Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Discover Hiyori Mitake's Enchanting Beauty!
Kyoto’s Hidden Gem: Hiyori Mitake – Did it REALLY Enchant? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so I’m back from Kyoto, and let me tell you, I'm still processing it all. Temples, geishas, the sheer vibrancy of the place… it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. And amidst the neon and the ancient, I stayed at Hiyori Mitake. They call it a "Hidden Gem," and well, let’s dive in and see if it’s more than just a pretty brochure picture. Buckle up, because this is gonna be… a ride.
First, the Essentials (and the Annoyances):
- Accessibility: Right, so, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I paid close attention. The hotel is trying. They have an elevator, which is a godsend, and facilities for disabled guests are listed. More specifically, I saw accessible rooms, and it seemed like they took care of the basics - wider doorways, grab bars. Could be better, could be worse. The exterior corridor is… well, it's an exterior corridor. You know.
- Internet & Tech Stuff: Okay, this is where I really get excited. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Bless you, Hiyori Mitake! The Internet access – LAN is there if you’re clinging to the past, but seriously, the Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. The hotel's Internet services are good. I didn't even bother with Internet [LAN]. They had Wi-Fi in public areas, too, naturally. I actually used my laptop on the terrace a few times. They even offer Wi-Fi for special events, I guess if you’re throwing a wedding in the lobby or something.
- Cleanliness & Safety (Post-Pandemic Edition): They're trying very hard. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used, which felt reassuring. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and a whole list of things they were doing. Rooms sanitized between stays, you bet. They even offered a Room sanitization opt-out. The staff trained in safety protocol. Honestly, I felt pretty safe, pandemic-wise. They're taking it seriously, which I appreciate.
- Hygiene certification: Fine. It is the bare minimum.
Accommodation: My Room, My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, my room. Let's talk about the room. I need to give them credit. It was non-smoking, which is essential for me. They had Air conditioning, and it blasted cold air, which was heaven after a day of temple hopping. And the blackout curtains? Game changer. Seriously, those things were magic. I slept like a baby.
But… and there's always a but, isn’t there? I’m a sucker for light. I was in high floor (bless!), but… The window that opens was great for fresh air, but it let some light it. Minor gripe, though.
The room itself was well-equipped: Alarm clock, Bathrobes (luxe!), Bathtub, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Hair dryer, Mini bar (expensive, but hey, it's there), Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Sofa, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella… you get it. They thought of everything. Except for the one tiny thing I forgot: an adapter. They had Socket near the bed however.
Oh, and the bed? Glorious. Extra long bed, perfect because I sometimes sprawl. The linens were crisp and clean, and I sank into them every night. Free bottled water. Nice touch.
The Deep Dive: Spa Experiences and Relaxation (Or Was It?):
Okay, so, the "Hidden Gem" tag had me expecting something amazing, especially spa-wise. The brochure promised a lot: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, and Swimming pool [outdoor].
I went straight for the massage. Booked it the minute I arrived. I had a deep tissue massage. It was… good. Adequate. But the masseuse, bless her heart, seemed a little… meh. Not the transformative experience I'd hyped myself up for after a day of walking temples in the heat. I've had better massages, but I’ve had worse. The room was clean. The oils smelled nice. The pool was more like a small dipping pool, and it did have a view. Just not a spectacular one. Gym/fitness? I passed.
A Little Rant About the Food (And the Asian Breakfast):
Okay, food. This is where things got a bit… patchy. The Breakfast [buffet] was included, and the Asian breakfast was okay. Think rice, miso soup, some questionable-looking pickles. They had the standard Western breakfast. The Buffet in restaurant. The Coffee/tea in restaurant. But… it wasn't exactly amazing. The pastries were dry, the coffee was weak. The Soup in restaurant was decent, but after a week, I craved something… else. The Restaurants. The Snack bar. There was also A la carte in restaurant. I gave it a miss. They had Happy hour and a Bar.
I did order Room service [24-hour] one night because I was exhausted. It got there quickly, was hot so that get them a thumbs up.
Things to Do and Services (More Than You’d Think):
They really did their best to cover all bases.
