Nothing

It was the highlight of my Japan trip. The staff were very friendly and helpful throughout and greet you at the entrance. The room was very spacious and the view was amazing with the snow covering the entire grass field. We went at the end of March so the snow hasn’t gone yet but the drive there was fine as there was no snow on the road. The outdoor private onsen in the room with the beautiful backdrop was fantastic. Dinner and breakfast were probably the best in my entire Japan trip. Kaiseki style dinner was prepared and made to the highest quality and I enjoyed every bite of it. Well done to the chef!

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

A unique and remarkable classic Japanese Ryokan experience. Food amazing. Service world class Rooms, views, personal Onsen.

Stayed in December 2023

I found that the beds, while insanely plush and comfy, were quite hot. Perhaps this was because we arrived in autumn and they use thicker bedding at this time of year? Either way, I would have preferred more breathable bedding as I am a hot sleeper and the room was already pleasantly warm thanks to the heated floors. I did not ask the front desk about this during our 2 night stay but will certainly ask on future visits. I also wish we'd known in advance that hotel offers free pick-up and drop-off at Kutchan Station which is easily accessed via local JR train following a transfer from the Shinkasen that arrives at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. There's no need to rent a car to access the hotel.

We chose Zaborin as the luxurious pinnacle of our honeymoon from several other hotel options we considered and we could NOT have been happier with the choice. IT'S A GEM. In fact, we resolved to come back and stay here as often as we're able and will certainly return for our big anniversaries. Zaborin embodies the wabi sabi philosophy to a T. From the moment we pulled up we were enveloped in the peace and simplistic beauty of nature. The autumn foliage outside our wall-to-wall windows was gobsmacking, it felt like a dream. Plus we were delighted to find we had an unobstructed mountain view from our stone onsen bath! The attention to detail paid to every space throughout the property, not least of all in our room which was stocked with delicious, novel teas, snacks, and skin care products, was mind blowing. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore and enjoy in the ryokan, everyday was a discovery. The only thing that was not simple nor pared down was the food - my god! As foodies, we were absolutely blown away. Each dinner and breakfast was a different 10+ course meal prepared with the highest quality, local, seasonal ingredients, all served on hand-crafted tableware specifically chosen for each dish from their collection of hundreds. We were also invited to choose our own sake cups from a tray holding 30 or so totally unique pieces.

Stayed in October 2023

the attention to detail by the team

Stayed in October 2023

Little to criticize except it was at the expensive end of the spectrum compared to other similar Ryokan.

A lovely, modern style, ryokan with the indoor and outdoor onsen within your room. Little need to interact with anyone; so relaxing!

Stayed in October 2023

The hot spring was out of order before we checked in. We did not get to use the hot spring at Zaborin in this stay.

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Zaborin, a Japanese luxury Ryokan in Hokkaido, on September 26, 2023. Our experience was truly exceptional. Zaborin's architecture, designed by an English architect, is a unique blend of Western modern living and Japanese sensitivity. The result is a perfect harmony of comfort and tradition. The Northern Kaiseki cuisine was a culinary masterpiece, highlighting the freshest local ingredients. Dining there was an unforgettable delight. Located amidst the mountains, Zaborin offers breathtaking natural surroundings that create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The staff's warm hospitality added a personal touch to our stay. We were so impressed that we're already planning to return next year. Zaborin is a haven of luxury and tranquility in Hokkaido, and we highly recommend it for an authentic Japanese Ryokan experience with modern comfort.

Stayed in September 2023

Top tier accommodation from room setting, view and Kita Kaiseki fine dining (quality exceed Sapporo top omakase restaurant). Both breakfast and dinners are served in a private dining room. Latest breakfast serves at 9am. Dinner serves at either 6pm or 8pm.Meal variety is different every day. Staffs are very friendly and helpful. You can feel they try their best to make you happy. They offer us free shuttle service to the nearby Park Hyatt for afternoon tea. It was also lovely the general manager Shiozawa sama came to greet us at dinner. The less perfect thing is the twin single bed is a bit too short. And the room replies mainly on a heater to keep warm which during night it turns out to be a bit chilly. Having said so, waking up in the morning with a panoramic forest view beats all the minor imperfections.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing. We have been fortunate to stay in some amazing hotels. Not only in Japan including Tokyo (Aman, Hoshinoya) but worldwide. Zaborin in many ways tops all of them. We went out of season. Maybe it’s too busy during ski season.

