Nationwide × Highly-rated Hotel·Ryokan - 35Page Number

This was my first stay. An inn nestled in Japan’s timeless satoyama countryside. The entrance quietly welcomes you. As soon as I parked, the staff greeted me and kindly carried my luggage. This time I stayed in a detached room with a semi-open-air bath. In the spacious traditional house, I could relax as if spending time at my family home in the countryside. The chef prepares dishes with care using seasonal ingredients sourced locally. A lineup of simple yet profound dishes that bring out the best in each ingredient. Both the portion size and flavor were completely satisfying. All of the staff were pleasant, and it truly made for a wonderful trip. Big hotels are nice too, but a quiet, exceptional inn where adults can unwind at leisure is also unbeatable.

I stayed here four years ago and came back because I was craving soba. The Onsen water still has that silky feel, and it’s as wonderful as ever. This time I enjoyed a Multiple Night Stay and was able to truly relax. The soup curry at breakfast was also delicious, so I bought soba dipping sauce and packaged curry as souvenirs. We laughed remembering how last time we wondered, “Can we get through this way?” and then had to turn back from a dead-end road—classic Hokkaido travel. It really reminded me that eastern Hokkaido has great Onsen Accommodations. I’d love to come again.

The food and hospitality were outstanding. Adding Izu sweetfish to dinner was absolutely the right choice. All of the other dishes were also delicious. The butler’s hospitality was exceptional—they even put together a helpful list of recommended nearby lunch spots by category, complete with QR codes. Overall, it was a highly satisfying stay. Thank you very much!

It’s a short walk from the station (bus stop), but I think it’s an easy distance to walk. The Room had everything we needed, and it was wonderful that drinks and light snacks were available until 10:00 pm. The snack cakes were delicious. All the staff were courteous and helpful, so we had a very pleasant stay. Thank you very much.

For the past several years, it has become my tradition to stay here alone for one night after finishing work in Kyoto every six months. After check-in, I head straight to the Premium Lounge to relax with a drink and enjoy some well-deserved “me time.” This time, the snacks to go with the drinks felt a little upgraded too... The breakfast buffet is another highlight. The many Kyoto-style obanzai dishes, neatly served in small plates, soothe me the next morning... It also feels like there were even more options than last time—what a treat! I take my time and enjoy a kind of luxury I can’t usually have in everyday life as a homemaker. Now, back to work—so I can look forward to this happiness again in six months!

The bed mattress is excellent, so I stay here regularly; the quality of sleep is especially good at this property, and I wake up feeling refreshed. I was happy to see that the breakfast selection had increased compared to my previous stay. I would like to stay again.

This was my second stay, and the staff provided courteous service. The shuttle service to the station was convenient, the welcome coffee was delicious, the Onsen allowed for a relaxing experience, and the dining area served excellent food. I would love to stay here again when visiting Fuji City.

Thank you for taking care of our family for two nights! First of all, we truly appreciate the staff’s thoughtful hospitality. They responded flexibly to our special requests and even accommodated menu-related changes. The building has a charming atmosphere, and the Room was neat and very clean. We were soothed by having meals served in the Room and by the wonderfully silky bath that we could enjoy anytime. We’d love to visit again! Thank you very much!

We stayed for one night from July 27 with two families. From the gentleman on the parking staff at check-in, to the young man in charge of our Room, and even the shop staff, everyone provided warm, friendly service that made our stay truly comfortable. In particular, my son became very fond of the staff member in charge of our Room and still proudly displays the letter he received at check-out. Thank you so much for being so kind to him. The Room was spacious, the view from the window was wonderful, and every dish was delicious. The Onsen had excellent water quality, and my skin felt smooth after bathing. Guests of many different age groups were staying there, and after experiencing it ourselves, we completely understand why. It’s a wonderful Accommodation where anyone can relax and enjoy their time. We also appreciated the complimentary Onsen eggs and “a little beer” service, which helped our whole family have a great time. We would love to visit again.

