Shinano-Takehara Station × Accommodation For Enjoying Autumn FlavorsHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

I stayed in a newly renovated Room, and it was wonderful. The in-room perks were excellent. In particular, the all-you-can-eat gelato was an incredibly generous service—perfect after the Onsen—and I enjoyed trying many different flavors. Everything was delicious. The pre-dinner aperitif can be chosen from the menu, and the lounge coffee machine is truly high-quality, so I used it many times. Both the quality and quantity of the meals were very satisfying, and what impressed me most was the staff. There were many young team members, but everyone’s hospitality was outstanding. Some staff members spent a long time chatting with elderly guests because they were approached for conversation, yet they responded without showing any displeasure at all—I was genuinely impressed. You can also enjoy two different types of Onsen water, and I think this Accommodation offers excellent value for money. I will definitely return again. Thank you very much for taking such great care of me.

We stayed here for a family trip during the Obon holidays. They kindly provided taxi pick-up and drop-off to Nagano Station, which was very helpful. The staff were attentive, and the facility was clean and pleasant, making our stay truly relaxing. The meals were also excellent. We would love to visit again in a different season. Thank you very much.

We visited to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. It was a long drive from Yokohama to Nagano, but this was a wonderful Accommodation that truly made us glad we came. The in-room open-air bath was a little hot and needed some adjustment, but it was clean, spacious, and free of insects. The shampoo and conditioner also left our hair smooth and silky. (Some Ryokan at this level still leave your hair feeling rough.) All the staff who welcomed us were smiling, and during dinner the head chef served the main dish right at our table. Everything was delicious—made with local ingredients and carefully prepared with great attention to detail. On our way out, they even opened the souvenir shop in the main building earlier for us, so I was happy to be able to buy the souvenirs I wanted. My parents were very pleased as well, so we would love to visit again while they are still healthy.

After working hard decluttering my home during Golden Week, I decided on a last-minute treat—let’s go to an Onsen! So I made a Reservation the day before and stayed at this Accommodation. I hadn’t planned the trip in advance; I just wanted to relax with delicious food and an Onsen. I happened to find this place through a search, and it turned out to be truly wonderful—an unforgettable reward and a great memory. While chatting with the staff member who welcomed us in the parking lot, we mentioned Sora Terrace. After check-in, the attendant surprised me by bringing over a brochure, saying, “I heard you’re going tomorrow.” I was genuinely touched. Even though it’s a historic Onsen area, the younger staff were working hard, and everyone—from the dining staff to the front desk—was cheerful and friendly throughout our stay. It was an Accommodation filled with heartfelt hospitality that naturally brought smiles. The Room had been renovated in a modern Japanese style. There were plenty of power outlets everywhere (including by the bed), so charging devices was never an issue. I also loved being able to enjoy coffee, tea, and cold tea in the complimentary lounge area. Dinner served in a private room was excellent—not only delicious but also beautifully presented with small touches that made it even more enjoyable. I came hoping to unwind at a Ryokan, but exploring nearby public baths in yukata and sandals was also great fun. Since we went without much prior research, it made the holiday even more memorable.

Obuse, the town of Hokusai and chestnuts, is known for its beautiful streetscape that feels almost like a theme park. We arrived a little early by car, so we visited Gansho-in Temple and Jokoji Temple before heading to Masuichi Kyakuden. The ceiling painting at Gansho-in—Katsushika Hokusai’s “Phoenix Glancing in All Directions”—was truly breathtaking. As soon as we pulled up in front of Masuichi Kyakuden, a staff member came right out and efficiently carried our luggage inside. The highly sought-after “Chestnut Dessert Suzaku,” which is notoriously difficult to secure, will be offered from 9/10 this year. Because guests staying at Masuichi Kyakuden receive priority guaranteed access, it becomes even harder to make an Accommodation Reservation for stays from 9/10 onward. Since our stay was before then, making a Reservation was easy. Stepping inside Masuichi Kyakuden, you’re immediately enveloped by the stately atmosphere of the kura storehouse building. Our Room was on the second floor; we chose the Relax Twin style. Despite being in a kura-style structure, it also has a terrace, with plenty of natural light and an open feel. There are also more traditional, calmer kura-style Rooms available; however, we were told they are designed with high ceilings to avoid any sense of confinement. Designed by architect John Morford, the Room is fully Western-style with extensive use of stainless steel—its glass-and-stainless bath is well worth seeing. Amenities are L’Occitane; the refrigerator includes complimentary drinks; plus coffee and tea—everything you’d expect from a high-end Ryokan-style stay is provided, making the Room very comfortable. For dinner, we walked about three minutes to Obusedo Honten (part of the same Masuichi group). Every dish showcased the head chef’s experience and refined sensibility. The soup course, simmered dishes, and grilled items had a Kyoto kaiseki influence—above all else, the dashi was exceptional. The sashimi was fresh and perfectly seasoned as well. Local ingredients were used throughout for very high satisfaction overall. One note: the first items served—lightly dressed Kurakake beans and Matsumae-zuke—are not part of the course menu itself (just so you know). They’re clearly intended as snacks with alcohol—especially sake brewed by Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery within the same group—and both paired beautifully with their sake: firm Kurakake beans soaked in elegant dashi alongside Matsumae-zuke packed with rich seafood umami made each sip even better than before. In autumn Obuse becomes all about chestnuts; while we couldn’t try “Chestnut Dessert Suzaku,” we did get to enjoy “Mont Blanc Suzaku,” a Western-inspired take on Suzaku. It’s available at their affiliated shop “Entotsu.” We nearly gave up due to long lines but learned that overnight guests can make Reservations—so we were able to enjoy it without waiting. If you stay at Masuichi Kyakuden, be sure to indulge in one of their “Suzaku”-style chestnut sweets if you can. Overall it was an outstanding stay—we thoroughly enjoyed Obuse from start to finish.

