Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo!
Unbelievable Luxury…or Just Believable? My Messy, Wonderful, and Slightly Overhyped Stay at Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo! (SEO-Optimized Mayhem!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a tsunami of thoughts, feelings, and probably a few regrets about my recent stay at Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo. Forget glossy travel brochures; this is the REAL deal, a chaotic symphony of luxury, longing, and the persistent urge to order all the soup.
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The Arrival: Smooth…ish. (Accessibility)
So, the hype was real. Pictures painted visions of serene tranquility, and I, a perpetually stressed human, desperately needed it. Getting there? Well, they boast airport transfer (thank GOD!), but my inner klutz almost torpedoed the entire operation. Thankfully, the car park (blessedly free, by the way!) had ample space, and yes, it was wheelchair accessible. HUGE win. Elevators? Check. Pretty standard stuff, but crucial for anyone needing them. They also seemed to be hyper-aware of accessibility and wanted to help. Which, let's be honest, is a massive relief.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi, Hallelujah! (And Slightly Questionable LAN)
My first instinct? Find the Wi-Fi and document everything! The free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Glorious. A modern miracle that let me live-stream my every facial expression throughout the stay. There was also LAN internet, but honestly? My brain glazed over. Who even uses LAN anymore? (Says the person who just spent 45 minutes trying to remember the password…letting you know it's the basic stuff).
The Room: Plush, but Did I Deserve This? (Available in All Rooms)
Okay, the room. Picture this: a sprawling suite, complete with a bathtub and a separate shower. Bathrobes? Slippers? Complimentary tea in every corner? It felt like I’d accidentally wandered into a movie, but more importantly, it had blackout curtains. Bless. The. Gods. After a day of travel, this was heaven. The extra-long bed was a lifesaver (I'm a chronic blanket hog). And the view! Forget the city; it was all lush greenery. Just…stunning. I swear, I spent a solid hour just staring out the window. (There was a window that opens! Bonus points!) Plus, they’d left me a welcome message. So fancy. Was I worthy? Probably not. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely.
Things to Do: Spa-aholics Assemble! (Ways to Relax!)
This is where it gets interesting. The spa. Oh, the spa. The pool with a view! The sauna! The steamroom! I’m a sauna fanatic, and this one delivered. Sweating away all my life’s anxieties felt almost religious. And the massage! It was so good, I think I might have drooled a little (don't judge me). They do body wraps and scrubs too, which, let's face it, is a level of self-care I’m not used to. The fitness center? Tried to use it once. Failed. (Too busy eating soup.)
The Food: A Buffet of Delights (And Potential Regrets)
Right, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast was a lovely, if slightly overwhelming, introduction to the day. The breakfast buffet? Oh, the breakfast buffet. I'm talking a mountain of choices. International cuisine, Asian cuisine, even a few "vegetarian restaurant" options. I tried everything. Literally. Everything. I’m pretty sure I consumed enough carbs to fuel a small country. The Western breakfast was tempting, but I'm a sucker for the unique. The coffee shop…well, I'm a coffee fiend, and it delivered. The happy hour? Perfect sunset viewing! The poolside bar? Needed one of those after the sauna. The snack bar? More snacks! (I see a pattern here).
The a la carte restaurant was a fancy option, but the buffet called to me every morning. The salad in the restaurant was a good break for my carb overload. And those desserts! I’m not even a dessert person, but…oh, the desserts!
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Get COVID? (Probably Not!)
Okay, COVID. They really leaned into the hygiene thing. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, rooms sanitized between stays…the works. The staff trained in safety protocols were everywhere. Hand sanitizer was more readily available than oxygen. They had individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining set up. Cashless payment service? Check. The doctor/nurse on call was comforting, seeing as I consumed enough food to be sick. The sanitizing equipment was reassuring too. (The shared stationary removed was a plus). I mean, they really put the effort in, and I felt safe. Now, did I obsessively check for any evidence of germs? Maybe.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public areas? Check. Concierge? Helpful. Daily housekeeping? My room was pristine every day. Elevator? Crucial for a lazy bum like me. Dry cleaning, laundry service…I didn’t use them, but they were there! (I just threw my clothes into a small laundry bag, I'm never too fancy). Luggage storage? Bless their service! The gift shop…Well, I bought a quirky souvenir.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Or Not?)
I didn’t have kids with me, but the hotel was definitely family-friendly. Babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meals. Lots of families about, and they all seemed to be having a blast. Good if that’s your vibe.
