Ueda Tokyu Rei Hotel

“UEDA Tokyu REI Hotel, a winter escape in Nagano!!!”

Nagano is one of Japan’s largest prefecture, the place is so huge and massive and is located right at the heart of the Japanese Alps. One of my most beloved places in Japan, this winter wonderland with lots of snow, onsen, ski, mountains, scenic towns, historic temples and castles nothing could get… lisää

Nagano is one of Japan’s largest prefecture, the place is so huge and massive and is located right at the heart of the Japanese Alps. One of my most beloved places in Japan, this winter wonderland with lots of snow, onsen, ski, mountains, scenic towns, historic temples and castles nothing could get better than this place. This is for sure an alternative for Hokkaido if you’re looking for that powdery, glistening snow and winter wonderland. It boasts many popular towns including its capital Nagano, Karuizawa, Matsumoto and of course Ueda to name a few. Speaking of Ueda, we accidentally booked Tokyu REI hotel UEDA from Agoda thinking it was in Nagano the capital. However, this introduced us to another charming place in Nagano, in fact I would say Ueda is more scenic, picturesque and idyllic winter escapade than the capital itself. Also, if you have a JR pass you could go back and forth Ueda and Nagano within 10 mins. The hotel is just outside JR Ueda station via the Onsen exit and upon getting out of the station you could see the hotel right in front of you walking through a cute little park covered in snow. A 3.5 star hotel but we felt a 5 star experience during our 3 nights stay here especially with our big spacious room, sumptuous breakfast and the view of the Nagano highlands from our window. It was a cold day that time in Ueda and the snow just fell for the past few days so were walking on a winter wonderland towards the hotel. At almost 1 in the afternoon, the temperature is still below freezing at -2C. Upon entering, the hotel has a fabulous, massive lobby with an elegant, huge Golden Yellow centerpiece of assorted flowers at its opulent lobby. Its interlacing Golden brown and orche criss cross patterns of its marbled floor tilings added elegance and classic feel to the overall design of the lobby. The main front desk is located at the right side of the lobby and just like other Japanese hotels they strictly adhered at 3 PM check-in time in the afternoon. So we left our bags and headed to the nearest mall which is about 10 mins walking distance from the hotel - Ario. After having some lunch and quick shopping there we went back just before 3 in the afternoon and check-in was super quick and easy. We were booked on the 7F for which I supposed is an 8 story mid-size building. The keys to our door is the classic metal keys and I loved its Red label. Opening our room door is quite unique, you need to open and push the door itself not the knobs - quite interesting. First impressions - room is very clean and quite spacious not your typical/regular Japanese rooms. What caught our attention first is the view of JR Ueda, the city and the surrounding mountains of the Japanese Alps from our room which is truly enchanting. The room has an ochre warm tone which really gives a conducing and cozy feeling especially during cold winter months. The dark brown carpeted floor greets you with a relaxing atmosphere. To your right is the mini wardrode/compartment where they provide room slippers, luggage rack, clothes hangers and extra blanket. Next is the ever loving Japanese style toilet and tub with its automatic toilet with bidet and huge tub which is a big plus for us and free toiletries. The toilet/tub follows the same aesthetics of the room which really is a beautiful design of Earthly tones from cute small square tiled floorings to the Wooden walls which really gives you a sense of comfort and serenity. Water pressure is stroing and heating is easy to use and manage as well as toilet button controls are working perfectly. I always adore Japanese hotels same like Thai hotels where they provide you all the necessities and convenience that you need at a very reasonable/affordable prices. Not to mention toilet is super clean to cap off my excellent feedback. After the toilet same to our right is the super clean, comfy and fresh double bed enough to make us warmth during these cold winter days. The pillows, blankets and mattress are just perfectly soft, smooth, silky and just the right firmness to go with it. They also provided a brown hotdog pillow. The bed is positioned next to the wall dividing the toilet so the only way to go out if your the one sleeping beside the wall is on your right or front. The bed has a wooden head rest with a warm white lighting on top. There is a side table to the right side of the bed with a table lamp and controls of the room lightings. Next to the bed by the window is the long study/office table with a modern black lamp and a colorful cute Bird Origami , a standing flat TV on the right with tons of local Japanese channels, deskphone, a fridge below the TV and compartments with complimentary coffee/tea/lots of cups & glasses, & kettle. The lighting on the bed head rest really gives a warm/comforting touch to the room especially when you turn off the lights. WIFI is fast and the room heating system is perfect - easy to manage and use. Water is provided by the lift area unlimited with both hot and cold options. The next morning, we were still greeted by a snowy weather and its time for our long awaited Japanese style breakfast. Before going to the Snow Monkeys, which is our itinerary for that day we went straight for breakfast buffet first by the lobby wiht a view of the snowy grounds of the park and driveway in front and the JR Ueda Station across us. There is a monument of steel pillars at the center of the park which I am still finding out the name of it. But going back to the breakfast - it is a delight at the Sakura restautant at the left side of the lobby. They provided a perfect selection of Salad, Warm meals like Western/Japanese items of Bacon/Eggs/Sausage/Mackerel/Salmon/Stewed Veggieds to name a few. They also have lots of Bread choices like Croissants and Butter breads, Soba noodles, Japanese Rice, Curry sauce, Oranges, Coffee/Tea/Milk/Fresh Juices and of course of the favourite Japanese breakfast item of Nato or the fermented soy beans. On our first day we had Mackerel for fish option and mind you it was the best ever we tried - juicy, tender and super flavourful. The second day they provided Salmon as an option which is salted version. The rest of the items were the same and I pretty tried much everything except the Salad and the Curry. I loved their breakfast and I would say it is one that excites us the most whenever we wake up in the morning and whenever we stay in Japan - the traditional style Japanese breakfast item. Super good, delicious, fresh, clean and healthy. What made this special is the view - every morning we were eating by the window with a spectacular and magical view of the snowy park of Ueda right in front of us - one of the highlights of our stay in Tokyu REI Ueda. Kudos to the lady staff who sometimes run the restaurant by herself with so much precision, speed and excellence she provides to all of us!!! Keep up the Exceptional work!!! My plate every morning is beautiful and ornate with a perfect view of the snow - this made our stay at Tokyu REI Hotel absolutely wonderful!!! On our last day, check out is quick and easy and they let us store our belongings because we still have to visit Matsumoto. As we left Ueda to Tokyo we have super big smile, satisfied hearts and lots of memories to cherish for the lifetime. We will definitely recommend Tokyu REI Ueda to our families/friends especially for those looking for another charming yet laidback place other than Nagano city then this is the hotel for you!!! See you soon Tokyu REI Ueda hotel and will definitely book you again whenever we visit Ueda and explore the city next time when we come back to Nagano!!! Mata ne:=)

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