Nationwide × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan - 53Page Number

Winter crab, early-summer white squid, and the salt-kiln-grilled abalone we always request as an optional add-on. At Waraku, you can enjoy seasonal delicacies throughout the year, but this time we tried their limited-time wild tiger pufferfish course for the first time, available only around Golden Week. We were truly impressed by the depth of Yuhigaura’s seafood. The beautifully presented sashimi platter (tessa) had a pleasantly chewy texture and was so delicious it ranks No. 1 among all the meals we’ve had at accommodations! The grilled milt was also exceptionally large, plump, and rich—perfect with Waraku’s own-label Junmai Daiginjo sake. And in this season especially, the private garden by the detached guest room feels at its most beautiful, with blooming flowers and vivid green moss. Whenever we’re worn out from everyday life and want to relax and feel restored, we always visit Waraku to Clear our minds.

This was my second stay. Just like last time, the meals were incredibly delicious and truly impressed me. Even classic dishes like shabu-shabu had thoughtful touches that felt unique to this Accommodation, which was a pleasant surprise and made dining a real joy. The Room was also comfortable and clean, and I was able to relax completely. The Onsen was wonderful, and I enjoyed the bath in the Room as well as the other private baths many times. The attentive yet unobtrusive service was also very pleasant. Thank you very much. I would love to stay again.

This Accommodation was even more wonderful than I had imagined from the website. The furniture choices and layout were excellent. There were plenty of amenities, towels, and tableware provided, so we were able to stay very comfortably. The free-flowing natural hot spring bath was also incredibly relaxing. Since the tub is large and holds a lot of water, adjusting the temperature was a bit difficult—that would be my only minor drawback. During our stay there was a minor issue with the building, but I believe it was handled appropriately in the end. When I visit Hakodate again, I would love to stay here again.

On the way there, it was tough because the road was too narrow for cars to pass and there was heavy mist, but I was able to enjoy this wonderful cottage all to myself in a quiet, secluded location. The elderly woman who handled our communication was very kind, and the day after my stay she brought me homemade brown rice okowa, green shiso kelp, and daikon with chirimen—everything was delicious. I will definitely be back.

Nozawa Onsen has few accommodations that allow pets. Among them, we had an excellent stay in a spacious log house room, enjoying a relaxing onsen experience. They provided a parking pass for visiting the public baths in town and even allowed us to use the onsen after the trail race the next day. The attentive service was truly appreciated. We look forward to staying here again when we participate in the race next year.

I had previously visited for a day trip to the Onsen and loved both the Onsen and the scenery, so I decided to stay overnight. The meals were excellent, the view from the Room was wonderful, and my stay was very comfortable. Unfortunately, the outdoor bath in the morning was so cold that it hardly felt like an Onsen.\n\nAs it is currently off-season, there was no shuttle bus on weekdays, which made things difficult. Even one round-trip Shuttle Service would be very helpful.

I visited with a friend for our once-a-year, slightly indulgent girls’ trip. The Accommodation seems to be located right in front of a local bus stop, but part of the national highway on the bus route was closed due to a landslide and buses were taking a detour, meaning extra travel time from both Takayama and Matsumoto. So my friend drove from Nagoya instead. We took a short break at the Hirugano Kogen Service Area to enjoy the magnificent scenery, and arrived comfortably in just under three hours with no traffic. There were spots with some snow remaining along the sides of the road, but there was no snow on the road itself. Even so, it gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so winter tires are recommended for peace of mind in case of icy conditions. The building is kept impeccably clean and is wrapped in a pleasant quietness and the lovely aroma of charcoal from the irori hearth—while our Room had no odor at all. We were welcomed into a spacious Room with delicious homemade pound cake as part of their hospitality, and as we chatted comfortably, time flew by. The cuisine was truly outstanding—bringing out the full flavor of each ingredient while presenting combinations and plating unlike anything I’d experienced before, far exceeding its reputation and my expectations. As richer foods have started to leave me feeling heavy or unwell the next day over recent years, I especially appreciated how refined every dish was; it felt like food I could happily enjoy even in my 80s without any heaviness. The chef’s and staff’s genuine desire for guests to enjoy themselves came through clearly. Perhaps because of the high altitude, alcohol seemed to hit more quickly—and since I also wanted to bathe—I unfortunately didn’t get around to trying the local craft beer or sake provided in our Room. Still, stepping outside after the sauna into crisp mountain air with grand peaks right before us felt incredible. The private hot Onsen bath attached to our Room—hotter than expected—with jazz at night and birdsong in the morning was pure luxury: an unbelievably relaxing stay beyond what I could imagine. I’d love to return to experience another season’s cuisine as well—I’ve become a true fan. Thank you very much for your wonderful hospitality.

I have traveled to many places, but this was an indescribably wonderful space where I had a truly great time. Despite the unfortunate rain, I was able to enjoy the outdoors without getting wet. Bringing my dog, enjoying the open-air bath, and experiencing outdoor activities—all my wishes came true!

