Nationwide × Zen-Inspired AccommodationHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

This was a wonderful Accommodation where the owners’ sense of style and hospitality were evident in every detail. The clean Room, the handmade garden, and the carefully prepared meals were all warm and comforting, and we felt truly relaxed. Rather than the standardized service of a large Facility, we could really feel how much they love this place and are devoted to nurturing it. My elderly mother also said she would definitely like to come again, so we will surely visit again. Thank you very much.

This is a small luxury Hotel with 55 rooms. As a result, the staff paid close attention to every detail. They greeted me by name whenever we passed, and kindly listened to casual conversation—this is a Hotel that makes you want to come back again and again.

Thank you very much for a wonderful stay. We were satisfied with everything—the service, the Room, the bath, and the meals. The meals were so delicious that my mother, who usually has no appetite at all, finished everything. We truly hope to visit again. Thank you very much.

How many places are there where a feudal lord’s residence still remains at the very heart of the town even today? Being able to stay as a guest in such an estate, and to take in the buildings and gardens—things that would have been impossible to see 100 years ago—to your heart’s content, made for a fascinatingly luxurious time where you can feel history and changing eras up close. It was an Accommodation experience unlike anything I had ever had before. The guest building was new and spotless, with drinks and amenities well provided, making it very comfortable to stay.

This was my first stay here. From the moment I arrived at the Hotel, the staff’s hospitality at the entrance was so attentive that it’s impossible to compare with other hotels. When I entered my Room, it was spotless—not a speck of dust—and I was truly impressed by the outstanding skill of the housekeeping team. In the evening, I used in-room dining and had grilled vegetables, soup, and focaccia. Everything was absolutely delicious and genuinely moving. If you stay here, I highly recommend trying in-room dining. This time I booked a Plan with breakfast included, so I enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant on the first floor. There were three options to choose from, and I felt it’s a menu loved by guests of all ages. I traveled here from Tohoku, and it took quite a bit of time and money—but this was an exceptional Hotel that still made me think, “I want to stay here anyway!” Thank you very much for taking such great care of me during my stay.

While waiting for the Shuttle Service to the station after check-out, they kindly offered cold drinks and showed thoughtful care in many ways, providing truly attentive hospitality. The meals were delicious, and the tableware was stylish—both the taste and presentation were very satisfying.

This is a perfect Accommodation no matter when you visit. It was Kyoto in extreme heat, but thanks to your thoughtful care in many ways, we had a wonderful time. The pike conger is a must in this season; it is an additional-order dish, but highly recommended. We are planning to visit again in autumn.

The Room, the meals, and the rural scenery... everything was wonderful! Even travel guidance was provided, and the services were excellent, which made our trip truly enjoyable. This is an Accommodation we would definitely love to visit again. Thank you very much for all your help during our stay. Thank you!

Its kaleidoscopic beauty resonates deeply in the heart. Exquisitely prepared with sincere care, the cuisine is truly delicious. A beautiful garden that reflects the seasons—so captivating you could gaze at it forever. Elegant summer décor that lets you fully experience Kyoto’s traditional culture. Hanging scrolls, ikebana, and a beautifully arranged Room down to every detail. The head chef, attendants, the young proprietress, and the proprietress herself offer warm, attentive hospitality with genuine grace. Thinking that all of this beauty is an expression of love for each guest fills me with freshness and gratitude. At Kikkawa, you can feel the refined spirit of Kyoto—an appreciation for making everyday life beautiful and joyful. It began as an Accommodation I hoped to stay at at least once in my life; before I knew it, this was my 11th visit. A superb culinary Ryokan I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who truly loves Kyoto.

We enjoyed a “staycation,” with lounge hopping across four lounges as the main highlight. First, we walked from Shinagawa Station to the Hotel, but IKYU’s directions said “cross Daiichi Keihan…,” so we crossed the signal right after exiting the Takanawa Exit. However, the route to the right after crossing was blocked due to construction, so we had to turn back. After exiting the Takanawa Exit, it’s best to turn right and walk along Daiichi Keihan, then turn left at the first traffic light onto Sakura-zaka. Alternatively, since it’s a continuous uphill slope, I think taking the shuttle bus would be a good option. We visited all four lounges, and as expected, Hana-Kouro’s lounge was the most relaxing; the drinks were also of higher quality and excellent. The champagne during cocktail time—and Dassai—was a real treat. We also enjoyed tasting different sake. There were some light bites during cocktail time, but it would have been even better if there had been additional hors d’oeuvres. Breakfast was delicious as well. It was our first time trying a matcha grinding experience, and we really enjoyed it. At the lounge, the staff maintained just the right level of attentiveness throughout without being intrusive, which made it very comfortable. Thank you very much for taking such great care of us. Thank you for a wonderful time!

I had a wonderfully relaxing stay at a comfortable pace. It was quiet and spotless throughout, and the Onsen was incredibly open and wonderful. Every meal was deeply delicious. The staff were also very pleasant and welcoming. I feel as if both my body and mind have been refreshed. I can hardly believe how reasonably priced it is. Thank you very much. I will definitely return.

