Ryokan Nakamatsuya

We were greeted with “Welcome back,” and as we checked in, I felt so glad we had returned this year. After a bath in our room and a short rest, it was time for dinner. My elderly mother, who usually avoids soaking in a bathtub, felt safe using this one thanks to the handrails. Sharing a matsutake mushroom course dinner was a lovely chance to treat her, something I hadn’t done in a while. Our attendant was attentive without being intrusive, and the food was delicious and thoroughly satisfying. Breakfast offered a wonderful variety of dishes, all so tasty that I ate too much. Before leaving, we had a photo taken with the proprietress, adding another lovely memory to our visit. She and all the staff were so kind, and my mother was delighted. She said she would do her best to stay well so we could return. We look forward to another visit.

We were blessed with wonderful weather and arrived early, but we were shown to our room right away. After strolling around Kitamuki Kannon Hall, Anraku-ji Temple, and Joraku-ji Temple, we came back and headed straight for the baths. We used the 7th-floor bath in the evening and again in the morning; since it alternates between men and women morning/evening, both times felt completely private. We especially enjoyed the spectacular views from the open-air bath and the sauna. The water is silky-smooth and leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soft. Before checking out, we also enjoyed the private indoor bath in our room.We had a chance to see both rooms; although their layouts were completely different, both were spacious, with comfortable beds and excellent in-room baths.And then there was dinner—the highlight of our stay. This year’s matsutake harvest was abundant, and we were served an incredible variety and quantity of matsutake dishes unlike anything we’ve ever had before. Everything was outstandingly delicious—we were truly moved. The couple we invited was also amazed far beyond their expectations. When we asked our attendant, she told us that even in poor harvest years, thanks to 300 years of tradition and long-standing relationships, they can still secure plenty of matsutake even when they don’t appear on the market.The proprietress—often mentioned in reviews—was just as wonderful as everyone says. It all made sense: you can feel how her thoughtfulness naturally carries through to every member of staff.Since retiring, we travel almost every month, but this is the first ryokan that has impressed us so deeply.We would love to return at this time next year with the same group to enjoy matsutake again. Thank you very much.