Great first experience at a Japanese ryokan. The staff was really friendly and the kaiseki food excellent! Not to mention the wonderful outdoor onsen with a waterfall in front of it! The reason we went to this onsen ryokan was because of their children friendly service. They provide different things that make the stay with small or big children more easy.

We took the bus from Yugawara Station and the bus stop was right outside the ryokan. We had a Japanese style tatami room. The outdoor Onsen was nice, perched next to a small waterfall. The indoor onsen was large and hot. The water quality was not particularly smooth at a ph of 7.9. Dinner was adequate with sashimi, tempura and abalone. I would say it is a no frills , value for money ryokan.

I think people's reviews are a bit harsh. The building is a bit old but that's normally what you get with a traditional ryokan...unless you're spending $500/night...I've looked. I didn't notice mold or stains. The staff was awesome and gave us a tour of the whole building when we arrived. The bedrooms were very clean and simple with a gorgeous view. The onsen were easily the best part...felt like a magical studio ghibli-esque experience. As for language difficulties, most of the staff didn't speak English but the manager did, so if we needed anything we just talked to him. Oh and as for the food, we got the traditional kaiseki meal and it was lovely. Very good. I've had a few before at different ryokans and I was not disappointed this time.

They can't speak much English, but the service here is amazing. Expect 7 to 10 dishes per person each meal. Theyll wake you up and put away your bed and make your bed in the evening. You feel like royalty. The outdoor hot tub is beside a waterfall, under a lush bamboo forest and very hot.

Super old huge building. There are a lot of stains and molds. Windows have spider webs. Meals are not too great either. BUT the water fall hot spring is just amazing! Still need some maintenance but the temperature is just right. Not too hot n not too cold. And makes ur skin super smooth. This hot spring hotel is the first one in yugawara 100 years before.