Accessibility – the Real Stuff
I could maneuver the hotel with my wheelchair. The on-site accessible restaurants came as a huge relief. And the staff really did their best. They understood the importance of accommodation which made every small thing easier.
The Imperfections – My Real Thoughts
Okay, this isn't a perfect hotel. Here, lies the truth:
- The Price Tag: This place is EXPENSIVE in general. Think "treat yourself" level. I’m still wincing a little.
- The Bureaucracy: Check-in was efficient, but there was a lot of paperwork.
- The Food Overload: While the buffet was amazing, it was also…a lot. I felt slightly like a food-coma zombie by the end.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite my minor quibbles, Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo is a truly special place. It's a haven, a sanctuary, a delicious, slightly overwhelming (but undeniably fantastic) experience. If you're looking for a splurge, a bit of pampering, and a chance to forget the world's troubles, this is the place to do it. (Just maybe pace yourself with the soup.)
Escape to Miami: Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South - Your Perfect Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly-chaotic, deeply-melancholic-at-times, utterly-delightful (hopefully) Jotzankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo itinerary. Prepare for a wild ride.
Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione: A Hot Spring Romp (and Rambling) - October (ish), 2024
(Disclaimer: I'm making this up because, you know, reality is overrated. Also, I'm a massive procrastinator, so actual dates? Don't ask.)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Robes, and Ramen Remorse
- 1:00 PM (ish): Land in Sapporo. "Oh joy," I mutter, mostly to the pigeons. My joy, anyway, is slightly muted. The long flight always leaves me feeling like a deflated balloon animal. But hey, Japan! Gotta rally. Grab the train to Jozankei – hoping it's scenic and not just industrial sprawl. (Pray for a pretty view, peeps.)
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Manseikaku Hotel Milione. Immediately overwhelmed by the lobby. It's glorious. Like, gold-leaf-covered-dragons-fighting-for-dominance glorious. I swear, I almost tripped trying to take a picture because a small child was running around. The staff are impeccably polite. I’m instantly self-conscious about my travel clothes (which, let’s be honest, haven’t been washed in, um, a while.) Check-in is smooth. My Japanese is, at best, "Kon'nichiwa" and "Arigato," so I'm sweating bullets hoping I didn't accidentally book myself a room with a talking robot butler.
- 3:30 PM: The Room! Finally, some peace after all the public interactions. And it's…spacious. A river view! Score! I promptly drop my bags and collapse on the futon (yes, I booked a room with a futon, because pretending I understand Japanese customs is part of the fun) and then proceed to immediately unpack everything, spreading it all over the floor.
- 4:00 PM: Onsen Orientation. The hotel's website said onsen, so onsen it is. I'd read about the rules. I. AM. TERRIFIED. I picture myself accidentally offending someone by misinterpreting a gesture or, worse, accidentally flashing a whole bunch of grannies. I attempt to wrap the yukata robe "correctly." I'm pretty sure I look like a lumpy sausage.
- 4:30 PM: Attempt One at the Onsen. The women's onsen is a labyrinth of steam and whispers. I somehow manage to find my way to a lukewarm pool after a couple wrong turns. I can't quite get the hang of the towels. I am sure that I’m breaking an ancient Japanese rule. I give up after fifteen minutes.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! The hotel's buffet… I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm terrible with buffets. I always overeat then feel like a beached whale. But the sushi is calling my name… and so is the tempura… oh gods…I can't stop eating.
- 7:30 PM: Post-Buffet Regret. I've eaten everything! I'm waddling back to my room, vowing to do penance in the morning by doing a 30-minute jog in the forest that surrounds the hotel. (I know full well I won't. But the intention is there!)
- 8:00 PM: Staring out the window at the river. Feeling both serene and like a bloated pufferfish. Maybe a nice cup of green tea before bed is in order? Just to soothe the indigestion.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Or at least, a series of semi-conscious naps punctuated by thoughts like, "Did I remember to tip?" and "Is that really the proper way to fold a yukata?"
Day 2: Onsen, Forests, and a Fishy Fiasco (Plus, Ramen Redemption)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. I'm tired, but I must try Onsen again. I muster the courage, and head back to the women's pool area. Today, my goal is just to relax and not embarrass myself.
