Okutsu Onsen × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

The local cuisine was excellent—quite different from the typical tempura or branded beef often found at a Ryokan. There was a wide variety of dishes, and the delicate Japanese seasoning was well received even by my elderly mother. We were also impressed by the thickness of the matsutake mushrooms. After dinner, the traditional Japanese house across from the Accommodation was opened as a lounge, where we could enjoy complimentary self-serve wine, snacks, and coffee. We stayed in a detached annex. Although it looked old from the outside, the interior had been renovated in a modern style with low beds and Ryukyu tatami mats, making it very comfortable. The 800-year-old zelkova tree in the garden (as we were told by staff) was magnificent. The Onsen is free-flowing from its natural source. Perhaps because it was a weekday, there was no need for a Reservation for the private baths and no time limit, so my mother and I could relax at our own pace. My brother also tried both baths and said he didn’t encounter any other guests—it felt completely private. The water is clear with no strong characteristics; at 42°C without added water, it seems ideal for long soaks. However, it was disappointing that soap and shampoo are not allowed in the open-air bath attached to the Room—presumably for environmental reasons—so we could only use it briefly. As for service: there were hardly any staff around reception or near the entrance area, and even the lounge across the street was unattended. With limited staff who seemed busy, there were no lengthy explanations of meal courses or stories about this Accommodation unless you asked. When we did ask questions, they responded politely and kindly with no issues in service overall; however, guests who enjoy conversation with staff or more personal hospitality may find it lacking. Our family prefers unobtrusive service where we’re left to ourselves, so this Accommodation suited us very well. We would like to stay again.