Soneka is a Selected hotel located in Kitahiroshima, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Soneka have?

Soneka has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Soneka located?

Soneka is located in Kitahiroshima, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Soneka?

You can view more details and booking information for Soneka through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Soneka | Selected in Kitahiroshima, Japan

Name: Soneka
Address: 〒061-1273 Hokkaido, Kitahiroshima, Ōmagarikashiwaba 3-chome 1-1, Kitahiroshima, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Soneka

Soneka in Kitahiroshima, Japan, stands out as a luxurious and private villa resort, earning its distinction as a Michelin Key Selected property. Guests consistently praise its serene atmosphere, exceptional service, and unique blend of comfort and nature.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Soneka enjoys an exceptional reputation among its guests. Booking.com scores it a perfect 10 out of 10 based on reviews, highlighting its exceptional quality. Similarly, on IKYU.com, Soneka achieves an impressive average rating of 4.91 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews, with consistently high scores across all categories. Guests frequently describe their stay as "exceptional," a "dream ryokan," and a "truly wonderful accommodation," indicating an overwhelmingly positive sentiment.

2. Key Highlights

The most cherished aspects of Soneka revolve around its exclusivity, natural setting, and bespoke experiences. Guests particularly love the privacy offered by the individual villas, each equipped with its own outdoor onsen bath and often boasting stunning mountain and grassland views. The design, which integrates nature seamlessly, and the opportunity for unique dining experiences with a private chef, are also significant draws. The tranquil connection with nature, through activities like herb picking and meditation, contributes to the overall wellness focus of the property.

3. Room Quality

Soneka offers spacious, self-contained family rooms and villas, designed to provide both practical convenience and peaceful aesthetics. Ranging from approximately 1115 to 1178 square feet, each villa features private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and breathtaking mountain views. A highlight in every room is the fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and free WiFi, allowing for comfortable longer stays. Some premium villas even include private pools and saunas, enhancing the luxury experience. The design is often described as modern yet harmonious with the natural surroundings.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Soneka is a significant highlight, with daily Asian breakfast served, often with the option to enjoy it on a terrace or outdoor dining area. A standout feature is the opportunity to have a private chef prepare dinner in your villa or outdoors, offering a highly personalized culinary journey. Guests have lauded the hearth-cooked meals as "exceptional" and the overall cuisine as "fantastic," especially when featuring Hokkaido's winter delicacies. For consecutive stays, Soneka offers specialized dining, including robata kaiseki by the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant "Mieda" and sushi kaiseki by "Sushi Kato".

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Soneka receives consistent praise, with staff described as "very kind and warm-hearted," "friendly," and providing "excellent hospitality". The discreet yet attentive service contributes to a feeling of being invited to a friend's home rather than a formal hotel. Check-in procedures can even be handled comfortably within the guest's room, emphasizing a personalized and seamless arrival.

6. Location & Accessibility

Soneka is nestled in Kitahiroshima, offering a tranquil escape while remaining reasonably accessible to key transport hubs and attractions. It is approximately 14 miles (22 km) from Okadama Airport, 5.6 miles (9 km) from Shin-Sapporo Station, and 6.8 miles (11 km) from Sapporo Dome. Popular attractions like Sapporo TV Tower and Sapporo Convention Center are also within a 9.9-mile (16 km) radius. For transportation, a shuttle service from New Chitose Airport is available, which is free if booked through the official website. Alternatively, guests can rent a car, with the drive from New Chitose Airport IC taking about 35 minutes. The property also provides free on-site private parking and electric vehicle charging stations. Uniquely, Soneka even features a helipad for direct arrivals, offering an ultimate private journey experience.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges are not widely advertised in public reviews, the general sentiment indicates that guests find Soneka to be well worth the investment. Reviewers have noted that "the accommodation fee was not a waste" given the high level of "detail of management" and the quality of meals. Booking.com's "Value for money" rating of 9.5 further reinforces the perception of good value for a luxury experience. Given its private villa concept, Michelin Key selection, and bespoke services, Soneka caters to a discerning clientele seeking an exclusive retreat.

8. Common Complaints

Minor criticisms are few and far between. One guest mentioned that some on-site activities and massages were not fully operational during their visit, as the property was relatively new, though plans for their future commercialization were in place. It's also noted that the property does not accommodate cribs or extra beds, and specific villa types have an age restriction, welcoming children over 12 years old. Additionally, the facility is not wheelchair accessible due to its architectural structure.