[Sponsored Article]
We visited Kamiyamada Onsen in Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture for the first time and stayed at Club Wyndham Chikumakan.
Club Wyndham Chikumakan is a traditional Japanese ryokan with a classic atmosphere.
Kamiyamada Onsen has long been known as a hot spring area associated with travelers visiting Zenkoji Temple.
One of the main attractions of the ryokan is its simple sulfur hot spring water, which can be enjoyed as free-flowing natural hot spring water.
Meals feature kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients from Shinshu.
In this article, we share our experience of the rooms, hotel atmosphere and facilities at Club Wyndham Chikumakan.
Club Wyndham Chikumakan: Basic Information
Here is the basic information about Club Wyndham Chikumakan.
- Location: 2-2-2 Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma, Nagano
- Access: Around 40 minutes by car from Zenkoji Temple
- Features: A long-established Japanese ryokan with free-flowing hot spring baths
- Parking: Free parking was available during our stay
- Official website: Club Wyndham Chikumakan Official Website
Traditional Japanese Atmosphere in the Lobby
The entrance immediately gave us a sense of traditional Japanese hospitality.
There were beautiful koi swimming near the entrance.
When we tried to take a photo, one even came closer to us.
Very cute!
In front of the check-in counter was a sofa area with a small decorative bridge that added to the traditional atmosphere.
This is the ground floor.
During our stay, parts of the property were undergoing renovation, but the ground-floor area we used looked clean and well maintained.
The public baths were located farther inside the building.
There was also a small bar where guests could enjoy drinks.
It had a relaxed atmosphere that looked like a pleasant place to unwind in the evening.
Our Standard Room
We stayed in a Standard Room.
The room felt clean and comfortable.
Club Wyndham Chikumakan offered both Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding and rooms with Western-style beds during our stay.
Our room had a table and chairs at the far end, as well as a recessed seating area similar to a horigotatsu.
We liked having the option to sit with our legs down rather than sitting directly on the tatami floor.
There was also an air purifier with a humidifying function, which was useful when the room felt dry.
Chestnut Yokan, Coffee and Tea in the Room
A small chestnut yokan sweet was provided in the room.
We enjoyed it with tea, and it was delicious.
Coffee and tea were also available in the room.
During our stay, hot water had already been prepared in the pot, so we did not have to boil it ourselves.
That small convenience was surprisingly nice after traveling.
Bottled water was also provided in the refrigerator for each guest.
Room Amenities
A toothbrush was provided by the sink, so we did not need to bring one.
Mamarin still brought her own preferred toothpaste from home.
There was also a hair dryer in the room, although it was fairly small.
Travelers who want to dry long or thick hair quickly may prefer to use the more powerful hair dryer near the public bath area.
The lighting around the sink in our room was relatively dim, so we found the table farther inside the room more convenient for doing makeup.
Bed-Style Rooms for Travelers Who Prefer Easier Movement
Club Wyndham Chikumakan offered several room types during our visit.
Some travelers may find getting up and down from a futon on the floor less comfortable, especially if they are used to sleeping in a bed.
For those guests, the Executive King Room or Superior Twin Room may be worth considering.
The Executive King Room we saw felt spacious, with enough room to move around comfortably even with luggage.
The television was positioned directly opposite the bed.
Spacious Vanity Area
The vanity area was also spacious.
Having more room around the sink and wider pathways can make the room easier to use for travelers who prefer extra space.
Separate Shower and Toilet
The Standard Room we stayed in had a compact unit-bath style bathroom.
By contrast, the Executive King Room and Superior Twin Room we viewed had separate shower and toilet areas.
The unit bathroom in our Standard Room felt fairly compact.
It was manageable for us, but taller guests may find the space around the toilet a little tight.
If bathroom space is important to you, one of the room categories with a separate shower and toilet may be more comfortable.
Superior Twin Room with a Sofa
This is the Superior Twin Room.
It included a sofa, which made it convenient for sitting down with tea or simply relaxing without having to sit on the tatami floor.
For travelers who normally use beds and chairs at home, this style of room may feel more familiar and comfortable.
The vanity area in the Superior Twin Room was smaller, so using the desk for makeup may be more convenient.
During our visit, Club Wyndham Chikumakan offered four main room categories:
- Standard
- Deluxe
- Superior Twin
- Executive King
The rooms we viewed were clean and offered different layouts, so travelers can choose a style that best suits their needs.
Visit the Club Wyndham Chikumakan Official Website
Is Club Wyndham Chikumakan a Good Choice for Travelers Over 60?
We found Club Wyndham Chikumakan interesting because it combines a traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere with several Western-style room options.
What We Would Consider When Choosing a Room
- Choose a bed-style room if getting up from a futon is uncomfortable
- Consider the Executive King or Superior Twin if you prefer a separate shower and toilet
- A sofa or chair may be more comfortable than sitting on tatami for long periods
- The Standard Room is more compact, especially around the bathroom
- Room layouts and amenities can differ, so check the latest room details before booking
For travelers looking for a more traditional stay in Nagano while still having the option of Western-style beds and seating, Club Wyndham Chikumakan offers an interesting balance of Japanese atmosphere and practical comfort.
The hot spring baths and meals are covered in our separate article.
