A shabby and dated "pension" with messy garden to AVOID for following reasons: 1. Exorbitant pricing for a place that is not staffed but relies on young foreign volunteers who do chores in return for free food and lodging. 2. Staying in the twin room in the main house felt like being put up in someone's musky spare room, with wardrobes filled with owner's own things. Shared bathroom had laundry strewn on the floor. There is no housekeeping service. 3. NO meal options or restaurant available on-site. Not even a tea bag or hot beverage was offered which is unheard of in Japan?! Strictly "Bring Your Own Everything" policy. 4. Kitchen and equipment were dirty. Dead cockcroach remained on the kitchen counter throughout our stay. Guests need to wash up whatever you use. You need to rummage through the kitchen to find utensils, glasses etc. 5. Living room and dining area need serious reorganisation and tidying up. Randomly placed exercise bikes and household clutter is acceptable to family only, not to anyone else. 6. The owner barged into the guest bedroom without first knocking, purportedly to look for something. This made us very uncomfortable.

I recently stayed here and overall, it was a good experience, though it’s important to set the right expectations for future visitors. This is not your typical hotel. Instead, it's more akin to staying at a distant relative’s home in the quiet, picturesque Japanese countryside. One of the highlights of Ritz Garden Niji is its location. Nestled in the serene landscape of Biei, the surroundings are peaceful and incredibly beautiful, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking for tranquility, this is the place to be. The host lady is exceptionally warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Her hospitality adds a personal touch to the stay, which is something you might not find in a standard hotel. However, it's worth noting that the place is a bit disorganized. While all the facilities are in good condition and generally clean, the overall management feels a bit casual. It’s clear that this isn’t a polished hotel experience but rather a more laid-back, informal setup. Regarding meals, there isn’t a permanent restaurant on-site. Although a menu is provided, the food availability depends largely on what the host can cook that day. The meals I had were simple and homely, but if you’re expecting a variety of dining options, you might be disappointed. Another point to consider is the cost. The rates are not particularly cheap, especially considering the level of service and amenities. That said, we stayed during the peak holiday week in August, and finding reasonably priced accommodation in the area was quite challenging. In conclusion, Ritz Garden Niji offers a unique and peaceful stay that feels more like visiting a long-lost relative’s home rather than staying at a hotel. If you’re open to a relaxed, informal atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of rural Japan, you’ll likely enjoy your time here. Just be prepared for a different kind of hospitality—one that is personal, warm, but a little unconventional.

A very warm and homely lodge house set in a picturesque countryside town, opposite the popular flower field in Biei. The owner is a very warm, friendly and down-to-earth obasan. She has a super cute and well-trained Scottish Fold kitten too. You will have to inform the owner the night before for your breakfast order which varies widely. You can also pluck blueberries to eat in the garden (well-maintained with varied flowers, fruits and vegetables). Overall, a vibey and comforting place to rest your mind and soul.

+3

We had a really pleasant stay with my girlfriend ! It is located just in front of a well-known flower field, and they also have their own beautiful garden. The owner is a really nice person, really helpful. The rooms feels like you're at home. Breakfast is delicious also. We rented electric bikes to visit all the beautiful places in Biei. When we checked-out, they even brought us back to the train station!

Absolutely wonderful host who went out of her way to make us feel like home and gave us an amazing experience of Biei. Thank you so much !