Berkshires Shirakaba Guest House

like no inn we've ever encountered! Everything from the incredible food to the amazing views, even the Japanese architecture (and toilet seats!), took us on a journey into another world. We arrived to find slippers for our feet, pressed and fitted Japanese robes for our comfort, and sake to our delight. We sipped wine in the gazebo as the sun set over the mountain, soaked in a ginger scented hot tub, ate a traditional Japanese meal which included sushi rolled by our own little hands... and a video to capture the fun! My friends and I couldn't believe all of the treats and surprises ... and they just kept coming! I won't ruin the surprises, but I can guarantee you that Louise and Sadao must have their picture next to the definition for 'service' in the dictionary. They were above and beyond attentive. And their personalities shine through their home, colors their conversations and filled us with their friendship. This experience was definitely worth the money spent. In thinking about it afterwards, the sushi lesson and dinner, the multi-course breakfast, the amenities and details - you are getting a whole lot of bang for your buck, and that means a lot in this economy. I would recommend Shirakaba for anyone seeking to get away from it all, wants to travel to another land, but can't afford the flight. I am hoping to return with my husband and would even bring my kids for the adventure. We may never make it to Japan, but we are lucky enough to have found Shirakaba!

We were looking for an escape for the weekend following our son's Bar Mitzvah. We wanted to pamper ourselves, relax, sleep and have time for "us". My husband found Shirakaba on the web and knew right away that this would be a special place for us to escape from our everyday life. Louise is an exceptional hostess, taking care of every possible need or want. She even created a new ice cream - mocha with pecans - just because she wanted to do something special for me! I was able to taste test it while relaxing in the hot tub...and I felt incredibly spoiled to be able to have such care and attention focused on just us. Sadao taught us how to make our own sushi and he was a patient and kind teacher, even when I "poked" the sushi with the sharp knife instead of just gently applying pressure. :-) We already knew we loved Japanese food and being at Shirakaba allowed us to enjoy the lifestyle for the weekend....eating in the tatami room with our chopsticks wearing our Japanese robes....all very relaxing and amazing delicious food....especially the soups!! We recommend Shriakaba for a unique, relaxing weekend away from your everyday life.

My husband and I had just moved from our home and were waiting to move into our new home. We were both exhausted from the downsizing and packing! Shirakaba was the perfect place for us to recover and to restore our bodies and spirits to get ready for the next move. My husband had spent many years in the military in Okinawa and he loved the Japanese culture. He also got to use his Japanese. The food was great, the pampering was unbelievable and the environment was peaceful and beautiful! We're considering making this an annual tradition and returning to celebrate our anniversary. Sheila and Paul