Nationwide × Recommended Accommodation for a Healing Solo TripHighly rated for dining at Hotel·Ryokan

We stayed with you on a weekend in late September. With the weather swinging between hot and cool, days of rain, and even a typhoon, it really feels like anything can happen these days. So we decided: go where you want to go while you can, meet the people you want to meet when you can, and eat what you want to eat when you feel like it. And that meant—let’s go to WATANABE and enjoy autumn! By the time dinner started at 6:00 p.m., it was already dark outside the window. Looking up at the night sky reminded me how last year felt like summer all the way into October, and how we only started sensing autumn around mid-October. This dinner was another wonderful “WATANABE Special”—a luxurious and delicious course (including abalone salad and live Ise lobster with bouillabaisse sauce) that made me genuinely happy from start to finish. Boiled Toneri shellfish in seawater Mehikari fish fritters Herb toast topped with kampachi prosciutto-style ham Gougère filled with tartare of kombu-cured shrimp Snow crab and mushroom cake salé Red bell pepper mousse topped with Hokkaido sea urchin and consommé jelly Steamed abalone tabbouleh (couscous) with celery salad Ayu confit baked in pastry with tapenade and cucumber sauce Local turban shell & brown mushroom bourguignon-style dish Pan-seared white tilefish with peanuts, lightly curry-flavored Lemongrass granita Live Ise lobster with bouillabaisse sauce (assorted mushrooms) Homemade whole-wheat bread Japanese chestnut Mont Blanc dessert Madam’s petit fours and tea Every dish was delicious—especially for someone like me who loves fish roe/innards and being able to enjoy whole fish. Thank you for the wonderful feast both evening and morning. I’m always moved by the chef’s cooking, and soothed by Madam’s gentle smile. Thank you again for such a happy time. Today’s discovery: Madam makes that wonderfully chestnut-filled base of the Mont Blanc herself—amazing!

Luxury is woven into every corner of this hotel. It is the ultimate retreat where you can feel indulgence with all five senses. From fluffy towels you can truly feel against your skin and wonderfully comfortable bedding, to rooms filled with every comfort, everything here is designed for relaxation. There are also three private reservable natural hot-spring baths—perfect for unwinding at your own pace, warming both body and soul without worrying about anyone else. The cuisine is equally exceptional: beautifully presented, seasonal dishes made with a strong commitment to local ingredients. The in-room minibar also features carefully selected drinks, and the all-inclusive bar counter offers an impressive lineup of fine spirits. And the best background music of all is nature itself—the sounds of insects and birds as you do nothing in particular and simply relax. For those used to city life surrounded by man-made structures, the sweeping rural scenery and the gentle fragrance of seasonal flowers feel like a feast for the heart. This is how “luxury” quietly spreads through every part of you. Above all, the greatest luxury is meeting the wonderful staff. From welcome to farewell, their flawless yet heartfelt hospitality soothes you in every moment—it’s true healing. We always look forward to our conversations with everyone here. Before each stay, it has become our tradition to visit Niutsuhime Shrine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site about five minutes away by car. This time, we joined a talk held from 5:00 PM in the lobby lounge about Niutsuhime Shrine. The storyteller shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that only someone closely connected to the shrine could tell; before we knew it, around 30 minutes had flown by. The next day after checkout, we visited Niutsuhime Shrine again and also explored nearby historic spots we learned about during the talk. It allowed us to worship from a completely new perspective—and we discovered power spots we never would have found on our own. The traditional house café near the shrine that was recommended to us was also wonderful, making this trip even more meaningful than ever! We heard these talks will continue on an irregular basis—if one happens during your stay, we highly recommend joining. We also heard that on some days there is a guided visit starting at 7:00 AM (meeting at the lobby lounge) for worship at Niutsuhime Shrine. No matter how many seasons pass or how much time goes by, this is a place we want to return to again and again. It’s truly a blissful hotel—so full of happiness that it feels impossible to find anywhere else!

This is a perfect Accommodation in every way. Just one thing: it would be even better if there were in-house loungewear that matches the staff’s uniforms. After enjoying the Onsen, please consider offering stylish loungewear that blends naturally into the dining area.

