Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo: Your Dream Japan Getaway Awaits!
Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo: My Brain's Been There, You Should Go Too! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so, I'm back from Japan. And my brain is still wandering around the snow-covered fields of Hokkaido, whispering, "Iwamizawa… Iwamizawa…" Seriously, that hotel, Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo, has gotten its claws in me. This isn't your polished brochure version; this is the unfiltered, slightly chaotic truth. Buckle up, because we're diving in.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Jet Lag Fuelled Panic)
Getting there was… well, Japan is far. But the airport transfer they arranged? Smooth. Like, butter-on-a-snow-covered-road smooth. They have car park [free of charge], which is a lifesaver. Especially after a flight where you ate your weight in airplane peanuts. They also offer Airport Transfer -- which is a good idea if you’re like me and can’t manage public transport immediately. The hotel chain, I gotta say, did well. The Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend. Especially at 3 AM when your internal clock is screaming "Ramen!" Honestly, they’re Facilities for disabled guests were some of the best I’ve ever seen, which is so important.
Accessibility: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally)
This is crucial, and Unbelievable Iwamizawa nails it. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I noticed the thoughtfulness everywhere. Elevator access? Check. Wide corridors? Check. And just a general feeling of "this place gets it." It's a real win. They have Facilities for disabled guests and Accessibility to make sure everyone will be comfortable.
Rooms: My Comfy Little Fortress
Right, the rooms. Okay, it's not a minimalist, Insta-worthy hotel. But it's… comfortable. And that's what matters after a day of exploring. Now I'm not going to list every single thing. But it's all here, including things like a Bathtub, Air Conditioning, and Blackout Curtains for serious jet lag situations. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, and it’s fast. So you can bombard your friends with pictures right away. I loved having a Window that opens, even if it was just to breathe in the crisp Hokkaido air. The Interconnecting room(s) available is perfect for families. And Air conditioning throughout the hotel is a godsend.
And Now, My Obsession: The Spa
Okay, confession. I spent a shameful amount of time in the Spa. Specifically, the Sauna and the Steamroom. Oh. My. Goodness. They have a Pool with view. But the sauna? Let’s just say I think I sweated out a decade of stress. Pure, unadulterated bliss. They’ve got a Foot bath which is great after a long day of walking, and if you're feeling fancy, Body scrub and Body wrap are available. Honestly, I was so blissed out I almost forgot to leave. The Spa/sauna is well maintained. Massage is on hand, which is fantastic.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Slightly Embarrassing Food Diary)
Alright, let's talk food. Western breakfast? Check. Asian breakfast? Double-check. Restaurants? Plenty. A la carte in restaurant? Definitely. Buffet in restaurant? Yes! The coffee shop was my saving grace in the morning. I devoured the Asian cuisine in restaurant. I found myself in a Coffee shop more often than I’d like to admit. There's also a Snack bar, which is also a plus for those late snack cravings. The Poolside bar is a must. Okay, so the Desserts in restaurant were… dangerous. My waistline may never forgive me. I skipped the Vegetarian restaurant, but it's there. It’s a culinary adventure, with Happy hour to boot.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating… Apparently)
Beyond the spa and the food-induced coma, there's things to do! Things to do is just… well… lots of the things. You've got the Fitness center, which I *intended *to use. But the Sauna kept calling my name. And the Gym/fitness is a great way to work off that delicious food. And there’s the Shrine nearby, which provides a truly local experience. There are Kids facilities which is important if you bring the brood, too.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Being Safe is Sexy (Especially in Uncertain Times)
This is where Unbelievable Iwamizawa REALLY shines. Seriously, they get it. Daily disinfection in common areas? Room sanitization between stays? Anti-viral cleaning products? Check, check, and check. Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff is Staff trained in safety protocol. They have Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Safe dining setup. They include CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property to make sure everything is running smoothly. They take this seriously. It made me feel safe, which is everything these days. First aid kit is also on hand.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The Concierge was a lifesaver for booking tours, and the Luggage storage meant I could wander freely before my flight. They have Cash withdrawal. Daily housekeeping keeps the place spotless. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are great for long trips. Ironing service is available, and they offer Food delivery which is fantastic.
