I've never cried when I left a hotel because the stay was so wonderful. Why do people love Japan, specifically Hokkaido, and Moiwa most of all? Because of the people.
The kindness and love of Manager Shiina, the amazing and fantastic Chef Ishii, Chef & resident Francophile Mrs. Keiko, Nagajima, and Thai speaker Saiparn are what guests remember.
When I was young, I worked at a family hotel in Aspen (Snowmass) and the guests that returned so wanted to see a friendly face from years prior. Please keep your staff and...
Give Shiina & Ishii a raise -they are amazing. When my friend Mike got sick, she made him soup from her home. When I needed snowshoes for back-country, she lent me her Grandfathers....
I could go on about the many gestures of love that the others provided; but I've been blessed by God to see tigers in the jungle in India & stay at the Singita's in Tanzania's Serengeti & in South Africa & visit Kechwo Timbo/Bataleur in Kenya's Masai Mara; but the Lodge at Moiwa outdoes them of all.
I am forever grateful to have had the best 2 months of my entire life there with my friends Brett & Mike - thank you from the bottom of my heart, Keiko, Ishii, Shiina, Nakajima & Saiparn. You are welcome in the heart of Texas anytime. Love you always! xoxoxo lee
One of the most clean hotels I'v ever stayed in. Shiina, Nagajima, Saiparn are amazing. The chefs Ishii and assistant chef Keigo are unsurpassed! I have stayed at some of the highest ranked hotels in the world: Four Seasons Denver/Bali/India...etc..., many Ritz Carlton's, La Fonda in Santa Fe, the Aman (Amangani) in Jackson Hole, the Little Nell in Aspen (avoid!!!), Bulgari in Milano & Bali....
- The Lodge Moiwa 834 tops them all! This is heaven on earth and you will be so grateful to have the pleasure to stay there. It was opened by NorthFace but now has a different owner - please give the hotel manager Shinna and the Chef Ishii a GIANT raise. It is employees like them that make visitors want to move here permanently.
People love Japan because of people like Shiina and Ishii. We are forever grateful for their honesty and kindness.