I visited during the rainy season, a time I don’t usually choose. Both dinner and breakfast featured exquisite dishes that felt refreshingly cool to the eye and captured the early-summer atmosphere, lifting the gloom of the rainy skies. What makes this Accommodation truly exceptional is being able to enjoy outstanding cuisine at any time, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the season through sight, aroma, and taste. I also deeply appreciate the warm, friendly hospitality shown by all of the staff.

We stayed here with our dog again for the first time in three months, following our visit this June. Last time, the Italian food was so delicious that we decided to come back. Also, since you can dine together with your dog, you can relax and truly enjoy your meal. If your dog behaves well, they get a jerky treat as a reward—so our pup kept watching that staff member the whole time... We’d love to stay again.

A luxurious Facility where extraordinary koi swim. We were able to enjoy a sand bath, a ceramic bath experience, and a private open-air bath at no additional charge. All staff were kind and provided attentive service. The Japanese cuisine served at the Yakusugi cedar counter was exquisite, with tropical fruits used throughout that were as beautiful to look at as they were delicious. The entire property was spotless and impeccably maintained, and the star-filled sky we gazed at late at night from the free-flowing natural hot spring open-air bath in our room was beyond words.

Thank you for taking care of us for one night and two days. The room was clean, the bath was available anytime, and the staff were always smiling—making our stay extremely comfortable. The room size was more than enough for two people. The meals, generously made with local ingredients, were served properly—hot dishes hot and cold dishes cold—and everything was pleasantly seasoned, easy to eat, and delicious while still letting the natural flavors shine through. It was such a wonderful stay that I keep replaying the memories over and over! My only regret is that I meant to buy the delicious matcha pound cake as a souvenir but forgot. This trip to Izumo also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, and we would be happy if we have the chance to return again someday.

I chose to stay here because of its charming atmosphere, and I was sure my husband would like it too. Before booking, I called to ask about the room amenities. The head chef handed the call over to a female staff member, but her tone felt a bit harsh, and for a moment I hesitated about staying. However, once we actually arrived, that impression completely changed. Everyone who assisted us during our stay was very warm and welcoming, with genuine hospitality, and there was nothing at all that concerned me. The property was spotless throughout, and the lounge was comfortable—I was able to relax at ease. Above all, the food was outstanding. Each dish was prepared with great care while considering harmony with soy sauce, and I could truly feel the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion behind the cooking. Although the dishes made excellent use of soy sauce flavors, they never left an overly salty aftertaste—even after finishing everything—and I enjoyed every bite until the end. Because dinner was so exceptional, I would have been even happier if breakfast had been a bit more substantial. Including not only the cuisine but also the atmosphere and overall comfort of the inn, it became a truly memorable stay. This is a place I would definitely like to return to.

This is my favorite regular inn—my go-to place to reset both mind and body. This time again, the dinner I had been looking forward to was far beyond my expectations. The upgraded local fish sashimi was unbelievably fresh! I was especially happy that it included two rare types of local white fish: “Hoki-hata” and “Hige-dara.” The pleasant springy texture and rich umami of the Hoki-hata, and the refined, deep sweetness of the Hige-dara—I took my time savoring these special flavors that you can only encounter at this inn. The handwritten note listing the fish varieties also conveyed such warm hospitality. The napa cabbage macaroni gratin was outstanding—the homemade-from-scratch white sauce was perfectly balanced. Rich yet light with a gentle finish, it brought out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and I couldn’t stop eating. The Izu seaweed soup also felt like it gently soaked into every part of my body. I feel fulfilled from within by the delicious food, then healed from without by the free-flowing natural hot spring water and suina massage therapy. Once you experience this luxurious private space, you truly become hooked. I left fully recharged once again—and I’ll be back for another boost!

We stayed here for a family trip to celebrate a 60th birthday. The Room called “En” had wonderful views and beautiful furnishings, allowing us to forget everyday life and fully enjoy the relaxed pace of Amami. Above all, every meal was delicious, and we could really feel the care put into using local ingredients and pesticide-free produce—it was outstanding.

I think this Accommodation is very comfortable for solo travelers. I was worried about using the bath because I wanted to use it as many times as I liked whenever I wanted, but I was able to enjoy it to my full satisfaction. Breakfast also offered a generous variety. It’s an Accommodation that makes you want to come back anytime. The shakuhachi performance was also a refreshing experience.

