikochi Beautiful."


The handles of the toothbrush and razor are made of bamboo, and the handle of the hairbrush is made of wood.


Drinking water in the hotel is sourced from spring water from the mountains of Kamikochi..


Hotel staff also actively participate in the activities of the ``Association to Make Kamikochi Beautiful.''
In late April, the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel wakes up from its winter slumber, and even the mantelpiece is lit. The same sight that has continued for many years begins this year as well. Tradition, formality, and a sense of luxury that Kamikochi Imperial Hotel has carefully preserved. While maintaining these, efforts to contribute to achieving the SDGs will continue to be actively carried out. At first glance, the red triangular roof may not have changed since it first opened. It also provides a sense of homely security that many people love. However, there is no doubt that the hotel will continue to make steady progress towards becoming a sustainable hotel this year as well.
Kamikochi Empire Hotel
Azumino Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Reservations for 2023 start from February 2st. For more informationOfficial WebsitePlease refer to.
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