What kind of luxury hotel is Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, an IHG Hotel?
I was going to Nagoya on a business trip this time and decided to stay at this luxury hotel, which opened in March this year, just in time for the cherry blossom season. I had stayed at the Indigo Hotel in Hakone before and was impressed by its creative and unique interior. The Tokaido Shinkansen train from Tokyo arrived at Nagoya Station as if gliding. Perhaps because I was not accustomed to using the crowded Nagoya Station, I had a hard time getting to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. I took the express train and got off at Inuyama-Yuen Station and walked along the well-maintained path by the river toward the hotel. The scenery of the broad river was more beautiful than I had imagined.
It took less than 10 minutes to walk to the hotel. If my luggage had not been so heavy, I might have gotten there a little faster. Beyond the neatly landscaped bamboo grove, I could see the hotel building, with its orange accents.
Upon entering the hotel, the first thing that caught my eye was the large glass window and the brave sight of Inuyama Castle beyond. The contrast between the youthfulness of the trees in the garden beyond the water basin and the old trees on the small hill in the back was magnificent. The contrast between the existing castle tower that has been watching over the area since ancient times and the novel atmosphere of the hotel was in perfect harmony. Such was my first impression the moment I stepped into the hotel. On the other side of the hotel, there is a national treasure, the Jyoan Tea House, which is truly a rich location.
While I was unintentionally drawn to the splendor of the scenery, I also found the hotel’s interior to be quite unique. As I felt at the Hakone Gora, also an “Indigo” hotel, the hotel successfully created a modern and innovative atmosphere while incorporating Japanese folk art styles that evoked a sense of nostalgia. I checked in with a welcome drink of violet-colored mocktail while admiring the bamboo grove seen through the round window. The staff, who seemed to be new to the hotel, politely showed us our room for the day, although they were still unfamiliar with it.
When I opened the door to the room, I was immediately flooded with bright light. There were large windows on both the north and west sides, with a balcony behind them. The flow of the Kiso River and the appearance of Inuyama Castle were very impressive. It was truly a luxury to have such a beautiful view of both. Furthermore, the town of Unuma on the other side of the river and the beauty of the mountain ridges are also elements of the wonderful view from this room. There was a view of the lives of the people living there.
Looking out from the bedside to the side, you can see an imposing old castle, and the folk art interior design code is carried through to the guest rooms, giving the impression of a sophisticated hotel that is also somewhat rustic. I feel that the recent IHG-affiliated hotels have done a good job of incorporating the local atmosphere.
I feel that the recent IHG hotels have done a good job of incorporating the local atmosphere. There was no bathtub in this room, only a shower stall with a rain shower and handheld shower. Bath Amenities were provided by Biology, the same as in Hakone. If you want to soak in hot water, there is a large communal onsen baths.
After relaxing in my room for a while, the sun was setting over the horizon. Wanting to directly feel its beauty and atmosphere, I involuntarily went out onto the balcony. The Kiso River was tinged with the same orange color as the sky, and the outline of the black Inuyama Castle was more clearly visible. The waterfowl flying across the river probably looked the same as they did in the past. Nostalgia for the old days made my teary eyes loose. Why does the combination of old buildings and dusk make one’s heart tremble so much?
Then I decided to go to communal hot spring baths before dinner. As the night breeze blew in the outdoor hot spring bath, I felt a hint of spring approaching the Inuyama area.
Dinner was taken at the home kitchen called mountain terrace. The Hida beef and fresh cheese skewers were especially delicious. The rich flavor of the teriyaki sauce and the richness of the melted cheese combined with the slightly savory char-grilled Hida beef made for a satisfying meal.
When I returned to my room, I saw Inuyama Castle lit up. I spent a peaceful time alone, thinking about history. I wondered what kind of conversations the warlords had at Inuyama Castle in the past. I wonder if the warlords of that time would have imagined that the Hotel Indigo would be built so close to the castle, and that there would be people relaxing in their rooms while watching Inuyama Castle.
