Matsuo Station (Chiba Prefecture) × Zen-Inspired AccommodationHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

The dog run is very spacious and pleasant. As soon as we arrived, my dog happily ran around, and I felt glad to have chosen this accommodation. It's an environment where dogs can relax freely, which naturally puts owners at ease as well. The traditional Japanese house has a calm atmosphere, allowing for a very peaceful stay. We enjoyed experiences like making miso and koji, as well as roasting rice crackers over the irori hearth—much more fun than expected! Roasting rice crackers over the irori was surprisingly challenging; adjusting the heat while slowly roasting them was a fresh experience. However, the rice crackers I made myself were far more delicious than I imagined. For dinner, we had an irori kaiseki meal prepared by the staff while we relaxed by watching the fire—a leisurely dining experience without any rush that allowed us to savor every bite. At night, we spent time by the bonfire without doing much of anything in particular. Just watching my dog relax nearby filled me with contentment. This is an accommodation that naturally makes you think, "I want to come back again."

This was our second stay, and we visited as a couple. Once again we stayed in the WEST building (my favorite, with a stone sauna). It’s a private villa-style Accommodation with high walls, so you can relax without worrying about the surroundings. When we opened the door, even the long hallway was nicely heated and warm, and the living room was cozy too. And this time there were complimentary drinks in the fridge—Pocari Sweat, mineral water, Perrier, and more—which was a lovely added service! The new cold plunge pool had been filled with hot water this time, so we could soak slowly as if it were an open-air bath—it felt amazing. Part of it is deep enough to submerge up to your neck, so you do need to be careful, but it was a bath experience you don’t often find elsewhere. And another major new addition—the cave-like sauna we’d been looking forward to—lets you lie down inside; my sauna-loving husband was thrilled and said the tea löyly aroma was wonderful. This time we also booked an on-site private chef for the first time. Dinner started with appetizers and soup, followed by sea bream with perfectly crisped skin served with an orange butter sauce; the wagyu came with nori and a red wine sauce—everything tasted incredible. The strawberry mille-feuille dessert and fromage blanc ice cream were outstanding!! We were completely satisfied being able to savor such a luxurious course at our own pace. Breakfast was also very filling: a generously stuffed sandwich, two kinds of quiche, plus strawberries and yogurt—an excellent professional-quality meal that we fully enjoyed. Everything was delicious. We were also impressed by how gently the chef explained each dish (almost like whispering) and how smoothly everything came together. The stylish black-themed space and interior are wonderful every time we visit. The latest Facilities and high-end appliances can take some getting used to if you don’t read the manuals carefully, but everything—from tableware to decor—is tasteful, making it easy to spend special time comfortably at your own pace. Just one thing: I mistakenly thought the chef would arrive at 16:00; in reality they arrived at 17:30 and dinner started at 18:30. I regret not confirming in advance—I might have been able to enjoy my beloved stone sauna a bit more while waiting. Highly recommended for anyone who loves saunas or stone saunas—and for those who want a special dining experience in an extraordinary setting! We stayed last time at the end of summer and had great fun using the pool at night too, so we’d love to come again in summer.