- Services and conveniences:
- They had a daily housekeeping
- I love a Concierge, made life easier to book a few things.
- There was a laundry service
- Luggage storage was useful as well.
- A dry cleaning service.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A Bottle of water to start the day
- There were Desserts in restaurant, I didn’t try
The Perks, the Quirks, and the Verdict:
The Good:
- Location, location, location. Kyoto is amazing.
- The staff were unfailingly polite and helpful.
- The rooms were comfortable and well-equipped.
- The cleanliness was genuinely impressive.
The Quirks (and the "Meh"):
- The spa wasn't quite the paradise I'd imagined.
- The food was… fine. Not memorable.
- The pool, though pretty, was a little disappointing.
The Verdict:
Is Hiyori Mitake a "Hidden Gem"? Well, it's not perfect. It's not the most luxurious hotel I've ever stayed in. But it's comfortable, clean, conveniently located, and the staff genuinely care. It's a solid choice. If you’re looking for a reliable, well-run hotel in Kyoto, definitely consider it. They’re trying hard. And that counts for something.
Final Thought: The best thing about Hiyori Mitake? It's a great base camp for exploring Kyoto. The real gem is the city itself. Go. Explore. And don’t forget your walking shoes.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ji Hotel Quzhou Longyou - Your Dream Getaway!Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Hiyori Mitake, Kyoto, and it's gonna be…well, it's gonna be me. Which means it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare yourself.
Hiyori Mitake Mayhem: A Kyoto Adventure (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Ramen
- 11:00 AM: Land at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Ugh, airports. Always the beginning of adventures, usually involving me frantically searching for my passport for the tenth time. Pray for me.
- 12:30 PM: Train to Kyoto Station. (Pro-tip: Learn some basic Japanese phrases. "Excuse me, where is the train station?" is a good start. You'll need it.) I’m terrible at directions, I bet I'll wander aimlessly for a half-hour before finding the right platform.
- 2:00 PM: Check into the hotel near Hiyori Mitake. Hopefully, it's not a tiny box with a futon on the floor. I need some space to spread out my existential angst.
- 3:00 PM: Ramen time! I've heard the ramen here is legendary. Pray it's legendary. I'll need something to soothe the soul after staring at the bewildered smiles of airport staff. Found a place called "Ramen Fury" online. Sounds promisingly intense. (Mental note: Avoid ordering anything spicy. I'm a lightweight.)
- (Anecdote): Last time I tried a spicy ramen, I thought my face was going to melt off. Tears streamed down my face, I was coughing, and the poor waiter thought I was having a medical emergency. Mortifying.
- 4:30 PM: Wander around the area. Get a feel for the place. Gawk at the temples. (Probably mispronounce a few names. Apologies in advance, ancient deities).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, whatever I can find. Maybe a convenience store situation? Don’t judge me. Sometimes, I just want a pre-made sandwich and a good cry.
- 7:30 PM: Early night. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. And I'm a lightweight.
Day 2: Temples, Bamboo, and the Pursuit of Zen (Probably Failing)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. (Hopefully, the hotel has decent coffee. I’m not asking for much.)
- 9:00 AM: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Instagram cliché alert! But, damn, it is beautiful. I'll try to take a photo without a million other tourists in the frame. (Highly doubtful).
- (Quirky Observation): I bet even the koi in the pond are judging me. Like, "Look at her trying to find inner peace. With that selfie stick."
- 11:00 AM: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Ah, the bamboo. This is what I came for. This, and the hope that I will finally reach some level of inner calm. (Spoiler alert: I probably won't. I'm too easily distracted by shiny things and stray cats.)
- (Emotional Reaction): Okay, the bamboo grove. Wow. This is… breathtaking. Walking through the towering stalks, with the sunlight dappling through the leaves… I feel a tiny flicker of peace. For about five minutes. Then I'm like, "Is that a souvenir shop? I need a bamboo flute!"
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near Arashiyama. Maybe a soba noodle situation? Or something equally delicious and photogenic.
- 2:30 PM: Tenryu-ji Temple. More temples! More zen! Attempting to achieve enlightenment. Probably just end up feeling hungry.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, I'm temple'd out. Time for ice cream! I deserve it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe try a traditional Kaiseki meal? I can't afford it, but maybe… maybe just look at the menu and dream. Reality: probably a convenience store.
