Suiden Terrasse (Shigeru Ban) - Image 1
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Suiden Terrasse Shigeru Ban

4.1
·1k reviews·Tsuruoka, Japan

A contemporary hotel by Shigeru Ban, blending Scandinavian design with natural elements and a relaxing onsen.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds at breakfast

CrowdLow
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Suiden Terrasse (Shigeru Ban) - Image 1

Suiden Terrasse Shigeru Ban

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds at breakfast

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A contemporary hotel by Shigeru Ban, blending Scandinavian design with natural elements and a relaxing onsen.

4.1
(1k reviews)

"Experience architectural brilliance and serene comfort at Suiden Terrasse, a unique stay."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Recommended for Exploration

While the hotel is a destination, a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding nature and spirituality of the area.

☕ Limited In-Room Amenities

Be aware that amenities like cotton swabs might be minimal; consider bringing your own or asking at the front desk.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Masterpiece

Architectural Masterpiece

Experience Shigeru Ban's minimalist, wood-centric design that blends seamlessly with nature.

Reddit
Onsen Hot Springs

Onsen Hot Springs

Separate building

Relax in the soothing waters of the onsen, a quintessential Japanese experience.

Reddit
Spacious Rooms with Kitchenettes

Spacious Rooms with Kitchenettes

Enjoy comfortable, well-appointed rooms featuring living areas and kitchenettes for a home-away-from-home feel.

Reddit
Gourmet Breakfast Experience

Gourmet Breakfast Experience

Savor a luxurious and healthy breakfast, a highlight for many guests.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Architectural Design

Suiden Terrasse, designed by Shigeru Ban, boasts a unique Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic with extensive use of wood. Prepare for an immersive experience in modern architecture that prioritizes natural light and open spaces. Reddit

Plan for Onsen Relaxation

The hotel features an onsen (hot spring bath) in a separate building, connected by an indoor walkway. It's a key part of the relaxation experience, so pack accordingly and be prepared for potentially crowded times, especially if the weather is poor. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds at breakfast
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Enjoy the onsen peacefully
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Car Recommended for Exploration

While the hotel is a destination, a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding nature and spirituality of the area. Reddit

☕ Limited In-Room Amenities

Be aware that amenities like cotton swabs might be minimal; consider bringing your own or asking at the front desk. Reddit

💡 Consider AC Strength

Some guests found the room AC not strong enough for cooling, especially during warmer months. Reddit

📸 Instagrammable, but Functional?

The hotel is visually stunning, but some find the design prioritizes aesthetics over guest comfort. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Recommended for Exploration

While the hotel is a destination, a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding nature and spirituality of the area. Reddit

☕ Limited In-Room Amenities

Be aware that amenities like cotton swabs might be minimal; consider bringing your own or asking at the front desk. Reddit

💡 Consider AC Strength

Some guests found the room AC not strong enough for cooling, especially during warmer months. Reddit

📸 Instagrammable, but Functional?

The hotel is visually stunning, but some find the design prioritizes aesthetics over guest comfort. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Suiden Terrasse is lauded for its stunning, Scandinavian-inspired architecture and comfortable, spacious rooms. Guests rave about the luxurious breakfast and the relaxing onsen experience. However, some visitors find the design prioritizes aesthetics over practicality, noting issues with limited amenities, potentially weak air conditioning, and a small onsen area.

"This is an excellent hotel which deserves more than three stars. We were impressed with the quality and design of the hotel - very Scandinavian with wood everywhere. The staff is very professional and friendly, and always helpful.
The rooms are big with a living room and kitchenette (which you won’t need because the restaurant is excellent). The beds are big and very comfortable.
There is onsen on site in a separate building, connected by an indoor walkway.
The breakfast is fantastic, but there aren’t enough seats for all guests at once (at least not when it is too cold to sit on the outside terrace).
A fantastic hotel."

Bull Dogg

"I will always have fond memories of staying at this hotel with my daughter. The space is boundless, architecturally beautiful, clean and just joyous to walk through. Our room G112 was comfortable and cozy, and our daughter spent many nights playing with all the puzzle toys in the room.

The breakfasts were healthy. The staff were so nice. We just had a wonderful experience using this as a base to explore the nature and spirituality of the area. We had a car, so the location was no problem."

Robyn Huang

"Fantastic property in the north of Tsuruoka. The rooms are very comfortable, spotlessly clean, spacious and functional. The property itself feels like a true architectural creation. Very simple and nice service, unfussy yet professional. Breakfasts have been luxurious. We’ve had a really great stay here!"