- 7:30 AM: Okay, this time the water is blissfully warm. I sit. I breathe. I look around. And I see… a very petite woman. A very old (but clearly experienced) petite woman. She catches my eye and smiles. I immediately shrink. Then, she beckons me over and helps me with my towel. Now I feel like a professional. This time it's the men's baths that are open, and I don't want to go back to the women's side just yet.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet 2.0. I'm slightly less gluttonous today, so I am a bit successful. I focus on fruit and yogurt… plus a small helping of the bacon.
- 10:00 AM: Hike Time! The hotel advertises a nearby forest trail. I decide to "embrace nature." (Translation: I’m mildly terrified of bugs, but I want to feel like I'm DOING something.) I hike for about an hour. The trail is beautiful. I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it feels to be outside. I don’t get attacked by squirrels, which is a win.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the Jozankei Onsen Town area. It feels like a postcard scene – the river, the red bridge, the little shops. I meander. I window shop (I can't afford anything, but it's fun, right?) I buy a cute little ceramic cat. Is this what "zen" is?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I was told that there's a well-known ramen shop in the area. I stumble in, still slightly intimidated by the language barrier. The ramen is fantastic. I slurp noisily (apparently, it's okay here). I felt a surge of contentment.
- 1:30 PM: Massage Time! Because, you know, relaxation. The massage therapist's name is Mari. Mari has the hands of a god. I drift in and out of consciousness. Pure bliss.
- 3:00 PM: The Fishy Fiasco. I notice there's a fish pond in the hotel lobby and decide to take out my camera. The fish are enormous and they are eating the food with gusto. I move closer, I feel a pang of sympathy. Just as I bend down… I take a tumble and fall into the pond. I'm soaking wet and covered in fish food. Mortified, I escape back to the room. It's a shame I'm staying at a hotel where the staff is so helpful. They'll probably think I'm an idiot.
- 4:00 PM: Back in my room. I decide to spend some time in the room. I watch the river.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner again. I promise I'll be more careful. This time, I focus a little more on the appetizers. I try the local sake.
- 8:00 PM: I was going to go out but I am too tired. I'll take a walk down the river again. I reflect on the day, the fish, the food, the massage. I'm grateful to be here.
- 9:00 PM: I plan my last day, and I decide to get some more Onsen time.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
- 11:00 PM: Because I have a lot of thinking to do, I can't sleep.
Day 3: Final Onsen, Farewell Floundering, and Sapporo's Embrace
- 7:00 AM: Final Onsen. I am a pro. I float and enjoy the ritual of it.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet 3.0. I have mastered the buffet. I eat what I want, and no more.
- 10:00 AM: Check Out. The staff is super polite. I'm sure they're all laughing about the clumsy tourist who fell into the fish pond. Still, I smile and say "Arigato!" with sincerity.
- 11:00 AM: Train back to Sapporo. Reflecting back, I wish I'd taken out my Japanese and felt more confident. But I did the Onsen! And I tried the ramen! And I fell into a fish pond!
- 12:00 - onwards: Transferring to the Sapporo city and exploring it.
Final Thoughts:
- The Good: Jozankei is beautiful. Manseikaku Hotel Milione is a wonderful place. I did all the things. I didn't break any bones (except for maybe
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo! ...or Does It? A Messy FAQ
Okay, so you're thinking about dropping some serious coin for some "unbelievable luxury" at Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo, eh? Don't blame you. The pictures are *gorgeous*. But before you splash out, let's get real. I've been there. I've survived. And I’ve got some *opinions*. This isn’t your glossy brochure. This is real-talk FAQ, warts and all. Buckle up, buttercups.
The Basics (and My Immediate Suspicion!)
Q: What *is* the Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione Sapporo, anyway?
A: It's a swanky hotel in Jozankei, a hot spring town near Sapporo, Japan. Think fluffy robes, stunning views, and a price tag that makes you question your life choices. Let's just say, it's aiming for the high-roller crowd. And frankly, I was *intimidated* when I first saw the website. All those perfect smiles... Suspicious, I tell you, suspicious!
Q: How much does it *actually* cost?
A: Brace yourself. Prices vary wildly depending on the season and the room. Expect to pay (gulps) a serious amount. Like, enough that you'll probably be eating instant ramen for a month after, even if you went for the *less* luxurious options. (Which, let me tell you, is still pretty darn luxurious.) Check the hotel's website or booking sites for the most up-to-date prices. But seriously, sit down first.
The Rooms: Promises vs. Reality (and My Personal Meltdown)
Q: Are the rooms as gorgeous as they look in the photos?
