สถานี Shinano-Takehara × ที่พักพร้อมห้องแต่งหน้าครบครันมีคะแนนอาหารสูงโรงแรม·เรียวกัง

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.

I was worried because the Reviews I checked in advance were low, but I’m very satisfied. The Room was spacious, and the view toward Zenkoji Temple and the night scenery were amazing. The amenities were well stocked, and both the open-air bath and indoor bath were great. Since it was that time of year when the Room heating wasn’t on, it was cold, so I contacted the front desk and they brought me a fan heater. There were some stains and dirt on the carpet, and the amenities didn’t feel particularly luxurious, but at this price it’s more than enough. It seems like meal ratings are very low, but since my stay was No Meals Included, I can’t comment. If you go down about 10 minutes there’s a convenience store, and beyond that there’s an AEON mall, popular supermarkets, chain restaurants, and ramen shops—so even with No Meals Included there’s no problem. I’ll stay here again next year!!