- 7:00 PM: Stroll along the streets, watch the city lights. Maybe find a cozy little bar and drink some sake. I'm already starting to feel a little tipsy, just thinking about it.
Day 3: The Fabled Fushimi Inari - and My Emotional Breakdown
- 9:00 AM: Fushimi Inari Shrine. The thousands of red torii gates. I've seen a million pictures. Preparing to be overwhelmed.
- (Messier Structure) Okay, Fushimi Inari. This is going to be… intense. I'm already picturing the Instagrammers jostling for the perfect shot. I’m not sure whether to embrace the chaos or scream. (Probably both).
- 9:30 AM: Start the climb. Oh God. My legs already hurt.
- (Deep Dive): Okay, the climb up the mountain. Forget the Instagrammers. Forget everyone. This is… hard. My heart is pounding. My thighs are burning. I’m sweating like a pig. And then, amidst the exertion, something shifts. It’s not enlightenment. It’s not zen. But it’s… real. The sheer, overwhelming effort. The beauty of the gates winding up into the mountains. The quiet, the solitude, away from the crowds. And suddenly, a wave of… something washes over me. A mixture of exhaustion, gratitude, and a strange, unexpected happiness. And then I start crying. Like, full-on ugly crying. In public. For no real reason.
- (Honest, Emotional Reaction): I sit down on a rock, and I just… sob. Tears streaming down my face. Partly from the climb. Partly from the beauty. Partly from… everything. Life. The universe. The fact that I’m here, doing this, on this crazy adventure. It’s overwhelming. It’s ridiculous. It’s… beautiful. And I don’t care who sees me. I don’t care if I look like a mess. I am a mess, and it's wonderful.
- 11:30 AM: Eventually make it to the top. (I think? I can't even remember). Buy a little souvenir. (Probably a keychain).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Need carbs. Need sustenance. Need to remember how to breathe.
- 2:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Nap. Nap. Nap.
- 4:00 PM: Explore whatever I missed. Maybe wander down some random alleyways and get lost on purpose.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner. Last ramen? Sushi? Depends on the mood.
- (Opinionated Language): I've earned a good meal. Screw the budget. I'm having something delicious. This trip deserves it.
- 7:30 PM: Pack, slowly. Attempt to process life. Wonder what I'll be like when I get back.
Day 4: Departure
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast in Kyoto. Savor the moment. Drink all the coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the hotel.
- 11:00 AM: Train to KIX.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at KIX. Final frantic search for passport.
- 3:00 PM: Board the flight.
- 5:00 PM: Back home.
- (Stream-of-Consciousness): Home… What even is home? A messy apartment. A cat who judges me. A mountain of laundry. But also… the people I love. The things I miss. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of the peace I found in that damn bamboo grove… and the crying at the top of Fushimi Inari… And all the terrible ramen… And the joy… and the chaos. I can’t wait to come back to that chaos. I can’t wait.
So there you have it. My possibly very unhelpful, definitely messy, and hopefully at least slightly entertaining guide to Kyoto. Pray for me. And try to enjoy the ride. You've got this. (Even if I don't).
Escape to Paradise: La Chiusa's Stunning Castellammare del Golfo Villas
Kyoto's "Secret" Spot: Hiyori Mitake - Or, How I Almost Got Eaten by a Mosquito and Fell in Love (and Maybe Hated it a Little)
Okay, Hiyori Mitake. What's the Big Deal? Why is it Supposedly "Hidden"?
Alright, the "hidden" part? That's a bit of a stretch. It's not exactly guarded by ninjas, okay? More like… overlooked. Tourists flock to Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – you know, the usual suspects. Hiyori Mitake? It's tucked away. You have to be a bit… *adventurous* to find it. It doesn't boast neon lights or a gift shop selling Hello Kitty geisha dolls. It’s more about actual beauty, the kind that whispers instead of shouts. Think less "Instagram-ready" and more "whoa, is this real life?"