It is a semi-buffet breakfast, with a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast. I chose the Japanese breakfast. I have always enjoyed Western-style breakfasts, but recently I sometimes feel like having a Japanese breakfast. Hotel Indigo Inuyama Yurakuen in particular seemed appealing, with plenty of dried sea bream and other vegetables from the surrounding area. From the restaurant, we could also see Inuyama Castle in the morning, standing dignified. If I had more time, I would have liked to walk around Inuyama Castle and Yurakuen, but after this breakfast, I had to leave. I am sorry to leave behind. Next time I would like to stay here on a private trip. *Guests staying at the hotel will receive free admission to Yurakuen.
If I were to venture to mention a drawback, it would be the lack of rooms with private hot spring baths. Perhaps it is difficult to set up rooms with private hot spring baths due to the small amount of hot spring water that gushes out. Also, it takes 25 minutes from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to the nearest station, Inuyama-Yuen Station, by express train. This location may be a bit inconvenient for business travelers like myself or those who travel early in the morning or late at night. It takes 55 minutes from Chubu International Airport Station to Inuyama-Yuen Station.
Then there are quite a few insects during the summer season. Winter is very cold. You can drink coffee comfortably on the balcony of your room only in spring or fall.
TOP5 Romantic Hotels and Ryokans in Nagoya
TOP5 Hotels and Ryokans for Solo Travelers in Nagoya
Is the location easy to access?
From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take a train to Inuyama-Yuen Station. At Meitetsu Nagoya Station, several train lines come and go on the same platform, so being unfamiliar with the station, I was at a loss as to which train to take. First, after passing through the ticket gate, please go to platform No. 1 in the direction of Gifu, Tsushima, or Inuyama. At Inuyama-Yuen Station, where you get off the train, both limited express and express trains stop, so please board either one. After getting off the train at Inuyama-Yuen Station, please exit from the West Exit. From there, it is less than a 10-minute walk.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a veiw of Inuyama Castle .
Is this child-friendly?
Preschool children sleep free with parents. Staff arranges amenities, pajamas, baby cots, etc. if you request in advance.
TOP5 Hotels and Ryokans for Families in Nagoya
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, pajamas, bathrobes, yukatas, a coffee machine with cupsels, a Japanese-tes set and tea bags, etc. There were skincare products in the bathroom. There was a bluetooth speaker on the bedside table. I could connect it to my phone and relax while playing my favorite songs. Room service is available. There is a convenience store within a 5min walk. Free Wi-Fi was available.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are communal indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with saunas. The hot spring water, which has a slight odor of gold and sulfur, has a pleasantly thick texture. You can check the congestion status on the TV screen in your room. The communal baths with the saunas are open between 6:00-11:00, 15:00-23:00. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing area.
The gym is free of charge and available 24 hours a day. Shoes and sportswear are not available for rent.
There is also a bar in the lobby on the first floor. I left the cocktail to him and it was a cocktail made with tea from Aichi.
Then this is a perfect universal design. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing.
Then there is a laundromat.
There is no swimming pool, no spa treatment shop, no club lounge, etc. If you want to stay in a hotel with well-equipped facilities, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel would be a better choice.
TOP5 Accessible Hotels and Ryokans in Nagoya
How about meals?
As noted above, since I was traveling alone this time, I had dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, but I also recommend a French restaurant in the neighborhood called Bistro Le Petít Verdot that serves popular southern European cuisine. The price range is reasonable and it always seems to be crowded. It is better to make a reservation.
My impressions
When the entrance door opens, a refined lobby space opens up, and the national treasure Inuyama Castle appears in front of you. With Inuyama Castle as a backdrop, the large artificial basin in the garden and the modern building were in harmony with the luxurious space. Although I stayed alone this time, the room was spacious and uniquely designed with the image of Inuyama in mind, and I felt my senses were invigorated. The staff was lively and friendly. I would like to visit again on a private trip.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, an IHG Hotel
| Style | Luxury Stylish Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 45,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail |
info.indigoinuyama@ihg.com |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed Free parking lot is available. |
| Location | Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, an IHG Hotel’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL | 103-1 Kitakoken, Inuyama| Inuyama Aichi, 484-0082 Tel +81 568-61-2211 |
| Official Homepage | Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, an IHG Hotel’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.