A: Mostly. They're *really* nice. My room had a stunning view of the valley. But... and there's always a "but," isn't there?... The photos are probably taken with *professional* lighting. My tiny, perfectly-curled eyelashes didn't cooperate that well. Also, some rooms are definitely more "wow" than others. We accidentally booked a smoking room (long story, involving jet lag and Google Translate), and, ugh. The phantom smell of cigarettes haunted my dreams for days. Lesson learned: double-check *everything* when booking!
Q: What's the deal with the private onsen (hot spring baths) in some rooms? Worth it?
A: Okay, *that* is where the real magic happens. If you can afford it, absolutely. Soaking in a private onsen with that view... pure bliss. My friend, Sarah, booked a room with a private onsen, and I may or may not have spent a significant portion of my stay attempting to “accidentally” stumble into her room disguised as a potted plant. (It didn't work, sadly.) It's seriously the ultimate indulgence. Though, the privacy does comes with minor logistical issues like, well, the water temperature being a little unpredictable at times. (One minute, it’s lava; the next, it's an ice bath.)
Q: What about the regular rooms? Good enough?
A: They’re still lovely. Clean, well-appointed, and the beds are like sleeping on clouds. But let's be honest, the private onsen rooms... that's the thing. I'm not even sure what to tell you. Honestly, they leave you feeling a bit deflated, knowing what you're missing. I spent a good portion of my stay staring longingly at the private onsen rooms from my slightly-less-fancy-but-still-fancy room.
Food, Glorious Food... or Not? (My Culinary Rollercoaster)
Q: Is the food as amazing as the pictures?
A: Okay, buckle up. This is where it gets interesting. The photos? Scrumptious. The reality? A mixed bag, depending on what you order. The breakfast buffet (which is included for a price!) is pretty darn fantastic. Freshly baked bread, mountains of fruit, and that Japanese breakfast is to die for. I think I had smoked salmon for breakfast EVERY DAY. But... and again, there's a "but." The *a la carte* options can be hit or miss. One evening, I ordered a wagyu beef steak that was... okay. Definitely not worth the price tag. Another night, I opted for the tempura, and it was divine. So, it's a gamble. Go for the buffet initially, observe others, and then carefully select a dish. Also, make sure you've got your translation app ready; the menus can be intimidating sometimes.
Q: What’s the deal with the dinner options?
A: Some rooms include dinner (again, usually for a not-insignificant extra cost). This usually involves a multi-course kaiseki (traditional Japanese haute cuisine) meal. It's *beautifully* presented, with tiny, delicate dishes. And there's a lot of it. However, I'm not a huge fan of all the sea urchin and jellyfish, which, if you are, you're in for a treat! But I'm not convinced I'm a kaiseki person. It's a bit much. Also, I had to go and eat a bag of chips in the middle of the night. That's says something, doesn't it?
Onsen Etiquette and My Self-Conscious Struggle
Q: How do I even *do* the onsen thing? I'm terrified!
A: I hear you! The onsen (public hot springs) are amazing, but they can be intimidating if you're not used to them, especially if you're a shy person like me. You have to be naked! (Gasp!) Here's the crash course: First, strip down completely in the changing room. (Yes, completely. No swimsuits allowed.) You'll find a small stool and a basin. Wash yourself thoroughly *before* you get in the onsen. (Soaping, rinsing, the works.) Then, ease yourself into the hot water. Don't let the water get in your hair (you can use a small rubber band to tie it up or you get a free hair-tie at the entrance). Relax. Enjoy. Try not to panic. Breathe. It's all about relaxing! And don't stare. And remember, everyone’s in the same boat (or, you know, bath). I swear, I spent the first five minutes of my first onsen experience desperately trying to *not* make eye contact with anyone. I almost drowned myself when I realized I’d forgotten to take my glasses off! The things you learn.
Q: Any onsen tips for a newbie?
A: Yes! A few: Bring a small towel to cover up on the way to the bath. Don’t dive in. Go slow! Stay hydrated. And... try *not* to make awkward eye contact. (I failed spectacularly here.) I suggest going with a friend. Even if you don’t talk. Just knowing someone else is in there helps! The whole thing can be wonderfully relaxing once you get past the initial mortification.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It? (My Gut Reaction)
Q: So, overall... would you recommend the Hotel Milione?
A: Okay, here we go. It’s expensive. That's the big, ugly, fluorescent-lit truth. If you'reHotel Hide Aways
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