Tabelog ratingLocated on the first floor of the historic, red-roofed Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, Alpenrose (アルペンローゼ) offers a taste of classic Japanese-style Western cuisine (yoshoku) in a grand mountain-lodge setting. It’s a popular stop for hikers and visitors looking for a gratifying meal in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
The main draw is the Imperial Hotel’s time-honoured signature dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the traditional beef curry (帝国ホテル伝統のビーフカレー), a rich and deeply flavoured dish with a clarified roux and tender chunks of beef, which guests recently paid around ¥3,600–¥3,800 for. Another favourite is the fluffy omurice served with hashed beef (信州産地卵のオムライスとハッシュドビーフ), priced at about ¥3,900–¥4,000. The beef hamburger, at around ¥4,500, is also well-regarded. While the food is reliably satisfying, the prices are high for the region, particularly for drinks; guests have noted paying ¥1,900–¥2,100 for a small beer and ¥1,100 for a soft drink.
Some diners have found the service to be rushed or indifferent during peak hours, and a few mentioned that the value didn't quite match the premium cost. However, for most, the chance to eat these specific dishes in such a unique and storied location makes it a worthwhile experience. A typical lunch costs between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000 per person before drinks.
- Access: The restaurant is inside the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel. Take a bus from Matsumoto Station or Sawatari and get off at the "Teikoku Hotel Mae" stop. Private cars are not permitted in Kamikochi.
- Reservations: Lunch is walk-in only, and queues are common. Arriving before the 11:00 AM opening is recommended to avoid a long wait. Dinner service is exclusively for hotel guests.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money, and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Service Charge: Prices typically include a 15% service charge.
- Dress Code: Casual attire is fine; hiking and trekking gear are welcome.
- Children: School-age children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Not available.