Due to my child’s entrance exams, this was my first visit in several years, but the building is well maintained and exceptionally clean. The updated loungewear was very comfortable to wear. Even more impressive is the service from the Hotel staff—everyone at the front desk, restaurant, lounge, and housekeeping consistently provides such pleasant hospitality. There are many Hotels with great facilities but poor service; however, I felt that Grand Phoenix Okushiga is on a different level. As for dining, Italian cuisine is my personal favorite.

The building and Rooms are certainly old, but the view from the lobby, the delicious meals made with care using local ingredients, the hot Onsen, and above all, the pleasant hospitality of the staff made our stay very comfortable. Thank you for taking such good care of us. I would like to visit again during the autumn foliage season.

This trip was to celebrate my mother’s birthday. She requested to see the Onsen she had visited with my late father during their honeymoon, and also the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. We chose this Accommodation because Reviews repeatedly mentioned the private family bath and a homey, relaxing atmosphere. True to the Reviews, it was a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place. The warm glow of washi paper lamps displayed throughout was beautiful, and we could feel the proprietress’s thoughtful care in every detail. And the food—absolutely delicious! Dinner just kept coming (laugh). Every dish was freshly made and served hot. The best of all was the kake soba hand-made by the chef that very morning. I love soba and visit many places, but I’m sorry—this was truly the best I’ve ever had anywhere. Breakfast also made us happy with piping-hot dashimaki tamago. The highlight of breakfast was the miso soup—I wanted to take home the whole pot. As we’ve gotten older, we choose our trips carefully based on both meals and Accommodation quality, and this place offered outstanding value for money. More than anything, we made unforgettable memories here. On our way out, I bought one of the lamps that were on display at the Accommodation as a gift for my mother. Thanks to you, it became the best birthday present possible. We’ll come again in winter—and again for her birthday next year too. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to listen kindly to my mother’s stories (＾ω＾)

The meals were beautifully presented and delicious, and the bath was wonderfully soothing—its gentle water warmed me to the core. The places we visited based on the owner’s advice (a walk and a roadside station) were also excellent. We were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service of being able to use three yukata per person for a one-night stay, which is something you rarely find elsewhere, allowing us to relax in comfort. The attention to detail and thoughtful hospitality throughout were outstanding, and we had a wonderful time. Thank you very much.

The old-fashioned Momoyama-style bath was truly impressive. From the changing room, the detailed ceiling and flooring created a wonderful sense of character, and when I opened the door to the indoor bath, I couldn’t help but sigh at the atmosphere of a bygone era. The open-air bath also had an excellent ambiance. I rated service 4 because I would have appreciated clearer maps and signage inside the property.

Both the Room and the restaurant had a Japanese-modern design, creating a very relaxing atmosphere. The Onsen water was excellent, and because it is free-flowing, I was able to enjoy it many times. It had been a while since I last enjoyed truly delicious Japanese cuisine. The chef is licensed to prepare fugu, and the fried fugu they prepared was exceptionally good. Next time, I’d love to try the full fugu course. I also heard that they ran a sushi restaurant for many years—no wonder the sashimi, carefully selected with the chef’s expert eye, was outstanding. The Japanese dishes and sushi prepared by the brothers were absolutely superb. A sushi course would be wonderful as well. This is an Accommodation where I’ll continue looking forward to the food in the future, and it has become one of the places I’d like to stay again. I had a truly enjoyable time. Thank you very much to all of the staff.

Beautiful scenery, a resort-like atmosphere throughout the property, and carefully prepared seasonal dishes. The service was attentive, courteous, and truly pleasant. The cool natural air and enjoyable walks made me very glad I visited. Breakfast was also brought to our table, allowing us to relax and enjoy the meal at ease. I appreciated the Shuttle Service from Yudanaka Station, and taking a short break in the lounge was a wonderful time as well. Although it was a trip during the heat, I felt refreshed and ready to get through the summer with renewed energy. I am turning 77 this year. I want to continue enjoying wonderful trips—dressing up and savoring stays at Resort Hotels and Ryokans.

