This ryokan is located in the famous Ikaho Onsen, in the Gunma Prefecture. Owned by the same famous ryokan operator of Fukuichi, who is in the business for the 17th generation and over 400 years, this ryokan has really taken the comfort, luxury, care and service to the next level.
After dropping off from our car, the staff greeted us warmly and showed us to the big lobby, which was in the side of Fukuichi, and originally I have to admit that it seemed just like another big ryokan tailoring for many visitors. But after a short while of waiting, we were shown to the annex, going out from the main building through a private access for the guests of Kaichoro. And the wonder begins...
Arriving on the second floor, where there is only three rooms of 'Modern Japanese Style Suite' type, the corridor already impressed me a lot, where there is a lighted wall showing the flowers and vegetation design mural representing the ryokan, providing a sense of serenity to us.
Entering the room I have to say I dropped my jaw on the size and comfort that greeted me. The living room is huge (15 mat in size), with warming lighting illuminating the great tone of wood and paper famous for interior design in Japan. In order to hide the TV, bookshelf, and the pantry on one side, the ryokan has used a wall of paper sliding door to create a tidy and simple feel, but once you open the doors you can immediately access to the enjoyment of the modern appliances.
On the other side is the bedroom, which is of western style. The choice of mattress, comforter and pillow again highlighted how the ryokan has taken the attention to details to such an exceptional level. Not only there is different choices of pillow for the guest to choose (and those are available in the room so you can try it out), the comforter is made from Eider Duck feathers, which is super soft, light and warm, and is known as the jewel of comforter and the best that money can buy. And they also deliberately lowered the roof and created a curved shape to provide better sense of security and coziness to help give you a good sleep.
Looking out the windows there is a wall of green, and there is a balcony where you can sit and relax, while admiring at the natural beauty, the sense of quiet and tranquility, while sipping at a drink (all the drinks in the fridge are provided for free) and listening to the river flowing below is simply the best way to smooth out the nerves and pressure from our daily lives.
But that is obviously not the only way. Adjacent to the balcony is a semi-open bath, with the bathtub made from the expensive Ofuro wood, and the 'Silver' spring water from the Ikaho onsen. The size of the tub is also big for the family to bath together. With such pleasure in the room we really don't have much incentive to go visit the public bath this time.
The make-up and shower room is also huge in size. With two basins so you can need to fight in the morning for the make-up, the ryokan has provided good quality amenities, such as 'Thann' skin-care kits for each of us. They are also using the same brand for all the bath gel, shampoo and conditioner too.
After going for a short walk at the onsen street, we went back to take a short break and then went to dinner, also located in the same annex. The meal was again phenomenal. Not only the food is tasty, all the utensils used are also a piece of art by itself.
After a good sleep, the next morning we have another wonderful breakfast. Like the dinner, each elements of the meal was carefully thought out and the chef had taken the effort to create a memorable experience on both our palate and visual.
Many people may wonder how much would this cost. Frankly Kaichoro is one of the most expensive ryokan I have ever stayed. For the one night with two meals it cost us 182,000 yen, which of course is a big amount. Having said that, it is still one of those places I would recommend you to visit once in your life if you can afford that.
My overall rating is 9.0/10.
For my wife she had opted for Il Polpo Italiano, which is Italian octopus in Mugnaia style, mashed potatoes and artichokes. Taking one bite of the octopus, I think it is the better of the two main courses in my point of view. It can be cut apart easily, and is easy to chew. Unlike one normally would associate for octopus. My only comment was that it was a bit too salty for me however.
This restaurant is located in Kowloon City, being one of the famous hotpot restaurants in town, and in my memories one of the first to promote the best quality local beef. Not a beef-eater, I did not try their signature beef offerings but rather go for their other well known dish - the satay soup base.
The pot is a 'hybrid', with one half being the clear broth and the other half the satay soup base. Decided to go for the normal dishes instead of expensive seafood, we had prawns, mutton roll, chicken pieces, squid balls, Grass Carp pieces, Vegetables and a bag of Udon.
The clear soup in fact was not clear, but a rich, intense soup base prepared with a large piece of dried flounder. And the satay soup was really concentrated, and even after adding water to the soup base for many times, at the end of the meal the soup was still very flavorful.
All the food ordered was fairly good, with the prawn meat firm even though they were not live ones. The mutton roll was best when cooked in the satay soup, as well as the chicken pieces. For the squid balls, you can put it at either soup and they are still decent. But it was more those you would buy from supermarket than ones made on their own. So maybe better to order the squid paste instead.
Personally I like the udon quite well, as they are of a nice texture and after absorbing the flavors of the soup it was in fact very tasty. The vegetable is a mix of two types which has no surprises.
The overall environment is clean, bright and with good air-conditioning so even in the hot summer like tonight you won't feel hot eating the hotpot. As mentioned, the price is very reasonable with the total bill only $422 which in today's standard very good valued, with good portion on all the food.
