Nationwide × Highly rated Hotel·Ryokan - 21Page Number

We stayed in a villa with our family of four and our Chihuahua. Since it’s a bit away from the main building, we were very satisfied that Shuttle Service was provided each time we needed it. The Room and bath were amazing, and our daughters were excited the whole time! The food quality was excellent—especially the risotto, which was incredibly delicious. We also used the pool and were very satisfied. If I could share just two suggestions: since we traveled with our dog, it would have been nice if the area around the villa had better-maintained paths for walking. Also, while Wi‑Fi was available, we wished the TV had internet access so we could watch Netflix or YouTube. Overall, we were very satisfied. Thank you very much.

We stayed at this Ryokan for our last trip as a couple before the baby arrives. Since they offered a Maternity Plan, we chose that. They were very considerate about things like avoiding raw foods and caffeine, and they also prepared separate pajamas for me, so I was able to relax comfortably. In the entrance lobby, there was an all-you-can-drink corner with coffee and wine, as well as a station where you could bake frozen bread. This time we were too full from the meals to try it, but we’d like to use it next time! My husband really enjoyed it. The dining area was in semi-private rooms that felt almost fully private. They confirmed any foods we didn’t like in advance, so we could enjoy everything with peace of mind. All the flavors were excellent, and the tableware was beautiful as well. We were both impressed by the meal content. The tilefish takikomi rice in particular was outstanding. A Ryokan I can confidently recommend!

We stayed here for our honeymoon. Both the staff member who guided us at check-in and the person in charge of dinner struck the perfect balance—warm, attentive, and sincerely welcoming—so we were able to relax and enjoy our stay. We splurged on the Tajima beef kaiseki. There were no vacancies for a second-floor Room, so we were a little worried about dining in the restaurant, but it turned out to be a completely private room and felt very special. We were also happy that the menu had our new last name and the date printed on it, so we took it home as a keepsake. *Sound does carry quite a bit, so when the guests next door spoke loudly at times, their conversation drowned ours out (in a funny way). More than satisfied. We were absolutely stuffed. I was looking forward to late-night soba, but there was no room left—if anything, we went back to our Room and fell asleep right away. Such a shame. Both dinner and breakfast offered choices, which added an extra special touch and made us very happy. The rice at breakfast was so good—I couldn’t finish it all and wished I could have made onigiri… It had been ages since I slept on a futon mattress, so I was nervous, but there was a mattress underneath and it felt just like sleeping in a bed. And the amenities were Sekkisei… In the women’s large public bath there was also an assortment of shampoos to choose from—even ReFa shampoo was available. I usually bring my own because I worry whether provided products will suit my skin or hair, but this time I didn’t need any skincare at all… which almost made me regret packing mine. This Accommodation left us with “the best kind of regret”—the kind that makes you want to come back. Next time we’re celebrating an anniversary or another special occasion, we’d love to upgrade to a higher-grade Room. Thank you again—we hope to return.

Before our stay, I didn’t expect to enjoy the Hotel experience itself this much. But once we checked in, the atmosphere and the book-filled spaces were even more comfortable than imagined—in the best way, it far exceeded our expectations. Our family loves relaxing at a Hotel, so it was wonderful that each of us could spend time however we liked without having to visit lots of tourist spots. The well-known bakery and restaurants nearby were also great, and we enjoyed exploring the area as well. It was a scorching midsummer day when walking outside was tough, but just staying inside the building was more than satisfying. When making our Reservation, I was a little surprised by how high the Review ratings were, but after staying there, I completely understand why. You can enjoy it together with the Kadokawa Musashino Museum—it’s truly a Hotel where staying itself becomes the purpose. Everyone in our family was very satisfied, and it’s a great find that makes us want to stay again.

