Kyukamura Shonai-Haguro

I loved this place, but then I love rural Japan, and a bargain. When we told the bus driver that we were staying at the Kokumin Shukusha (which is the same as Kyukamura), he did not drop us off in town, but continued to the top of Haguro, initially to our annoyance. But once we saw the hotel's location, we understood. It also allowed us a late afternoon stroll *down* the steps (after the initial hike to the actual temple), which was sufficiently sweaty and buggy without doing it the other way. We (family of 5) took a taxi back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner is in the restaurant, not the room, but the food was still good, and there was an unlimited pickle bar, and soft drink bar. Service a bit casual as you might expect. The bath was fine. The room had its own sink area which was useful. The omiyage include blueberry stuff, cherry stuff, and fried grasshoppers. I can't comment on internet access since we takyubin-ed heavy stuff like laptops to our next destination. The front desk was very helpful, and suggested making a picnic lunch for our hike up Gassan, which proved to be good advice even though we were staying overnight at the summit. I strongly recommend the hike up Gassan and Yudono. The buses from the hotel to the trail head were at 7:10, 8:10, 11:55 and 14:10. We took the 8:10, which was unnecessary, as the ride is an hour and the hike only three hours to the summit. So we had time to kill.

Thought it was time to see an English review for Mt Haguro. We stayed here for a couple of nights in November. We stayed in the traditional Japanese rooms. Be prepared that English is hardly spoken here in Tsuruoka however everyone we spoke to were extremely helpful whether they understood or not! Bus from train station takes 50 minutes and is not very regular (1 an hour I think) There is an information centre at train station and although English is kind of understood but not spoken again they are very helpful. Bus ride is costly 1050 Yen but unless you are driving or have plenty of money for a taxi this is the only way. Hotel staff again Excellent. Not many understand English but they do help you. Hotel is very expensive for what you are getting however the location is what this all comes down to. Google Mount Haguro and you will understand. Situated up the mountain in the woods with plenty of walks availiable for you on the door step. Breakfast and Evening meals are included in your stay and are part of the experience. Don't expect a western buffet though. Personally the breakfast buffet was very good but evening meals for someone who doesn't eat fish is sparse. However there is some fantastic food places up the mountain at excellent prices. Staff excellent, Hotel rooms good, Location AMAZING. If you don't like stunning sceneary and lovely walks this is not the place for you. Nightlife non existant, but this is not what its about. Be aware though that buses and trains here are not often. First bus from hotel was 9 am. Although we didn't experience snow this is also a ski resort in winter.