Rokuta Station × Highly rated for dining at Hotel·Ryokan

We stayed here as a couple during the Obon holidays. Even though it was the hottest time of midsummer, Tenkawa Village was wonderfully cool—a top summer retreat in Kansai where we could stay comfortable without using the Room air conditioner and without breaking a sweat. We had long admired the charm of Dorogawa Onsen and had wanted to stay there at least once, and choosing Hanaya Tokubei was absolutely the right decision. The whole town has a lovely atmosphere, but Tokubei stands out for its especially distinctive and tasteful building. Because there are few guest Rooms with private indoor baths in the area, we stayed in “Higashi no Tenku” with an indoor bath. The view is mostly of the courtyard, so if you are used to resort-style Onsen facilities it may not exceed expectations. Still, considering this is traditionally an Accommodation used by ascetics, we felt it was a true luxury and enjoyed it. The meals were delicious Japanese cuisine featuring plenty of local ingredients, with thoughtful touches throughout that kept our Multiple Night Stay from ever feeling repetitive. We were completely full but couldn’t bear to leave anything behind—and finished every last bite. Spending time on the veranda at dusk with a beer in hand while watching people pass by was simply wonderful. After sunset, strolling around the area in yukata is also great fun. Wherever you walk, the lantern lights feel magical, and Tokubei lends out portable lanterns as well. It was like stepping back into a period drama. There were also foreign staff members, and they were genuinely kind and attentive—we truly appreciated it. This is an Accommodation we would love to visit again. Highly recommended if you are sightseeing in Dorogawa Onsen.

This was our first trip as a couple, and we made a Reservation to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Since we’re not very experienced travelers, we were nervous at first, but the Ryokan staff were so kind and friendly that our worries quickly disappeared. I’m not usually comfortable with open-air baths, but I worked up the courage to try—and it was truly relaxing and soothing. The changing area was clean and easy to use as well. And the meals we had been looking forward to exceeded all expectations—I was genuinely satisfied from the bottom of my heart! Everything was delicious. There was venison tataki, which I wasn’t sure about at first, but it had no strong taste at all and was truly wonderful. Our attendant explained each dish carefully, which helped us appreciate the ingredients even more—thank you so much. What made us even happier was that they took photos for our anniversary and gave them to us as a gift when we left. The handwritten letter from the proprietress also deeply moved me. This is the first time my heart has felt this full—just like my stomach! We are filled with gratitude for everyone’s thoughtfulness, kindness, and warm support. We will definitely come back again! Thank you very much for everything.

I stayed for one night. The Hotel and the Room were very clean, with thorough cleaning down to every detail, so I was able to spend my time comfortably. The Room was also spacious and very easy to relax in! All of the staff were warm and courteous, and I was very satisfied. The meals were delicious, and I could take my time enjoying them while chatting with friends. Thank you as well for accommodating ingredients I’m not comfortable with. Overall, it was a wonderful Hotel where I felt at ease and truly refreshed both physically and mentally. I would definitely like to stay here again when I visit Nara.

I was wondering how things would be after the change in management, but it was a comfortable stay with meals truly worthy of an auberge. The young chef is full of talent, and I’m excited to see what kind of dishes he will create in the future. As for service—such as the timing of meal service—I think it will become more refined as they gain experience. If I had to mention anything, I would have appreciated having both loungewear and pajamas, and on a smaller note, amenities like shoe-shining supplies. I will visit again.

Perhaps because there was availability on a weekday, they upgraded us to a larger Room. We were very satisfied with the open, airy Room and the mountain views from the large windows in our corner Room. The meals were all delicious, with plenty of dishes, and we left completely full. It was our first time trying venison—it was tender and excellent. The bath and the entire property were clean and very pleasant.

An annual trip with friends. We stayed here after exploring Imaicho. After arriving, we enjoyed beer and wine in the lounge, and at the dinner buffet there was a wide variety of dishes, including local specialties made with regional ingredients—and thanks to the all-inclusive plan, alcohol was unlimited as well. Every staff member was polite, pleasant, and helpful. After that, we took our time in the Onsen, enjoyed the sauna, and then had cocktails at the night lounge. The breakfast buffet also impressed us with its extensive selection. For this price, the variety is truly outstanding. The Room had a modern Japanese style with plenty of space to relax, which was wonderful. My friend said it was an excellent Hotel and was very happy. Thank you very much.

About a 3-minute walk from the station and along the main road, so it’s easy to find. A pleasantly rural hotel. The staff provide heartfelt service rather than something strictly by the book. It felt like coming back to a relative’s home in the countryside, and it was wonderful. The meal course is on the smaller side, but it was more than enough and tasted great. Also, it was great that we could use the attached Onsen both days—before check-in and after check-out—as long as we brought our own towels! Overall, highly recommended.

This time, we stayed in the Jinshiro Room. As always, the in-room bath was incredibly relaxing. The meals were delicious too!

Very convenient, right in front of Sakurai Station. We stayed here to visit Hasedera Temple and Abe Monju-in on our way back from Osaka. We also planned to go to Horyu-ji afterward, so we used Sakurai Station, which is served by both Kintetsu and JR. The Room was more spacious than expected and very practical. The large public bath was also very clean. If I had one request, I would have liked mineral water in the Room.

All the staff are so kind! The Ishibutai Tumulus is very close by, and if you walk a little further there are more ancient burial mounds—it's amazing! The Room is even nicer than in the photos. 　The Asuka scenery is beautiful, and you can also see Mt. Nijo. Relaxing in the hammock on the balcony was wonderful! 　The BALMUDA kettle and the coffee packs were delicious! There were lots of tasteful books in the stairwell area, and I really enjoyed them. The manga “Tenjo no Niji” was so interesting—I want to read more! 　Breakfast was great too—the white rice was glossy and delicious! Maybe because there are only five rooms, it’s quiet in the morning and you can eat at a relaxed pace. 　They also store your luggage after checkout! When I mentioned we were going for a walk to Asukadera Temple and Iruka’s Kubizuka, they gave us frozen Aquarius sports drink and Ramune candies to help prevent heatstroke. So grateful!