Three of us (all women) stayed here. The staff’s hospitality was wonderful, and we felt very comfortable throughout our stay. The bath was also clean and lovely. The sound of the waves was soothing and relaxing. Both dinner and breakfast offered a wide variety of dishes, and we enjoyed chatting with the person who served our meals—everything impressed us from start to finish. If we come back to Yuhigaura again, we will definitely stay here again!

I was able to stay for one night after being on the waitlist. As others have written, both the Onsen and the meals were wonderful. The Room was spacious and thoughtfully prepared, and the bed was large and very comfortable, so I was able to relax and unwind at a leisurely pace. Thank you very much. Next time, I would like a Multiple Night Stay.

This was my second stay, and once again I chose the Plan with dinner and breakfast. As before, the meals were simply outstanding. With a full-course meal these days, I sometimes feel full before reaching the main dish, but here I was able to enjoy everything through dessert. There are many dishes, yet it all feels wonderfully light. Not only is the food delicious, but it also leaves you feeling comfortable afterward, allowing you to make the most of your evening—an extremely satisfying course. Breakfast was just as great as ever, and I was happy to have the freshly baked croissants again. Thank you very much.

I personally love the Genroku-no-Yu bath, though it may not be to everyone’s taste. The route to the annex can be hard to find, so it’s best to ask the front desk for clear directions first.

I stayed for one night with my parents. The room was very spacious and stylish, yet it felt calm and relaxing. We enjoyed the sauna and unwound in the large bath. The bed was wide and very comfortable. I had read in a Review that breakfast portions were small, but for older guests it was more than enough, and we really enjoyed the delicious freshly cooked rice. I would love to stay again.

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.

Everything about the Accommodation—the Room, the meals, and the staff—was excellent and very satisfying. In particular, I was soothed by the soft, gentle waters of Sujiyu Onsen. The bath in the Room was wonderful, and I was able to relax and take my time.

This was our first time staying here as a couple. We arrived using the navigation system, and headed toward the lights of the building on a small hill. The sunset was incredibly beautiful, and we were truly impressed by what a wonderful place it is. The meals were also delicious—both dinner and breakfast. The Room had a large bed, and we were able to relax comfortably. Thanks to you, our time in Nara became a wonderful memory, with both the Accommodation and the shrines and temples being outstanding. Thank you very much to all the Accommodation staff.

I forgot my charger and was able to borrow one. The staff were very kind and pleasant. The Room and bathroom were kept clean. Breakfast was also delicious. I would like to stay here again.

Because we have a child, we were looking for an Accommodation with in-room dining and a private open-air bath in the Room. After lots of searching, we decided to stay at Yaeno. First of all, the staff member assigned to our Room was easy to talk to and had a warm, motherly presence. We also really appreciated the thoughtful care for families with children. We enjoyed our meal slowly over two hours, and our child was served a luxurious set meal as well and happily ate it. The bath was incredibly relaxing—I used it about seven times. I’m particular about choosing a Ryokan with a private open-air bath in the guest room, but they’re often too hot, too small, or too humid… Surprisingly few are truly comfortable for a long soak. However, at Yaeno the temperature was just right and it felt wonderful. We could also take our time until 11:00 on departure day, so I highly recommend it for families with children. I’d love to come back again in winter.

Everything is clean throughout.\nThe indoor open-air bath is very convenient and comfortable.\nThe meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. The service is also very polite, with no issues.\nWe stayed with children, and it was a great help that they proactively offered to provide a baby crib and bouncer.\nI’m glad we found such a wonderful Accommodation for the first time in a while.

All the staff had wonderful smiles, the art-filled space was relaxing, and the food was excellent—our child was smiling the whole time. We thought it would be even better if children could stay together in a wider variety of Rooms. It became a great summer memory.

The Ryokan is small but satisfying as a Facility. The Room was kept very clean, and for a twin it was spacious enough—no complaints. The bath was a little hot, though that depends on the person; the simple spring water had a light, refreshing feel. There is a gender swap, but I was surprised that the bath sizes differed. At check-in we were served matcha and sweets, but since there isn’t really a shop, I would have been happy if they had offered that day’s tea sweets as a small souvenir to take home. We had both dinner and breakfast and were very satisfied with the food, and the service was good. The locally grown rice in particular was delicious. If I go to Matsue again, I’d like to stay here again and would recommend this Accommodation to others.