I chose this Accommodation for my boyfriend’s birthday trip. It was my first stay here, and it far exceeded my expectations. Above all, the staff’s service was truly outstanding, and I was moved by every thoughtful gesture. The property has the charming presence of a grand traditional Japanese house, and the garden is beautifully maintained. We enjoyed a luxurious time dining at a relaxed pace while looking out over the garden. The basashi (horse sashimi) in particular was the best I’ve ever had—absolutely unforgettable. The Room was spacious and spotless, very comfortable, and the view from the window was wonderful. The building also has delightful surprises and playful touches that even first-time guests can enjoy, which kept me excited throughout our stay. They also offer an excellent selection of sake, so I especially recommend this Accommodation to sake lovers. It was one of the most memorable places I’ve ever stayed—completely satisfying in every way. I will definitely return.

You can enjoy Maruki Winery, one of Japan’s oldest wineries, all day long while taking in a beautiful Japanese garden. For dinner, we had a tea-ceremony kaiseki meal—one delight after another. The Room also comes with a private Onsen bath featuring 100% free-flowing natural spring water rich in sulfur. We learned how to spend time slowly and luxuriously in true bliss—an ideal adult getaway. This is truly the best Accommodation. Next time, we’ll book a Multiple Night Stay.

After seeing photos, I had long wanted to visit this Accommodation at least once, and this was my first stay. The real view was even more magnificent than the photos; while enjoying matcha in the lobby, the full glass wall opened up, removing any obstruction from sight, and I was deeply moved by the sensation of being completely filled with the lush green valley right before my eyes. Although the weather that day was unfortunately poor—perhaps due to a typhoon—the drifting rain mist added atmosphere like a sea of clouds, creating a truly ethereal world. Perhaps thanks to traditions passed down over many years, the hospitality was exceptionally polished; from being escorted to and briefed on our Room at check-in to every aspect of dining service, it was flawless with nothing to criticize. While traditional in spirit, the Facility is kept impeccably clean in a modern style (every faucet in both the Room and bath areas gleamed so much that it felt beyond mere cleanliness—I could almost sense the staff’s dedication), and we enjoyed every dish while also appreciating the presentation of their signature specialties. This is purely my personal impression, but it reminded me of a well-known culinary Ryokan in Yugawara (back before it was acquired by Hokkaido-based capital), and it has been a long time since I felt so strongly that I had found an outstanding “traditional Japanese Ryokan” with all three elements—service, cuisine, and location (including Facilities and Onsen)—perfectly aligned. It soothed both body and mind. Wanting to see snowy scenery through those windows, I went ahead and made a Reservation for December as well. With global warming reducing snowfall these days, there may not be much snow yet in December… (laugh). The only reason my rating for “Onsen / Baths” is 4 out of 5 is simply my small wish that the open-air bath were a bit larger.

The relaxing Akayu getaway I had been looking forward to. I was worried because of the heavy rain, but from the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality made it possible for me to spend a truly peaceful time with my mother. The meals were beautifully prepared—delightful to enjoy with all five senses—and gently seasoned. Above all, thanks to the heartfelt care of the entire staff, we were able to create wonderful, lasting memories. The Akayu hot spring water that soothes both body and mind is simply superb. This is a Ryokan I would love to visit again. Thank you very much.

My wife, our two children, and I stayed here as a family of four. The dinner course was delicious, and the sake recommended by the chef was excellent—I asked a special favor and they kindly let me have some. The breakfast course was also among the top three I’ve ever had. We had a wonderful time as a family and were very satisfied. We will definitely visit again.

My mother and I stayed here together. It was our first visit in over a decade, since we came as a family of three with my late father. We were able to enjoy the delicious meals that impressed us so much back then, and simply soaking in the bath and relaxing brought such a wonderful sense of happiness. I also found it lovely to see the proprietress and everyone else working so briskly and efficiently. I shared how delighted my father had been at the time, and it became a meaningful holiday during Higan. Thank you very much.

Although we arrived in rainy weather, we were warmly welcomed by many staff members, making for a wonderful start that almost felt more than we deserved. The building, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property, has a rich sense of history, yet it is meticulously maintained throughout, allowing us to relax in complete comfort. In addition to the pleasantly warm and soothing Onsen, the cuisine was truly outstanding. On departure, they even took a complimentary commemorative photo and later sent it to our home—such a thoughtful gesture that made this an unforgettable memory. Everything was exceptional, including the hospitality, and this is an Accommodation we would love to stay at again. Thank you very much.

Thank you for accommodating our last-minute visit again. We were truly relieved to find a Room available. We love the in-room Onsen and the dinner! The sea bream rice at breakfast was delicious—I finished it all. I was also happy to enjoy breakfast with the garden right in front of me. Thank you very much. We were also very satisfied with how well stocked the Room amenities were. With such attentive hospitality, this is an Accommodation we will definitely want to stay at whenever we come to Matsue.

We visited to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. It was a long drive from Yokohama to Nagano, but this was a wonderful Accommodation that truly made us glad we came. The in-room open-air bath was a little hot and needed some adjustment, but it was clean, spacious, and free of insects. The shampoo and conditioner also left our hair smooth and silky. (Some Ryokan at this level still leave your hair feeling rough.) All the staff who welcomed us were smiling, and during dinner the head chef served the main dish right at our table. Everything was delicious—made with local ingredients and carefully prepared with great attention to detail. On our way out, they even opened the souvenir shop in the main building earlier for us, so I was happy to be able to buy the souvenirs I wanted. My parents were very pleased as well, so we would love to visit again while they are still healthy.