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.

We had a wonderful time in a very clean room with excellent facilities. The meal was also delicious—a meat-themed kaiseki course that felt refreshingly different from typical ryokan cuisine. The location, in the Higashiyama area, was another highlight, making it easy to explore around Kiyomizu-dera in the morning.

This is the most satisfying Ryokan I have ever stayed at. The hospitality was beyond anything I could have imagined. The owner, the proprietress, and all the staff were wonderful people, and their warmth truly touched my heart. The meals, centered on seafood, featured outstanding ingredients and careful preparation—I was completely satisfied. What deserves special mention is the owner’s 100% buckwheat handmade soba: its aroma and smoothness were exceptional. I live in a prefecture known as a soba mecca, but I have never had soba better than this. Even the breakfast vegetables were all pesticide-free and homegrown, made with real care. The Onsen water was a reddish cloudy spring that felt gentle on the skin and relieved my fatigue. The building has a dignified presence with a sense of history. In every way it was outstanding—an Accommodation that makes you want to return again soon.

We stayed for 2 nights and 3 days to celebrate my partner’s birthday trip. When I contacted you in advance to ask about arranging a surprise, you kindly replied and supported us on the day as well, for which we are truly grateful. The message on the whole cake was beautifully done, the surprise was a great success, and my partner was absolutely delighted—thank you so much. The rental car was even cuter than it looked on your website, and exploring the island with it was so much fun. The room atmosphere, the breakfast and dinner meals, everyone’s hospitality, and nearby Kuura Beach—everything felt like a perfect vacation. It was our first trip to Miyakojima, and we were able to spend such a relaxing and wonderful time. Finally, when you drove us to the airport, we were deeply moved when everyone—including the kitchen staff—came out to see us off. Thank you very much for an amazing three days.

This was my first time visiting Yuda Onsen. It was very comfortable, as we could use the elevator both for going to the hot springs and for meals. The portion sizes were just right, and I was pleasantly surprised by a new way of eating fugu sashimi with sesame oil and salt. Breakfast was also excellent—I enjoyed egg over rice with freshly shaved bonito flakes and even had seconds. The young proprietress and all the staff were very kind, so we had a wonderful stay. I would like to visit again.

I love traveling solo to Onsen and visit places all over the whole country. I’d heard of Umegashima Onsen, but for some reason it had never been on my list—what a loss, haha. Last month I stayed at Umegashima Onsen for the first time (at a different Accommodation), and it quickly became one of my favorite Onsen. This time as well, it was great that they only accept a small number of guests and offer private reserved baths. That said, I like to soak in the Onsen whenever I want as many times as I like, so I often choose an Accommodation with an in-Room bath or one that’s available 24 hours. Unfortunately, here it was only available until 11:00 p.m. Also, having to ask the staff each time to get the key made me feel hesitant. I wish I could use it more freely without worrying about bothering anyone. The meals were absolutely delicious. The ingredients were different from what I’m used to in the Izu Peninsula or Hakone, which made everything feel very fresh.

Because my son uses a wheelchair, the restaurant staff kindly assisted us, which was very helpful. We truly appreciate their thoughtful care. The meal was delicious, made with very fresh ingredients. The wine explanations were excellent, and the timing of serving the three wines was perfect. We would love to stay again.

We stayed here to see the crystal-clear “Lake Biwa Blue,” and this hotel exceeded our expectations!! From the courteous service by the male front desk staff to the moment we entered our lake-view room—we were truly moved. The view spreading out before us made us gasp in delight. The room was spotless, and the bed-making was truly five-star quality. With amenities like a massage chair, we could relax comfortably just staying in the room. Dinner featured a wonderful selection of dishes that were clearly not pre-made—each one reflecting the chef’s refined sense of aesthetics. We also enjoyed the seasonal tableware at a leisurely pace. After dinner, we took a walk along Lake Biwa, soothed our tiredness in the private family bath, and went to bed early. The next morning, we watched migratory birds flying over Lake Biwa and admired a beautiful sunrise, starting the day feeling refreshed. This is a hotel we would definitely love to visit again!! (Thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration during our stay despite our circumstances.)

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!