And Now, The Rant: The Internet
I can handle most things, but unreliable internet? That takes me to the dark side. Thankfully, the hotel Internet and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'm talking Internet access – wireless… and it was GOOD. Reliable. I could actually, you know, work if I needed to. Which I did.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect) Okay, nothing is perfect, right? I would be lying if I didn't say that the Mirror was a little too close to the bed… I would suggest you bring your Umbrella, you know, just in case. But really, those are minor quibbles. This hotel is genuinely a fantastic experience.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously. Just Do It.
Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s an experience. It’s a chance to recharge, explore, and maybe even (like me) lose yourself in a sauna. It’s comfortable, clean, safe, and the staff are genuinely lovely.
Now, here’s my messy, honest, and totally persuasive offer:
Tired of the same old, same old? Craving a REAL escape?
Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo: Your Hokkaido Dream Awaits!
Escape the Ordinary: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hokkaido. Imagine yourself basking in the warm embrace of the Sauna! Picture yourself at the Pool with view!
Unwind and Recharge: Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation with our luxurious Spa facilities, including massages, steam rooms, and of course, the incredible Sauna.
Stay Safe and Sound: We're committed to your wellbeing! Our rigorous Cleanliness and safety protocols, including enhanced sanitization and expert staff training, will ensure your peace of mind.
Fuel Your Adventures (and Your Cravings): Indulge in a culinary journey with our diverse dining options, from hearty breakfasts to international cuisine and decadent desserts. Plus Happy hour!
Book your stay at Unbelievable Iwamizawa now and receive:
- Discounted rates for stays of 3 nights or more!
- Free Breakfast – because every day needs a good start!
- Complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability).
- Exclusive early booking access to popular activities!
- Don't just dream it, live it! Unbelievable Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo: where unforgettable memories are made.
- Limited time offer – Book now!
Don't wait – your Hokkaido adventure is calling! Click here to book your escape!
Escape to Paradise: Hot Tub Luxury in Your Dutch Nature Retreat (Zelhem)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my ridiculously ambitious and probably doomed-to-failure itinerary for a trip to Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo in…wait for it…Sapporo, Japan. (Actually, I don't even know if it's "5 Jo" or how to pronounce it properly. I'm already off to a bad start. LOL).
Day 1: Arrival, Disaster, and Ramen-Induced Heaven
- Morning (Probably Mess): Okay, so the flight. My stomach churns at the thought. I'm a terrible flyer. Maybe I should have taken a sleeping aid? It had a delay, of course. Naturally. I kept trying to be all "Zen traveler," but mostly I was a sweaty, caffeinated ball of anxiety. Customs? Nightmare. I SWEAR the guy was judging my luggage choices. (Yes, I brought 3 pairs of boots. Don't judge me).
- Afternoon: The Hotel and Initial Panic. Finally at Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo (I think). It's… well, it's there. I mean, it's a hotel. It has a lobby. And a very small, somewhat stressed-looking woman at the front desk. Thank God for Google Translate. Checking in. I almost forgot my passport and freaked out. It’s fine. Room is…compact. But clean. I love that the rooms in Japan have everything you need, which is something I can appreciate.
- Early Evening: Ramen Revelation and Humiliation. Searching for the perfect ramen place. I had the foresight to look up a spot that had decent reviews. Found it. Waited in line. Ordered the… special. The broth? Like a warm hug from a culinary god. Noodles? Perfection. I slurped so loud my cheeks hurt. The Japanese woman next to me gave me the stink eye. Didn't care. It was that good. I may or may not have licked the bowl clean. Don't judge. After that, went back to my hotel room, my stomach content. Realized I left the hotel key in my room so I had to go back to the desk. The stressed-looking woman from earlier almost lost it. Oops.
- Evening: The Culture Shock Kicks In. Staring at the vending machines in the hotel hallway. Seriously, what’s with the weird drinks? Octopus-flavored soda? NOPE. I finally found a water bottle, which I promptly dropped. So much for blending in.
Day 2: Sapporo's Wonders and the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir
- Morning: Sapporo Brewery Museum and Beer-Induced Bliss. Found the Sapporo Beer Museum. Okay, so the beer tasting? That was…a religious experience. The local beer, amazing! (and the free samples didn't hurt). I may or may not have bought a giant Sapporo beer t-shirt. Don’t judge me.
