Akasawa Onsen Ryokan

The cat was very cute. The Onsen’s open-air bath felt cold when I first got in. The indoor bath was also quite lukewarm, but it felt like I could stay in forever. I bathed three times during my stay, and it was very relaxing. Many of the staff were from overseas, but I could feel their thoughtful hospitality. It had a homey atmosphere. As a solo traveler, it was great to be able to relax quietly. I’d like to stay again.

I stayed here after reading an article about a Ryokan with cats and an Onsen. I traveled solo for one night with No Meals Included.I checked in early and used the Onsen several times during my stay. Since this Accommodation doesn’t have many Rooms, it felt like I had it all to myself each time, which gave a great sense of privacy.I’m not very knowledgeable about hot spring quality, but the water felt silky and made me warm up quickly. The open-air bath was quite lukewarm, so it would probably be perfect on a hot day. (Unfortunately, it was cold when I visited, so I didn’t stay long.)Even though my plan was No Meals Included, there are some local-style restaurants and a convenience store within walking distance (though a bit far), so you can manage.As for the cats I came for, I was able to spend plenty of time with them in the living room. After soaking in the Onsen, I relaxed in the lobby/living area, and it was incredibly soothing—one cat slept right in front of me, and another always rubbed against me whenever it walked by.They also run a cat café, but guests can enjoy that as part of their stay, which is truly appreciated if you love cats.The Room wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it had more than enough amenities and was kept very clean.I had been slightly worried because some Reviews mentioned communication issues since most staff are foreigners, but that wasn’t the case at all. They tried their best even if their Japanese wasn’t perfect, and when something seemed hard to explain they made extra effort to help clarify things. I had no negative impression whatsoever—if anything, they felt more friendly and easygoing than some overly dry Japanese staff.Overall—including the cats—this Accommodation offered excellent value compared with nearby places for No Meals Included. It was such a good stay that it almost made me worry about how they make ends meet.