My husband and I stayed one night in the Nadeshiko Room. The Accommodation is quite far from the familiar sights of residential areas and shops, but it’s in a wonderful location surrounded by the greenery of Takayama Village. After seeing Raiden Falls, we were truly moved by the nature there. The Accommodation isn’t large and has a historic feel, but the interior has been nicely renovated. After check-in, simply relaxing in the lobby with a bowl of matcha while looking out at the trees right in front of us was incredibly soothing. The Nadeshiko Room we stayed in was especially spacious and barrier-free, so we could unwind comfortably. This time it was just the two of us and we’re still doing fine physically, but with this layout, we felt we could come back even when we’re older—and also imagined how nice it would be to visit with our son and his wife. Above all, the Onsen was absolutely amazing! We’ve stayed at many Onsen Accommodations, but here we could soak in a free-flowing hot spring bath with yunohana floating on the surface while enjoying seasonal views through the window. With its size and cleanliness, this Onsen is hands down our best experience ever. We were informed in advance, but the water temperature is quite hot, so if you prefer a milder bath you may need to adjust it. The meals were simple yet delicious dishes that made great use of ingredients unique to a mountain Ryokan—everything felt wholesome and nourishing. The river fish had no odor and tasted great; however, since there are only a few Rooms, I would have loved it served more freshly grilled. It was slightly firm, so my husband wondered if it might have been smoked. Overall, it was an ideal Accommodation for escaping everyday noise and spending time at ease. Choosing this place from all the options we researched before our trip was absolutely the right decision. Thank you very much.

Stayed for a Multiple Night Stay. It seemed many other guests were also staying multiple nights. (I saw some of the same guests at the dining area.) The sulfur Onsen was excellent. It was almost like having it privately to myself. As other Reviews say, there is no lavish feast. It’s best to think of it as healthy food. Since there was no refrigerator in the Room, they kindly let me use the Hotel refrigerator for the beer I brought. (Thank you.) There are no convenience stores nearby, so it’s better to bring some food with you.

Thank you for taking care of me on this touring trip! I really appreciated being allowed to park my motorcycle under the eaves by the entrance. The staff included many young women from overseas, and everyone served us politely with constant smiles, so I was able to fully enjoy a satisfying Onsen Accommodation—thank you very much. Next time, I’d like to visit with my wife and daughters as a family, and I look forward to seeing you then. If I may make one request: I had a beer in the floor area next to the front desk, but I was disappointed that the glass was at room temperature (it was a hot day, so it felt lukewarm). I would be grateful if you could consider this. Thank you again for such an enjoyable stay at your Onsen Accommodation. This middle-aged rider will definitely be back!

After earning my Onsen Sommelier Master certification, I’ve been gradually visiting Onsen around Japan. The water quality in Shibu Onsen is truly wonderful. I was surprised by how many international visitors there were. Because the public bath tour was crowded, I couldn’t visit them all… but I was able to enjoy almost all of the baths at the Ryokan. The staff were very friendly and relaxed, which made my stay truly soothing. To Mr. Y from the male staff: thank you for all the fun conversations. If you have time, please do come to Niigata again.

I stayed on the Shinshu Beef Plan. The meat was more generous than expected and absolutely delicious. There were also plenty of fresh vegetables, and the simple preparation let me fully enjoy their natural flavors. The Facility is old, but it has many furnishings that convey its history, and the overall atmosphere lets you immerse yourself in a Showa-era vibe. Perhaps due to energy-saving measures, some corridors and the post-bath lounge felt a bit dark at night and were slightly unsettling, but I can imagine how challenging it must be to maintain such large-scale facilities. The Onsen is one I want to visit again and again—please keep up the great work!

I come to ski in Shiga Kogen at least once a year, and I stay at Lake Hotel about once every two years. It’s great that solo stays are welcome, the location is convenient, and the price is reasonable—so it’s extremely useful for me. Above all, I’m very satisfied because there’s none of the common ski-Accommodation stress like a cold bath area, weak showers, or water that’s too hot. Last time there were only a few groups staying and it felt a bit quiet, but this time there were many international guests and younger visitors as well, which made it lively and enjoyable. It was my first time having both breakfast and dinner as buffet-style meals here, and I ended up eating too much… In particular, my favorite item was a sweet simmered side dish (or maybe dessert?) served at breakfast—something like candied sweet potato and apple. I also recommend the apple juice sold at the shop with the mascot dog on the package. One thing I’d like to mention is the smoking area. I saw cigarettes in the ashtray that didn’t seem fully extinguished, so it might be better to place some water for putting them out (for example in a plastic bottle).

The owner was very kind and gave us a warm welcome. They recommended many wonderful local attractions, such as apple picking, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The Room was spacious enough for one person, very quiet at night, and provided a comfortable stay. Additionally, the **bath (bathtub)** allowed me to relax as if I were at home. I would love to stay here again if I have the chance!

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.