Kameya Hotel

Kameya Hotel in Tsuruoka, Japan, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a deeply restorative and elegant stay, celebrated for its exceptional service, stunning sea views, and unique onsen experiences. Having undergone significant renovations, the hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese charm with modern design and comfort.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Kameya Hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as "superb" with an overall rating of 9.0/10 based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently express overwhelmingly positive sentiment, highlighting an incredibly amazing experience in all aspects, from rooms and views to service. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its excellence.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Kameya Hotel for several standout features:

• Private Onsen Baths with Sea Views: Many rooms boast private hot spring baths, often cedar or open-air, offering direct views of the Sea of Japan and breathtaking sunsets.
• Exceptional Service: The hospitality is frequently described as "absolutely the best," with staff treating guests with the same high level of care as previous Imperial visitors.
• Elegant Design & Ambiance: The hotel features a "nicely designed" aesthetic, combining traditional architecture with thoughtful, modern details and rice-themed art throughout its public areas. The lobby is even likened to a museum.
• Historical Significance: Kameya has a history spanning over three centuries and has had the honor of hosting two Imperial couples, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kojun, and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
• Tranquil Location: Its setting in the picturesque Yunohama Onsen, right next to the beach, provides a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Kameya Hotel are consistently described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, featuring exquisite interior design. Many offer direct ocean views, with some even providing 180-degree sea panoramas. Room styles vary, from traditional Japanese with tatami mats and smooth wood paneling to unique concept suites with curving copper ceilings or modern white and glass aesthetics. A significant highlight is the inclusion of a private onsen bath in many rooms, whether a cedar bathtub or an open-air hot spring. Standard amenities include air conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, electric kettles, and complimentary toiletries.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Kameya Hotel is a celebration of the local Shonai region's culinary heritage.

• Breakfast: Guests highly recommend the breakfast, often described as excellent and worth the price. It typically features a spread built around the region's prized Tsuyahime rice, paired with seasonal sides that enhance its flavor.
• Dinner: The hotel offers various dinner options, including multi-course kaiseki meals. The "Shonai Journey Kaiseki" is a signature course, utilizing carefully selected local ingredients to showcase the flavors of Shonai. Guests on the top HOURAI floor can enjoy a special kaiseki dinner, while the historic Ryugu annex offers a blend of traditional Japanese and French techniques.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Kameya Hotel is frequently cited as a major highlight, with staff being "super friendly & helpful" and their hospitality often described as "absolutely the best." Guests report being treated with exceptional care, reminiscent of the Japanese emperor's visits. While English proficiency can be limited, many guests found this to be a non-issue, emphasizing the staff's warmth and willingness to assist.

6. Location & Accessibility

Kameya Hotel is situated in Yunohama Onsen, a beautiful hot spring town in Yamagata Prefecture, known for its picturesque coast and sandy shores overlooking the Sea of Japan. The hotel is directly next to Yunohama Beach (0.4 miles/0.6 km) and offers excellent sunset views. Local attractions like Kamo Aquarium are within a 10-minute drive (1.9 miles/3.1 km).

Access to the hotel is convenient:

• By Air: Shonai Airport (SYO) is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi.
• By Train: From Tokyo, guests can take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata, transfer to a limited express train to Tsuruoka Station, and then take a 40-minute bus ride or a 25-minute taxi to the hotel.
• Parking: The hotel offers designated parking spots, including free parking and self-service parking options.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Kameya Hotel to offer good value for money, with a rating of 9.2 for value on Booking.com. The breakfast, in particular, is noted as being "worth the price." While specific pricing varies by room type and season, the hotel is seen as an upscale establishment.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequently mentioned "complaint" by international guests is the limited English proficiency of the staff. However, many reviews indicate that this did not significantly detract from their positive experience, as the staff's helpfulness compensated for language barriers. One review also noted a lack of dinner options or suggestions provided by the hotel during their stay, which could be an isolated incident or a change in policy. The check-out time is generally 10:00 AM, which some guests might find slightly early.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. japanese-onsen.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. rakuten.com
6. tsuruokacity.com
7. wanderlog.com
8. trip.com
9. michelin.com
10. easemytrip.com
11. japanican.com
12. destinia.com