The hotel's location was quite convenient. A short bus or cab ride from Shuzenji station. From the hotel, it was a lovely stroll to Shuzenji Temple nearby. What stood out to me most was the staff's genuine hospitality. They didn't speak much English but were very accommodating at all times. Neither my mom nor I eat beef, so with advance notice, they replaced beef with lobster. The room was very spacious and comfortable. Although the public bath was small, it was cozy and well-equipped. It was a shame we only stayed one night.

Excellent staff service from the moment of arriving, as they helped us with the luggage, to the dining experience. Great food breakfast and dinner half board, sumptuous meal, super full after it, and very cheerful staff. Rooms felt bespoke and beautiful appointments throughout. Highly recommended.

It was very hard to find the parking lot after arriving at the front of the hotel, where you cannot stop/park. Clearer signage would have been helpful. Offering assistance to move luggage down the stairs at checkout would have been a nice touch, but overall a good experience. Investing in a luggage trolley to move luggage from car park to hotel entrance would probably be a good idea.

This was our first visit to Shuzenji, and we were very impressed by the natural beauty of this area and the warm hospitality of AKARI KAORI. The hotel staff is exceptionally friendly and patient, making my parents' first Ryokan experience comfortable and welcoming. Although the place is not big, every detail is carefully arranged and designed, so we never felt cramped. The Yukata provided were a delightful touch, especially with the option for female guests to choose special ones. Guests can wear Yukata to the dining room and even for a walk outside. New towels and socks were also provided, which added to our comfort. The dining experience was superb, with both dinner and breakfast offering fine dining quality. The food was delicious, fresh, and there was a wide variety. We were overwhelmed by the choices! The staff even provided alternatives for my husband, who chose not to eat seafood. Just make sure to advise them in advance if you have special dietary needs. The location is also a big plus, being really close to the bamboo grove. It's a very nice place to go for a walk after dinner, and you're guaranteed to be stuffed from the wonderful meals! Overall, our stay at AKARI KAORI was a memorable and delightful experience, thanks to the natural beauty of Shuzenji and the hotel's excellent hospitality.

quiet and secluded location, beautifully designed and furnished, kind and helpful hosts, exceptional dining experience

nothing, only wished we could have stayed longer, everything exceeded our expectations

This is an authentic Ryokan and Onsen. The staff are exceptionally helpful and traditional in every way. The food is phenomenal (incl. Japanese style breakfast). This was a beautiful and relaxing retreat.

The public onsen space could be a little more modernised - but its really not an issue. Check out times could be later, and facilities are not usable without charge once checked out. We had no choice for meal times, but this is not a big deal!

Absolutely perfect. The natural baths were a dream and the rooms were comfortable, clean, unique, and just…perfect. The staff were incredible and kind. Walking distance to everything so the area is fun to explore as well. The only thing I wish is that we could’ve stayed more than one night! You can’t go wrong staying here - highly recommend.

Nothing!

This is an amazing ryokan. The staff is extremely friendly and nice. They do all and everything to make your stay memorable. The public onsen in the ryokan was great, very serene atmosphere. The room was huge, with a private onsen. All the facilities are very clean. The food (dinner and breakfast) is amazing, tasty and beautiful. The city is nice and quiet, great to walk around. There is a small bamboo forest, a river runs thru it, nice buildings. Picturesque!

nothing

Beautiful room with private onsen bath. The evening meal and breakfast were both beautiful and incredible. They catered perfectly for our various dietary requirements. The women's communal onsen was so lovely and beautifully designed. The staff were exceptional in every respect.

Everything was amazing.

The food was outstanding. The room was gorgeous. And the staff's attentiveness was second to none. They navigated the language barrier very professionally and were so courteous and great.

the wifi straight up didn't work in our room, and there was a light outside the room that I couldn't turn off when I wanted to go to sleep.

Great location close to town yet on a quieter street, lovely outdoor bath, many rooms have private indoor bath as well. Food was amazing and worth the splurge, make sure to book with half board to get breakfast and dinner.