In a word everything. The property is like something out of a James Bond movie. The room was excellent with two onsen, one outside with an incredible view. The layout of the room and the decor were to our taste and amazing in its simplicity. This aspect was evident it the rest of the hotel, from the corridors with work windows strategically placed, to the communal areas. The Kaiseki dinners were also excellent and the staff extremely welcoming and helpful.

Stayed in September 2023

Sheets and towels need upgrading. Mine were both stained. The wine list could have a few more affordable options

Staff was very friendly! Hotel design was chic. The views were amazing and surrounding Forrest was gorgeous. Food was well planned and thought out and service was impeccable

Stayed in September 2023

The only negative was the travel time to Kutchan station, but I understand it is difficult to get such natural surroundings close to cities.

Outdoor rotemburo temperature was perfect, I did not feel too hot or too cold even after sitting in it for a very long time. Meals were amazing, and the staff ensured we were served by someone who spoke English.

Stayed in August 2023

The only thing I was uncertain about is if the water is unfiltered.

The meals were five stars! Exceptional staff. Beautifully stylish spaces (both public and private areas). The area is ideal to unwind with your special someone on holiday, honeymoon, or anniversary.

Stayed in June 2023

My husband and I loved everything and have never enjoyed a stay more than we did at Zaborin. There was absolutely nothing about my stay that I didn't like. My only recommendation would be to ask about additional experiences available, such as the robatayaki or tea room, and how guests can partake and enjoy those experiences.

The hospitality is truly exceptional. The staff members are gracious and thoughtful, going out of their way to make you feel welcome and taken care of. They truly make the experience. The meals, particularly the dinner, was the best dining experiences of my life. Perfect in concept, quality and taste, execution, flow, and service. I booked villa with a western style bed. Absolutely the best sleep of my 2.5 week trip in Japan. From the bed to the toiletries, down to even the complimentary tea/coffee, everything was of fine quality, and there is such a high level of meticulous care to detail that must be experienced if given the opportunity.

Stayed in May 2023

The staff were nice but at times it did feel a bit robotic. Be aware that in some months of the year, there may be limited activities available in the area.

Very relaxing environment that is private. The view from the room was excellent. Bed was unbelievably comfortable and private Onsen highly enjoyable. Private dining rooms were a bonus feature. The food was unexpectedly excellent and could be considered at a michelin bib gourmand level.

Stayed in April 2023

None.

The privacy, quietness, being surrounded by nature and attentiveness of the staff.

Stayed in April 2023

We absolutely loved our seat here. Such a relaxing retreat in an incredible area of Japan. We can’t wait to visit again!

Stayed in March 2023

the open air onsen

Stayed in February 2023

The most exceptional hotel experience! The rooms were magnificent, spacious, wonderfully decorated, and had the most incredible views. The onsens were amazing. The staff were so attentive to every little detail, from the staff who greeted us to the wait staff to the housekeepers. The entire place was decorated in a minimalist but chic style. The kaiseki meals were delicious and clearly used high quality ingredients that focused on seafood and vegetables. We booked 2 massages that were incredibly relaxing after 3 days of skiing. This is the single best hotel experience I’ve ever had, and was an excellent cap to our honeymoon. I was genuinely sad to leave, and hope we’ll have the opportunity to visit again!

Stayed in February 2023

just beautiful! so beautiful! and wonderful food!!

Stayed in February 2023

best place on earth!!

Stayed in January 2023

everything

everything

Stayed in February 2023

nothing. everything was amazing

it was so zen! it literally was such an amazing experience to have the private onsen that you could use whenever you wanted there was a sweet o

Stayed in February 2023

nothing apart from it is pricey specially around Christmas time.

Staff service is amazing, feel like we are treated like VIPs. The outdoor onsen pool is very nice and plenty of privacy. Breakfast and Dinner are exquisite.

Stayed in January 2023

unique location, private onsen, kaiseki breakfast and dinner prepared with local ingredients, attentive staff

Stayed in January 2023

Staff Spoken English

Customer service, Food, Hot spring

Stayed in December 2022