So, What *Is* There to See or Do at Hiyori Mitake? Hit Me with the Highlights… or, You Know, the Stuff That Didn't Bore You to Tears.
Highlights? Okay, buckle up. It's mostly about nature, pure and simple. Think lush greenery, a serene bamboo grove (not as crowded as Arashiyama, thank god!), and this stunning mountain view. I swear, I saw mountains so green they looked… iridescent? Like a painting! And okay, there's a little shrine up there – nothing flashy, just… peaceful. It's all about the vibe. The gentle rustle of leaves, the birdsong (which, for the record, is *way* better than the honking of taxis in the city), the feeling of… actually *breathing* fresh air. Honestly, it was a welcome break from the sensory overload of Kyoto's more famous spots. Oh! And the trail itself is gorgeous, winding paths that lead you up the mountain.
Alright, Alright, I get the "peaceful" part. But Was It *Actually* Fun? Be Honest. Did You, Like, Regret Going?
Okay, full disclosure: I almost immediately regretted going. I'm talking *immediately*. It was hot. The humidity was trying to kill me. I forgot bug spray (a cardinal sin!). Mosquitoes were circling me like I was a gourmet buffet. I spent the first, oh, hour swatting and moaning. I swear, one of those bloodsuckers landed on my neck and I genuinely thought I was going to develop a tropical disease right then and there. I was pretty sure I was going to turn into a human-shaped mosquito feast. My mood was… less than stellar. And the climb? Steep! I’m not exactly a marathon runner, you know? I was panting like a dog.
BUT…! Then something shifted. Maybe it was the view, maybe it was that I finally stopped being grumpy long enough to *look* at the view. Seriously, the view. It was breathtaking. I started to relax. The sounds. The smells! Suddenly, the mosquitoes didn't seem so bad. Okay, they were still annoying, but… less so. I could feel the tension just melt away, all that Kyoto chaos just… disappearing. So, no, I didn't regret it. Eventually.
Was There, You Know, Anything *Bad* About the Experience? Besides the Mosquito Horror Show?
Well, the trail wasn't exactly well-marked. I got a *little* lost. Okay, I got *very* lost. I ended up scrambling up this rocky outcrop thinking I was going to find some secret viewpoint, and it turned out to be a dead end. Then I had to awkwardly slide back down, covered in dirt. My pride took a hit. And my knees.
Also, the facilities… let's just say they’re "rustic". No fancy restrooms here. Bring your own tissues, and potentially a hazmat suit. Just kidding… sort of.
Okay, Fine, I'm Intrigued. How Do I Actually *Get* There? I'm Terrible with Directions.
Alright, directions are crucial. This is where you'll need your research skills. Look, I’d *love* to give you detailed instructions but I’m honestly terrible at remembering specifics, particularly those related to public transit. I was too busy battling mosquitoes and trying not to trip over tree roots to pay *that* much attention.
But, generally, you'll need to take a train (probably the JR lines) and then walk. There are some websites with actual directions, I *think.* Maybe Google Maps it? It definitely wasn't a quick trip. Allow at least a half-day for the whole shebang, including travel time and potential mosquito-related delays.
What Should I Pack? Don’t Forget Anything Crucial Like I Did!
PACK BUG SPRAY! Seriously. I cannot stress this enough. Also, water. Lots of water. And sunscreen. A hat. Comfortable shoes (duh!). Maybe a snack – I’m always hungry. And definitely a sense of adventure. And maybe a friend to laugh with when you inevitably take a wrong turn and end up covered in mud.
Is It Worth the Effort? Would You Go Back? Did You, Like, Have a Spiritual Awakening?
Worth it? Absolutely. Despite the mosquitoes and the near-death experience (exaggerating, maybe!), It was, well, it was beautiful. It was a welcome change of pace from the other crazy tourists spots. I actually did have… a moment. Standing there, overlooking the valley, feeling the breeze… it was pretty special. It’s not going to change your life drastically. No, I didn’t suddenly become enlightened. But I felt… calmer, happier, for the rest of the day.
Would I go back? Hmm… maybe. Next time? I'm bringing a whole can of bug spray, a gas mask, and a platoon of mosquito-repelling robots. But yeah, maybe.
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