We stayed for two nights. We arrived on the day a typhoon hit, and after struggling to chop firewood it burned out in no time. Feeling discouraged, we headed for the open-air bath, but a sudden downpour intensified and something fell from the chestnut tree overhead, brushing my shoulder—so I hurried out of the tub. Then I stepped barefoot on a spiky chestnut burr and made my way back to the cabin with rain- and tears-blurred vision. Still, thanks to the clean, wonderfully fluffy bed, I was able to relax. The next morning, freshly ground and brewed coffee—made while my left forearm flexors trembled from all that wood-chopping—was exceptional. On our final morning after the typhoon had passed, we woke up early and had breakfast outside. No need to despair over a soaking-wet fire pit: a cassette gas stove is provided. The salt and pepper provided were so delicious that we put them on everything. Even an ordinary fried egg bought at a supermarket in Tokyo tasted as if it had been reborn as a “Nasu Highlands sunny-side egg” with just those seasonings. Reading this back, it sounds like only slightly questionable memories remain—but this is a wonderful Facility that I can highly recommend even for outdoor beginners like me. If it’s this fun even during a typhoon, I’m sure it would be amazing in good weather, so I’d love to return if I get the chance. *If you’re visiting: please watch out for the chestnut tree above the Onsen and your footing.*

The Facility was clean, the service was excellent, and we had a very comfortable stay. If I had to mention one thing, it would be great if the grilled fish at breakfast could be deboned, as there was not much edible portion.

This was our first time staying with our dog, and we were extremely satisfied. Our dog was probably even more satisfied. Everything was well equipped. We brought ingredients planning to grill meat; the Accommodation had a gas stove, and there was also a tabletop IH cooker, so we cooked in a frying pan. The only disappointment was that the frying pan was not compatible with IH. It’s an Accommodation we would definitely like to stay at again.

The location and the Onsen seem to have been well designed by the company that operated it when it was built, and they are quite nice. However, it was disappointing that the Facility and courtyard were not well maintained despite their potential. The food and the staff’s service were excellent, and it is a good option in terms of reasonable pricing. I felt that many Accommodations purchased after COVID-related bankruptcies are like this, and may not last long.

We stayed this time with our dog. Both the property and the Room were very clean, and we also appreciated that it was a pet-friendly, fully flat Room. We were happy that free drinks, snacks, and bread were available in the lounge as well. The private open-air bath was spacious enough too! Just one thing: we thought meals would be served in the Room, but they were served in a private dining room. We happened to bring a pet cart, so our dog had a place to wait, but if we hadn’t brought one, there wouldn’t have been space for our dogs to wait during the meal, so we thought it would be nice if you offered cart rentals. Overall, it was a wonderful Accommodation to stay at with our dog!

After my wife was discharged from the hospital, she successfully passed two follow-up checkups, and we finally planned our first trip in a year. While searching for an exceptional stay as a surprise gift, we found this Accommodation. In a completely private setting, we were able to enjoy a blissful escape from everyday life. The Room filled with bright light through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the vast grassland stretching out before us, the free-flowing Onsen and pool fed directly from the source, and the soothing sounds of nature—just what we could see and hear was enough to heal us. And yet, the chef’s warm personality reflected in every dish, along with stories full of love for Hokkaido, made it truly unforgettable. Using local ingredients along with freshly picked herbs and vegetables harvested right on the property, the unpretentious course allowed us to fully savor Hokkaido. From appetizers created right in front of us to a beautifully cooked main grilled over firewood rather than charcoal, every once-in-a-lifetime dish for that day alone moved us again and again—right through dessert. The wines thoughtfully recommended at just the right moments were also excellent. Small gestures—like turning our leftover corn rice into onigiri for a late-night snack—were deeply touching. The smooth, slightly thick Moor Onsen water left our skin silky soft, and I found myself soaking again and again after dinner, in the middle of the night, and at dawn (laughs). The steam rising into the night air under a sky full of stars was so calming I wished time would stop. Breakfast in the crisp morning air was also an array of homemade delights—we enjoyed every last bit of what this Accommodation has to offer. Spending time in an entirely private space where you can have endless views and the chef’s cuisine all to yourself—without anyone disturbing you—is truly one of a kind. Thanks to you all, it became the best possible surprise trip to celebrate my wife’s discharge. To the chef, manager/director (shihainin), and everyone on staff who helped make our stay so special—thank you very much.

The Room was very clean, the meals were delicious, and the Onsen in each Room was wonderfully relaxing. We visited to celebrate my mother’s Respect for the Aged Day and her birthday, and we had an amazing day. I’d love to come again.

The Kasumi crab and sashimi served at dinner were very fresh and delicious. The sound of the waves played like background music in the Room and the open-air bath, creating a truly special, out-of-the-ordinary experience. Everyone at the Accommodation was kind, making this a very satisfying trip. Thank you very much.

The Room atmosphere and views, as well as the free-flowing open-air bath, were excellent. The service and meals were also very good. The only downside was that the floor futon was firm and had seams, making it uncomfortable to sleep on. I think it would be even better with some improvement.

Thank you very much for staying with us. We were impressed by your prompt and courteous responses to our various questions. We hope to welcome you again in the future.

When we arrived at the bus stop, Mr. Kuboji was there to pick us up by car. We hadn’t requested it, but since it was raining, his thoughtfulness made us very happy. The Room was spacious, and although three of us stayed, we were able to relax comfortably. The meals were delicious, and we had a wonderful time. The warm, home-like atmosphere was the best.

We stayed here again this year, following our visit last year. Last year it was very cold even during the day, perhaps because of the rain, but this year we were blessed with great weather and it was almost hot when we arrived. As the sun set and it was time for dinner, it became wonderfully cool, and the meal was absolutely excellent! After dinner, we stepped outside and looked up at the sky—there were so many stars it felt like they might fall from above, and we even saw a shooting star. It was the best night sky! This is a quiet pension where time seems to slow down and you can truly relax. Thank you very much.