Matthew Reichel

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Spacious rooms
Luxurious breakfast

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Small onsen area
AC not strong enough

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The hotel is located in the north of Tsuruoka. While public transport options exist, many guests find having a car essential for exploring the surrounding region and accessing the hotel easily. Reddit

Yes, parking is available for guests. It's recommended to confirm parking availability and any associated fees with the hotel directly upon booking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Suiden Terrasse is a hotel, so you need to book a room in advance. Entry to the onsen is typically included for hotel guests. Reddit

Standard check-in and check-out times apply, but it's best to confirm the exact hours with the hotel when making your reservation to plan your arrival and departure accordingly. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The onsen is a key feature, located in a separate building. While relaxing, some guests note the area can feel small and the pathways narrow. Reddit+1

Rooms are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and clean, featuring living areas and kitchenettes. Some guests have noted that the air conditioning might not be strong enough for cooling. Reddit+1

Amenities can be minimal. While rooms are well-equipped, some guests have pointed out limited items like cotton swabs, suggesting it's wise to bring your own. Reddit

Yes, families have reported positive experiences, with rooms offering space for children to play and puzzle toys provided. The overall architectural beauty also makes it an engaging environment. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised as fantastic, luxurious, and healthy. However, during peak times, there might not be enough seating available, especially if outdoor seating isn't an option. Reddit+1

The hotel restaurant is considered excellent, so much so that guests might not feel the need to use their room's kitchenette. Reddit

Information on room service is not widely available, but the on-site restaurant is highly recommended for dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The hotel's unique architecture and design make it highly photogenic, often featured in magazines and social media. However, some feel the focus on aesthetics might compromise the guest experience. Reddit

The open, wood-centric spaces and the exterior architecture are prime photography locations. The onsen area also offers unique visual elements, though it can be narrow. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Suiden Terrasse offers a surprisingly family-friendly environment, despite its sophisticated design. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, often featuring living areas and kitchenettes that are practical for families. Reddit Some rooms are even equipped with puzzle toys, providing entertainment for younger guests. Reddit The architectural beauty of the hotel can also be an engaging element for children, offering a unique visual experience. While the onsen is available, it's worth considering if it's suitable for very young children, and always supervise them closely. Reddit

✈️ Design Enthusiasts & Architecture Buffs

For those who appreciate modern architecture, Suiden Terrasse is a must-visit. Designed by the acclaimed Shigeru Ban, the hotel showcases a distinctive Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic with a strong emphasis on wood and natural light. Reddit The minimalist design, open spaces, and integration with the surrounding environment are key features that will appeal to design aficionados. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the building's unique character and appreciate the thoughtful, albeit sometimes debated, design choices. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation Seekers

The onsen is the primary draw for relaxation at Suiden Terrasse. The hot spring baths offer a tranquil escape, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate. Reddit Beyond the onsen, the spacious and comfortable rooms provide a peaceful retreat. The hotel's serene atmosphere, coupled with its architectural beauty, contributes to a calming stay. For optimal relaxation, consider visiting during quieter times to fully enjoy the onsen and the hotel's amenities. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Vision of Shigeru Ban

Suiden Terrasse is a testament to the innovative architectural style of Shigeru Ban, renowned for his use of sustainable materials and minimalist designs. The hotel's structure heavily features wood, creating a warm, Scandinavian-inspired ambiance that blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Reddit This design philosophy extends to the rooms, which are spacious and feature large windows, aiming to maximize natural light and views. However, some visitors have noted that the extensive use of frosted glass, while maintaining privacy, can limit outward views and contribute to heat buildup. Reddit

The architectural concept is a significant draw for many guests, offering a unique aesthetic experience. The layout, with its interconnected spaces and emphasis on natural materials, creates a serene and modern environment. It's a place where the building itself is a primary attraction, designed to be appreciated from every angle. Reddit

Onsen Etiquette and Experience

The onsen at Suiden Terrasse is a central part of the guest experience, offering a chance to relax in natural hot spring waters. It's located in a separate building, connected to the main hotel by an indoor walkway, allowing for easy access. Reddit While the onsen provides a quintessential Japanese bathing experience, some guests have commented that the space can feel somewhat confined, with narrow paths and a prominent concrete structure that some find imposing. Reddit

To make the most of your onsen visit, it's advisable to go during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or late afternoons, to avoid larger crowds. Familiarize yourself with basic onsen etiquette, which includes showering thoroughly before entering the baths and refraining from wearing swimwear. The onsen is a place for quiet relaxation, so maintaining a peaceful atmosphere is appreciated by all bathers. Reddit

Dining Delights and Practicalities

The culinary offerings at Suiden Terrasse, particularly breakfast, have garnered significant praise. Guests often describe the breakfast as luxurious, healthy, and a definite highlight of their stay. Reddit+1 The restaurant's quality is so high that many guests find no need to utilize the kitchenettes provided in their rooms. Reddit

However, a practical consideration for breakfast is seating capacity. During busy periods, especially when outdoor seating is not feasible due to weather, there may not be enough seats for all guests simultaneously. Reddit This is something to be mindful of when planning your morning. For other meals, the hotel's restaurant is a recommended option, offering a high-quality dining experience that complements the overall sophisticated atmosphere of the hotel. Reddit

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