During my Kyushu trip in mid-June, I stayed for a Multiple Night Stay (2 nights) in the “Chikurintei—Panoramic Open-Air Bath (Japanese-Western Room)” nestled within Mifuneyama Rakuen’s vast grounds. I stayed in the “Yamazakura” Room, which offered views of Mt. Mifune from the corridor and garden, and even had a private gate with direct access to Mifuneyama Rakuen. The open-air bath is a standing-style bath set among trees. It creates a unique floating sensation, and because the water pressure is applied evenly over the whole body, I felt less fatigue afterward. Being able to enjoy the garden and sky while standing also adds to the wonderful sense of openness. The Onsen water is clear and colorless—an alkaline simple spring—with an exceptionally gentle feel on the skin, so I never tired of soaking. The indoor bath is heated groundwater, but I also enjoyed it: the hinoki tub was very comfortable, and it didn’t take long to fill. What stood out most was the outstanding quality of dinner. The kaiseki course featuring seasonal local ingredients such as Takezaki crab immediately draws you in with its dashi—clear yet deeply flavorful, beautifully balanced. Each dish reflected the season in both taste and presentation: refined and truly beautiful. Beyond ingredient quality alone, there was a confident simplicity backed by real skill. Even on a Multiple Night Stay, every meal was flawless at an exceptional level. Simply superb—thank you for such a feast. Another highlight was visiting teamLab’s art installations at the affiliated Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel on the same grounds (guests of Chikurintei can enter free). From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re struck by countless lamps evoking forest flowers and sunlight filtering through trees. The most breathtaking work was “Megalis in Ruins Bathhouse,” where digital projections of seasonal flowers illuminate massive stones rising throughout an abandoned public-bath space. When we visited, different scenes cycled continuously—twelve distinct visuals representing all months—and we became fully immersed for about an hour until they completed one full round late at night before closing. Also worth mentioning: the cold-brew coffee served in the lounge area was delicious—I refilled it many times and enjoyed it back in my Room as well. To everyone at “Oyado Chikurintei,” thank you sincerely for creating such a wonderful stay. I will absolutely return when I visit Takeo Onsen again.

Although it’s a secluded Accommodation deep in the mountains, it’s relatively easy to access by car and not difficult to reach. The Accommodation features classic, traditional Japanese architecture, yet it feels clean and has been thoughtfully renovated for comfort and ease of use. It was clear how much care goes into its upkeep, which I truly admire. The surrounding nature is lush, and the greenery and gentle sound of the river are very soothing. That said, the bedding mattress felt a bit firm for me personally, which was a small minus point (I didn’t wake up sore the next morning, so this is purely my personal impression). The hot spring source is around 37°C and lukewarm, but there are also heated baths, so it wasn’t an issue. If I had one wish: since I’m not fond of lukewarm water, I would have liked the heated tub to be larger. Meals were mainly simple countryside dishes, but everything was very delicious. Younger guests might find it a little light; in that case, I recommend ordering additional dishes. For us it was just the right amount—and we could get refills of rice—so we were very satisfied. Many of the staff were young, but they were always smiling and pleasant, with excellent attentiveness and consideration. This is an outstanding Accommodation that makes Japanese guests feel at ease—I hope it never changes. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Everything was comfortable. The staff, lobby, meals, Room, and bath were all clean and relaxing. The meals were thoughtfully prepared, and both dinner and breakfast were delicious. However, it would have been even better if there had been a dinner menu. At other places I’ve stayed, they compile the menus into a file for easy reference. The illustrated breakfast menu was great. I quickly framed it with my watermelon eraser stamp and displayed it in my living room. It looks wonderful in the frame.