My first time at Myoban Onsen. I’m excited to be able to stay at Okamotoya, which is highly rated in guidebooks. I was very satisfied with the milky-blue water. The Room was just the right size for one person and had a great view, and both dinner and breakfast were delicious. The dessert pudding and the orange juice at breakfast were especially appreciated since I don’t drink alcohol. Since this is a Multiple Night Stay, it really helped that they provided extra yukata and towels. Just one thing: at dinner on the first day, the rice and soup were a bit lukewarm (it was fine on the second day). Also, perhaps due to the season, the seating was quite close to other guests during meals, which made it a little hard to eat comfortably. Still, I’m so satisfied that I’d definitely like to stay again. Thank you very much.

Obuse, the town of Hokusai and chestnuts, is known for its beautiful streetscape that feels almost like a theme park. We arrived a little early by car, so we visited Gansho-in Temple and Jokoji Temple before heading to Masuichi Kyakuden. The ceiling painting at Gansho-in—Katsushika Hokusai’s “Phoenix Glancing in All Directions”—was truly breathtaking. As soon as we pulled up in front of Masuichi Kyakuden, a staff member came right out and efficiently carried our luggage inside. The highly sought-after “Chestnut Dessert Suzaku,” which is notoriously difficult to secure, will be offered from 9/10 this year. Because guests staying at Masuichi Kyakuden receive priority guaranteed access, it becomes even harder to make an Accommodation Reservation for stays from 9/10 onward. Since our stay was before then, making a Reservation was easy. Stepping inside Masuichi Kyakuden, you’re immediately enveloped by the stately atmosphere of the kura storehouse building. Our Room was on the second floor; we chose the Relax Twin style. Despite being in a kura-style structure, it also has a terrace, with plenty of natural light and an open feel. There are also more traditional, calmer kura-style Rooms available; however, we were told they are designed with high ceilings to avoid any sense of confinement. Designed by architect John Morford, the Room is fully Western-style with extensive use of stainless steel—its glass-and-stainless bath is well worth seeing. Amenities are L’Occitane; the refrigerator includes complimentary drinks; plus coffee and tea—everything you’d expect from a high-end Ryokan-style stay is provided, making the Room very comfortable. For dinner, we walked about three minutes to Obusedo Honten (part of the same Masuichi group). Every dish showcased the head chef’s experience and refined sensibility. The soup course, simmered dishes, and grilled items had a Kyoto kaiseki influence—above all else, the dashi was exceptional. The sashimi was fresh and perfectly seasoned as well. Local ingredients were used throughout for very high satisfaction overall. One note: the first items served—lightly dressed Kurakake beans and Matsumae-zuke—are not part of the course menu itself (just so you know). They’re clearly intended as snacks with alcohol—especially sake brewed by Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery within the same group—and both paired beautifully with their sake: firm Kurakake beans soaked in elegant dashi alongside Matsumae-zuke packed with rich seafood umami made each sip even better than before. In autumn Obuse becomes all about chestnuts; while we couldn’t try “Chestnut Dessert Suzaku,” we did get to enjoy “Mont Blanc Suzaku,” a Western-inspired take on Suzaku. It’s available at their affiliated shop “Entotsu.” We nearly gave up due to long lines but learned that overnight guests can make Reservations—so we were able to enjoy it without waiting. If you stay at Masuichi Kyakuden, be sure to indulge in one of their “Suzaku”-style chestnut sweets if you can. Overall it was an outstanding stay—we thoroughly enjoyed Obuse from start to finish.

From arrival to departure, the staff provided attentive and thoughtful service throughout. My plans before check-in took longer than expected and I arrived late for my spa appointment, but they kindly adjusted the schedule for me. The spa was wonderfully relaxing, and I was able to unwind. Dinner in the room was a delight for both the eyes and the palate, making full use of seasonal flavors and local ingredients. The bath I had been looking forward to met my expectations, and the open-air bath in the room felt refreshing; I also enjoyed it at a leisurely pace in the morning. They were truly supportive with everything, including arranging a taxi and advising on our next sightseeing plans. I would love to visit again when I have the chance.

