Name: Auberge Tosayama
Address: 661 Tosayama-Higashikawa, Kochi, Kochi, Kochi, 781-3222, Japan
Rating: 9

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Air conditioning

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Smoke-free property

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Television in lobby

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Indoor Fireplace

Hairdryer

Bathtub

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Wheelchair Accessible

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English

Chinese

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Barbecue grill(s)

Hiking

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Parking

Parking nearby

Doctor

Massage

Sauna

First Aid Kit

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Playroom

Kids

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Pets

Temperature control for staff

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At the hostel

Kochi Ryoma Airport

Auberge Tosayama

Kochi

We were in the area to tour Kochi's sights and sounds, and while Auberge Tosayama is about a 45 minute drive from the city, we had our own car and felt that relaxing in a remote oasis would be better than staying at a bland, large hotel. After staying at this retreat, we felt that we made a good choice.

It's a stylish small resort (only 16 rooms total) that blends in nicely with its mountainous surroundings. It has a mostly earthly tone in muted colors that really soothed our soul and made us feel one with nature. The reception area has floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of the lush greenery and rolling hills all around. Our Villa was accessed by crossing the river via a suspension bridge (it's sturdy, not to worry) - an interesting way to get to the room without it being too far to be an arduous task. The Villa itself is one of a few that on the other side of the river, and each are detached units that are reminiscent of a mountain hut. The Villa was tastefully furnished and well appointed. While we generally prefer larger rooms with bedrooms that are separate from the living room, the junior suite-style layout was adequate. Two nits to pick, however. First, no Onsen (natural hot springs) bath in the room, as is the case with many top-end ryokans. Secondly, internet speeds were terrible... that is, if we could even get connected (it was intermittent.) While I understand that the purpose of staying in a place like this is to unwind and disconnect from the civilized world, it would be nice to have the option to get online should we so choose. Oh, one more thing... the nearest electrical outlet is FAR from the only table in the room; we borrowed a long extension cord, but even then, it was literally a stretch for the cable to reach my laptop.

At least they have a communal Onsen, which is gender segregated (like 99% of public ryokan Onsen baths) and offers both an indoor and open-air bath. It's not very large, but given the small number of rooms on site, it's doubtful that you'll have to share it with too many people, save for late afternoons (just before dinner) and late mornings (after breakfast and just before check-out time.)

Auberge Tosayama's supposed calling card is its food offerings - after all, it has "Auberge" in its name. We enjoyed the meals, and it's probably as good as it's going to get in Kochi. It won't be on our "10 best ryokan meals" list, but it doesn't have to be. Not everything was spectacular, but there were a few memorable dishes. The Foie Gras "Joyo Mushi" was a dish consisting of Foie Gras mixed with grated Yam that was steamed into a ball shape, topped with Uni (Sea Urchin) and doused with Ankake sauce. Even the simpler dishes, including a salad that contained locally-sourced vegetables such as Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach) and Japanese Turnip was excellent. We were in Kochi after all, so we really wanted to try some of the indigenous dishes... and Auberge Tosayama did a great job introducing us to many local ingredients but with a creative flair.

Overall, this is a very solid property that's modern yet cozy, has comfortable and stylish rooms (at least the Villas were) and good food. If you're going to be anywhere near Kochi City, and want to get away from it all, you can't go wrong with Auberge Tosayama.

Very nice rural retreat

This place is surrounded by natural mountains. There is no residential area, not to mention the town. It is a place where time flows quietly throughout the year. If you want to stay overnight, a separate cottage is recommended. A spacious room with a super-kink bet and a sofa living set. Bathroom. Meals are handled by chefs from top-class hotels both at night and in the morning. The main building is also equipped with a public bath. A place to stay away from the noise of the city. Please come.

Relax in a rich environment surrounded by nature

What a brilliant place! Beautifully stylish architecture despite it being over 10 years old. Wonderfully friendly service with staff speaking good above average English. Food was above all top quality and plentiful. Hot tub/spa was clean and relaxing.

The hotel is local government owned but managed by the Oriental Hotel Group. It's set in a beautiful part of Shikoku amongst rice paddy fields and lush mountains.

Would very much like to return when the leaves turn red.

Top class and reasonably price for its quality

Loved the minimalist look and the serenity at Auberge Tosayama. Service was good, however only a few staff speaks English. We had marvellous dinners and breakfasts.The Auberge has an onsen but the best thing to me was the wonderful masseur. I had the Seitai masage on both days I stayed and felt so relaxed that I fell asleep both times.

Relaxing retreat

This is probably one of the most beautiful accommodation that I have ever stayed. The hotel provides transfer shuffle from Koichi since this is in the valleys surrounded by mountains. Room is much bigger than I expect and the furnishing is modern. The restaurant dishes out excellent Japanese cuisine using local produce in the region which is healthy and special. There is also an onsen here which is relaxing. Service staff are excellent. I will want to go back again. 

Most beautiful accommodation 

In the mountains next to a river with beautiful scenery and a feel for rural Japan, our stay at Auberge Tosayama was a highlight of our trip.  For those who are Japanese who stay here, I'm sure it is a relaxing spa with great facilities and a perfect place to relax.  For us from overseas, it was an exposure to Japanese culture and food that we otherwise would never had realised from our visits to Kyoto, Yokohama, and Tokyo.  The service is traditional and impeccably polite, and the customs definitely more pronounced than in the major cities.  The food and the quality of the dining experience was superb and we had a benefit of having our own dining room given there were four of us.  There was some surprise when I said my one daughter didn't eat fish or pork, but they took it in their stride and she still had amazing meals.  The food was traditional Japanese, and we experienced meals that would have been very difficult to cover by going to restaurants. Our first night at dinner, we started with salad and sashimi and while a bit light we thought that was the meal.  We didn't realise there were still five courses after that, all amazing taste sensations and beautifully presented, including some where you cook you own food over small fired grids on the table.  The other meals including breakfast were all amazing, and the staff looked at creating dishes over the three nights that felt personalised and unique not just for my daughter but for all of us.  It felt that there was a genuine and strong interest in creating the best food experience for all of us.  The dining staff were helpful and considerate, helping us when we had no clue about how to go about eating some of the dishes, and although the English of most staff is limited, the communication worked and dinners were an amazing experience.  The food was varied, beautifully presented, tasted amazing, and the service was attentive.  We covered a wide range of dishes that gave us a real feel of what is served in Japan, although none of us went wild for the natto which seems to be an acquired taste.  Include the impeccable hot springs, quiet and comfortable rooms, and wonderful service and we had an unforgettable experience that was probably the high point in our trip which had a lot of great exposure. Even the train trip across the sea bridge and through the mountains was an experience in itself. Kochi itself is limited and the hoped for beach swimming didn't happen, but the Auberge Tosayama by itself and the scenery is well worth the trip. Just a tip with internet access, you don't have it in the rooms but you can access it in the coffee area just off reception - just ask at the desk.

Relaxing in rural Japan in the mountains and an exquiste authentic food journey with traditional Japanese hospitality

Great place to get away and enjoy accessible big nature! Thoughtful and tasteful hotel design attenuated being at one with your environment. Friendly staff, good local food and own onsen,  access is somewhat of a challenge but well worth it !

Auberge Tosayama

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