สถานีเซียนเต็ก × ที่พักชมดอกไม้โรงแรม·เรียวกังที่มีคะแนนความพึงพอใจสูง

After seeing photos, I had long wanted to visit this Accommodation at least once, and this was my first stay. The real view was even more magnificent than the photos; while enjoying matcha in the lobby, the full glass wall opened up, removing any obstruction from sight, and I was deeply moved by the sensation of being completely filled with the lush green valley right before my eyes. Although the weather that day was unfortunately poor—perhaps due to a typhoon—the drifting rain mist added atmosphere like a sea of clouds, creating a truly ethereal world. Perhaps thanks to traditions passed down over many years, the hospitality was exceptionally polished; from being escorted to and briefed on our Room at check-in to every aspect of dining service, it was flawless with nothing to criticize. While traditional in spirit, the Facility is kept impeccably clean in a modern style (every faucet in both the Room and bath areas gleamed so much that it felt beyond mere cleanliness—I could almost sense the staff’s dedication), and we enjoyed every dish while also appreciating the presentation of their signature specialties. This is purely my personal impression, but it reminded me of a well-known culinary Ryokan in Yugawara (back before it was acquired by Hokkaido-based capital), and it has been a long time since I felt so strongly that I had found an outstanding “traditional Japanese Ryokan” with all three elements—service, cuisine, and location (including Facilities and Onsen)—perfectly aligned. It soothed both body and mind. Wanting to see snowy scenery through those windows, I went ahead and made a Reservation for December as well. With global warming reducing snowfall these days, there may not be much snow yet in December… (laugh). The only reason my rating for “Onsen / Baths” is 4 out of 5 is simply my small wish that the open-air bath were a bit larger.

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.

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 free-flowing Onsen water pours vigorously from the wall into the indoor bath, and in the open-air bath it cascades like a waterfall from the rocks—something Onsen lovers will truly appreciate. This was my father’s favorite place, and he was very happy. The meals were delicious and just the right amount. On the way to the large public bath, it was fun to see carp gathering where the spring water flows and bathing under it like a waterfall shower. The Room felt refreshingly cool with lush green trees outside. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

I stayed at this Accommodation yesterday! The service was very attentive, and the in-room open-air bath was flawless. Watching the staff grill and prepare sushi right in front of us at dinner and breakfast made the experience even better. Thank you for a wonderful one-night stay!

We stayed at Nadeshiko no Ma. The staff were welcoming and attentive, the Room was spacious and spotless, the in-room bath with free-flowing natural hot spring water was excellent, and the meals were truly delicious. This is an Accommodation we will definitely return to.

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.

Thank you for your hospitality. The staff were very pleasant, and the Room was clean and comfortable. The Onsen was also clean and very relaxing. The food was average.