Last time, we arrived after visiting other sightseeing spots and felt a bit rushed, so we made this reservation hoping to relax properly this time. Fortunately, we were blessed with great weather and truly enjoyed not only the dinner course, but also the sunset and breakfast on the balcony. Based on photos from our previous stay, my daughter created a printmaking piece, and I came wearing a T-shirt printed with it—so I was happy to be able to show it to everyone. I’m writing to let you know that the dishes we ordered through “Let’s Eat at Home Today!” arrived safely today. We’ll enjoy them while reminiscing about our stay. We look forward to seeing you again someday. Thank you very much.

We stayed for one night and two days. After passing Kurokawa Onsen, the Accommodation appeared quietly tucked away. Inside was very clean with an elegant atmosphere. The Room had tatami flooring and a bright, stylish design. It seemed everyone was spending a relaxing time in their Rooms. The open-air bath was spacious, and no matter when we went in, we had it all to ourselves—such a luxurious time. The water quality was excellent, and we were very satisfied. The meals were well balanced and truly delicious. Since it is not in an Onsen town, this Accommodation is recommended for those who want to rest and relax at the Accommodation.

Although the Room is a bit far from the front desk, it had everything we needed, and it was great to be able to relax without worrying even if our small children got excited. The warm hospitality at check-in was also wonderful. Our child got a little fussy during the meal, but your thoughtful care really helped us. Thank you very much!

It was truly the best two days in between the rainy season. I was able to let go of my everyday fatigue and stress. The view from the bath over the Kikuchi River was so breathtaking it felt like I could be drawn right in—I could have looked at it forever. The meals were refined and delicious, perfect for me. In particular, the Shichijo rice was outstanding—shiny and absolutely delicious. The front desk service was excellent as well. I would definitely love to visit again.

We had a very comfortable stay. The retro, traditional, and luxurious atmosphere is wonderful. It is quiet. The staff were kind and very helpful. The food in particular was high quality and delicious.

I stayed for one night, and it was a wonderful Hotel from start to finish. The Room uses a PIN code system with no key, so it was very convenient to go out without having to carry a key around. In the evening, alcoholic drinks were all-you-can-drink (free). It was a shame the large public bath didn’t have an open-air bath, but it was clean and the alkaline Onsen water was excellent. Breakfast offered a great selection of both Japanese and Western dishes, and I was very satisfied. I was also impressed by the thoughtful services—being able to choose your pillow, and free coffee and drinks available at all times. What makes this Hotel stand out is how they thoroughly reduce operating costs within what guests can reasonably accept—such as shortening breakfast hours to about two hours, asking guests to help with tidying up, using PIN codes instead of keys, and not handing out unnecessary amenities—and then use those savings to enhance guest services like free drinks and alcohol overall. I felt this approach significantly increases satisfaction. I admired how well they strike that perfect balance where you feel like thinking, “They do so much for us—so we can do this much in return.” I would definitely like to stay again.

I sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience caused by my carelessness. Despite that, thank you very much for your generous and understanding response. Thanks to you, the wonderful scenery of Kamikochi and the milky-white waters of Shirahone Onsen have left a vivid and lasting memory. From the courteous explanations when we were shown to our room and served our meals, to every encounter with your staff—who would stop to bow and kindly speak to us—your hospitality was truly first-class. Once again, thank you very much.

As a couple in our 40s, we visited to unwind and enjoy some quiet time away from everyday fatigue. We chose a Room with a balcony so we could relax and watch the sky… but across from us, the torn shoji screens of what seemed to be a Hotel that is no longer operating were visible… at night it felt a bit like a test of courage, so we couldn’t go out… lol. Other than that, the food and baths were wonderful, and there was absolutely no sense of crowds—choosing this small Accommodation was exactly the right decision. After dinner, we went to the riverside about a 5-minute walk away, and it happened to be firefly season. We were both thrilled to see real fireflies for the first time…! The whole village was quiet, and compared with Tokyo it was cool in the mornings and evenings. In the morning we enjoyed a gentle-on-the-body, delicious breakfast. We truly felt refreshed from the bottom of our hearts. This is an Accommodation we definitely want to visit again. Thank you for taking such good care of us.