- Afternoon: Odori Park and the Snow Festival Aftermath. Odori Park. It’s…pretty. Even without the snow festival in full swing (I'm here a little late in the season). Taking photos. Admiring the flowers. Suddenly I see a stray dog. A gorgeous Shiba Inu. And I immediately want to hug it (I didn't, I knew I wasn't supposed to). Feeling a weird pang of homesickness for my own dogs.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Souvenir Hunting and Existential Dread. The hunt for the perfect souvenir. Seriously, it's my nemesis. Wandered through countless shops. Stressed out by the sheer variety of…everything. I had to buy something for my sister. And for my parents. And then I hit the crippling realization that I have to bring everything home. The souvenir frenzy sent me into a brief existential spiral ("Why am I even here?"). Ended up buying a slightly overpriced, but cute, snow globe. Success?
- Evening: Curry Soup Delights and a Quiet Night. Took myself to a curry soup spot everyone kept raving about. It was actually pretty good. Maybe too much. Deciding whether to head back to my hotel room and binge on bad TV or maybe try to make friends with a local. Decided on the former.
Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru and the Seafood Overload
- Morning: Train Troubles (and the Most Beautiful Tunnel Ever). Figured out how to take the train to Otaru, the canal town. (Small victory!). The train ride itself? Spectacular. The scenery was breathtaking. And then we went through this mountain tunnel. It was so mystical and beautiful. I almost cried.
- Afternoon: Otaru Canal and the Candy. Otaru Canal. Picturesque. Touristy. Worth it. Walked along the canal. The shops are full of glassware and music boxes. I spent too much time looking in pastry shops. (I did buy some candy, though. It had to be done).
- Late Afternoon: Seafood Paradise. The seafood. Oh. My. God. Fresh. Amazing. I ate too much Uni. The best things I've ever tasted. I was in absolute heaven. But I ate so much I almost made myself ill!
- Evening: The Long Ride Back and Hotel Rest. I was so tired on the ride back. I ended up falling asleep. Got back to the hotel, collapsed on the bed.
Day 4: Market Madness and the Sad Flight Home
- Morning: Nijo Market. Heading to Nijo Market. A place that will probably test my sanity. So many stalls. The smells. The people. A sensory overload (and I'm not a morning person). I bought some salmon roe (don't ask).
- Afternoon: Last-Minute Souvenirs and Regret. Had to go back to the souvenir shops. I still feel like I’m missing out. Getting a massage because I need to recover from all the walking.
- Late Afternoon: Packing and Sadness. Packing. The worst part. Why do I buy so much stuff? I always overpack. Feeling bittersweet about leaving.
- Evening: The Flight, Goodbye Japan, and a Million Memories. Trying not to think about the flight. The airport. The goodbyes. Japan was amazing. The end.
Bonus - Things I'm Definitely NOT Gonna Do and Why:
- Trying to be "authentic": Look, I suck at local customs. I'm going to accidentally offend someone. I'm okay with it.
- Spending hours in temples: They're beautiful, but I'm not the "spiritual" type.
- Extreme budgeting: I am broke and I've saved for a while. This is my vacation. I'm buying the damn candy.
Okay. That's the bare bones. I have a feeling this trip will be a beautiful, messy, hilarious, and hopefully delicious disaster. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe a spare pair of socks. And maybe, just maybe, another trip to that ramen place.
Luxury Koggenland Chalet: Dishwasher & Unbelievable Views!
Okay, so... Iwamizawa Hotel 5 Jo Sapporo? Is it *actually* my dream Japan getaway or is that just marketing fluff? Gimme the REAL deal.
Is it easy to get to from the Sapporo train station? Because I'M DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED. Seriously.
What are the rooms *actually* like? I need to know if I'm going to have a panic attack about the size (or lack thereof).
Is the food any good? Because I live to eat. DON'T LIE TO ME.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because Instagram is my livelihood… (kidding, mostly).
Any tips for navigating the area, especially if my Japanese skills are on par with a toddler's?
