Nasu Mukunone

Nasu Mukunone, a Michelin One-Key property nestled in the serene Nasu mountains of Japan, offers a luxurious and tranquil escape. It is highly regarded for its blend of French elegance and Japanese natural beauty, making it a distinguished destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Nasu Mukunone consistently receives an "exceptional" overall rating, with many guests rating their experience at 9.7/10. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a high-quality stay for visitors seeking comfort and elegance amidst nature.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by several distinct features of Nasu Mukunone:

• Stunning Natural Setting & Design: The hotel is located amidst the picturesque Nasu mountains, offering a peaceful retreat wrapped in nature's embrace. The property features a beautiful garden and a unique expansive water garden called Mizuniwa, designed by architect Junya Ishigami, which provides a tranquil space for reflection. The design seamlessly integrates weathered joists nodding to local architectural heritage with soaring beeches and cedars.
• French Elegance: Described as a luxury French-style hotel, it offers an on-site French restaurant and a bar, creating a slice of French elegance in the Japanese landscape.
• Amenities: Free WiFi, complimentary parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and a 24-hour front desk are among the convenient amenities.

3. Room Quality

Nasu Mukunone offers a selection of accommodation options, including suites, family rooms, and standard twin rooms, all designed to be non-smoking. Rooms are described as "beautifully appointed" and crafted to provide a tranquil sanctuary for guests. They feature a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary comforts, with air conditioning for a refreshing ambiance. Guests can expect complimentary Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and some rooms include fireplaces, free minibar items, premium bedding, 43-inch LCD televisions with digital channels, and bathrooms equipped with separate bathtubs and showers, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Room sizes vary, with standard twin rooms around 215 sq ft (20 m²) and larger suites/villas at 882 sq ft (82 m²).

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Nasu Mukunone is a significant highlight, with its on-site French restaurant serving delectable French cuisine. Auberge guests are treated to both dinner and breakfast, featuring seasonal Nasu ingredients sourced fresh on the day. Chef Takumi Chiba, known for his creative culinary world view, meticulously prepares dishes that celebrate the ingredients' freshness and taste. Breakfast is a leisurely affair, offering a spread of vegetables from the Nasu Plateau, yogurt, milk, cheese, ham, bacon, and organic egg dishes. B&B guests receive a morning plate for breakfast. The restaurant itself provides a panoramic space with majestic views of Nasu's nature, creating a relaxing ambiance.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Nasu Mukunone receive exceptionally high praise from guests, consistently earning perfect 10/10 scores. Guests have been consistently impressed by the flawless and attentive service provided, contributing significantly to the overall high-quality stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nasu Mukunone is nestled amidst the picturesque Nasu mountains in Tochigi Prefecture, offering a secluded and natural setting. While its remote location contributes to its peaceful ambiance, it also means that having a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding area. The property is approximately 30 minutes by car from Nasu-Shiobara Station. Free parking is available on-site, and a complimentary shuttle service from Nasu-Shiobara Station is offered for guests, though reservations are required. Nearby attractions include Nasu Highland Park and Nasu Safari Park, both within a 10-minute drive.

7. Value & Pricing

Nasu Mukunone is positioned as a luxury property, with average room prices starting at $500+. While the value for money received a slightly lower average rating of 7.5/10 compared to other aspects like staff and facilities, guests generally consider it a "worthy splurge for any discerning traveler" seeking an extraordinary experience. Auberge accommodation, including dinner and breakfast for two, starts from 111,100 yen, while B&B accommodation with breakfast for two starts from 30,300 yen (prices as of August 2024).

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some aspects might not suit all travelers:

• Remote Location: The hotel's secluded mountain setting means a car is generally needed to explore the wider Nasu area.
• Strict Policies: Nasu Mukunone maintains strict policies, including cash-only payments, a prohibition on children or pets, and no parties or events on the premises.
• Value Perception: Although highly rated for quality, the "value for money" score is slightly lower than other categories, suggesting that the luxury pricing might be a consideration for some guests.

Sources

1. powertraveller.com
2. agoda.com
3. visit-tochigi.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. michelin.com
6. michelin.com
7. casai.com
8. guestreservations.com
9. mukunone.jp
10. hotels.com
11. hotels.com