I am writing only about the service. At check-in, there were two staff members at the front desk and one was available. I gave my name and said I was checking in, but a male staff member told me to “wait on that sofa, as we are guiding guests in order,” so I waited. It did look busy, but even after no one was at the front desk, no one came to assist me. When I asked a passing staff member whether it was still okay to keep waiting as instructed, a female staff member apologized sincerely and guided me right away. Her manner was very polite, which made me wonder why I had been told to wait in the first place. After entering the Room, when I tried to have tea, the teacup was slightly dirty (which could be washed), but when I emptied the teapot there was leftover tea still inside. When I called about it, the same female staff member came immediately and apologized profusely. She seemed so apologetic that it almost made me feel bad for her—so I couldn’t help thinking this should have been taken care of beforehand. The female staff member who served us at dinner and breakfast was perfect. In particular at breakfast she even showed us around the VIP room we were interested in, which truly impressed us. However, at checkout: I was told that in addition to drinks from dinner there would also be charges for souvenirs. Since we had not purchased any souvenirs, I asked to see an itemized statement. They said they had apparently added another guest’s charges by mistake; after removing those items they processed payment by card. In general, an itemized statement should be shown and confirmed before payment is taken—it is not normal for this to be handled only verbally. Especially since this became a minor dispute where I had to request proof of details first, it should have been presented immediately. Moreover, after payment they handed me only the card slip. Only after I requested it did they give me something like an itemized Receipt as well; normally customers should receive not only the card slip but also an itemized statement—especially when there has been a billing error like this. Because they handled all of this so casually, it felt pointless to continue arguing and I gave up requesting issuance of a Receipt. I am reporting this because there were both excellent aspects of service and aspects that were more than simply disappointing mixed together. I hope improvements will be made.

The road in front of the Accommodation is one-way (see map), but motorcycles are exempt. Also, you may be able to park a motorcycle under the eaves/garage (not guaranteed—please inquire). Alcohol is available from a vending machine. There’s also a convenience store within walking distance, and a delicious onigiri shop about 100 m away. A perfect Accommodation for bike touring. The shower/bath and toilets are shared, but they were very comfortable. Excellent value for money. A must-repeat stay when visiting Kashihara Shrine.

We would be happy to stay here again next time.

While breathing in the fresh air of Asuka, I truly enjoyed the attentive hospitality that was present without being intrusive. Dinner at Da terra was also a wonderful meal that delighted both body and mind. There was nothing to complain about, but if I had to mention something, it would be breakfast. I’m not sure instant noodles are the best choice. Also, the one-size-fits-all sleepwear was a bit small... Just minor details.

I am a senior resident of Osaka, and this was my first visit to Tenkawa Village. Thank you for taking such good care of us. From my 30s onward I was constantly away on long business trips, then worked overseas from my late 40s through late 50s. After retiring at 60, I was assigned alone to a domestic affiliate company—15 years living apart from my family in total. During that time, I left all childcare and household responsibilities to my wife. Now that I have reached my second retirement at 65, I wanted—at the very least—to make it up to her. Because she loves nature (gorges, limestone caves, views from high elevations, and more), and because seeing fireflies was her top wish, we chose Nishisei as a Ryokan with delicious cuisine in an area where we could enjoy firefly viewing as well as an Onsen. We stayed one night from July 10 to 11. We arrived a little early for check-in, but you kindly welcomed us right away. While sightseeing, my wife lightly twisted her ankle. When I mentioned it to the female staff member in charge, she immediately brought us a cold compress patch. After dinner, you also drove us to a spot where we could see fireflies. Just as we had heard beforehand, everyone in this area is truly kind—I felt genuine hospitality throughout our stay. The manager told us that it might be hard to know whether we would be able to see any fireflies due to the timing of the season; however, at the riverside spot he guided us to, there were what seemed like well over one hundred flying about—a sight that even surprised him! We were deeply moved by the incredible swarm of fireflies unlike anything we had ever seen before. My wife said that every part of this trip matched her tastes perfectly and that she enjoyed it immensely. Personally as well—the Onsen (a bit hot but wonderfully refreshing afterward), the delicious meals served in our spacious private dining room-style setting, and the dancing fireflies—everything impressed me greatly. Thank you very much for your wonderful care and hospitality.

We enjoyed our stay while feeling the spirit of Asuka. The Asuka hot pot was delicious. The bath felt as relaxing as an Onsen. We appreciated the system that allowed us to spend our time freely without excessive service.

I was able to get away from everyday life and truly enjoy my stay. The duck hot pot at dinner had a comforting broth, the rice was delicious, and the local sake Hanatomoe was easy to drink and paired perfectly with the meal. And the water is wonderful—I believe you mentioned that you use spring water from underground. We enjoyed so many blessings from the mountains and river and finished everything. Thank you for the feast. The Dorogawa Onsen bath was also soothing and relaxing. Thank you for everyone’s warm hospitality and thoughtful care.

This was a very thoughtfully designed Accommodation. The guest building was wonderful. The meals were delicious (both breakfast and dinner). Using the public bath was fun. The staff member who assisted us at check-in was also very pleasant. I would like to stay here again when I visit Nara.

Stayed with the One-Night Stay with Breakfast Plan. The bath in the Room was unexpectedly spacious and allowed me to enjoy the view while relaxing, which was very satisfying. I would love to visit again during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. The breakfast was also satisfying in both content and taste.

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.