This property is truly a gem. While I can comment only on the room we stayed in, room 503 which was a Japanese style room, I would rate it as a 10/10. The staff are all lovely. Every single staff member that crossed our path was very helpful, polite and friendly. Our room had a gorgeous 180 degree view over Kotohira. The sound of the river below was so nice. If I was to stay again, I would stay in a western style room simply because I found it difficult to get off the floor. I peeked in room 302 on my way out and think any western room on that side of that building with that view, could not be beat. We did not have our dinners at the hotel but did have breakfast every day for the four days we were there. The amount of food is enough to set you for the entire day. I enjoyed a vegetarian western breakfast while my husband enjoyed the Japanese breakfast. The food is delicious, the presentation is beautifully done and the service is exceptional. Such a hard working team. The staff were happy to take us to the train station whoever we wanted to go on a day trip. A day trip to the Iya valley and one to the Ritsurin gardens should not be missed.

The ryokan is absolutely beautiful, service was excellent and the food was very good. A very enjoyable and unforgettable 2 day stay for us. I would highly recommend the stay if you are looking to relax and unwind near nature. We stayed in a premium cottage and could book the private onsen each day at no additional cost. It was very good.

We arrived at the ryokan by food from the JR station, which took us 15mins with our luggages. When we arrived , there seemed to be a free hotel pickup service for guests, which we did not know about. It would have been better if the hotel reached out to us with the pickup information before we arrived, so that we can book it.

Lovely room with a great view of the garden and distant mountains. The private bath on our balcony was excellent plus there was another bath that could be booked for private use with a view of the forest, free of charge. We had 2 kaiseki dinners which were delicious. There was plenty of food but the portions were more manageable than some similar hotels. The tempura was the best we've ever had! Staff were very friendly. You can walk to Kompira-san via a direct route from behind the property. There was a hotel shuttle bus to the station.

We were extremely fortunate to stay in the Choseiden cottage. The very generous layout and views over the garden towards the faraway mountains, the scrolls, the paintings, the wooden furniture of this once tea house, not too forget the private bath (“Onsen”) with its glass panel onto the forest were exquisite. The staff were most helpful and kind. Very warm thoughts go to Reina who brought us our meals and guided us through the intricacies of the local cuisine, while answering with a joyful warmth our relentless barrage of questions about Japanese culture and herself. A stay which will linger!

We booked a Japanese Villa for our 2-night family stay (disclaimer: it wasn't cheap!). We were smack in the middle of Cherry Blossom season and couldn't believe how beautiful the surroundings were. Between the private Onsen and the breakfast/dinner served in the room, sleeping on futons and dressing in Yukatas, this was an incredible experience for the family. We especially appreciated the service by an Indian gentleman at the Front Desk, as well as Reina, the nice young lady who took care of us with dinner and breakfast. The town of Kotohira is lovely and a hike up to the top shrine, if you're not afraid of climbing over 1'300 steps, is a must do. You can have a lovely bowl of Udon and Sake as a reward on the way down. All in all a lovely stay that will remain in our memories forever.

Tatami mats tend to be a little dusty and I wish the staff vacuumed the room a little better upon check-in, but that was quickly resolved as someone came to vacuum almost immediately after we mentioned it.

My stay at Kotohira Kadan was fantastic. The view from the hotel is truly beautiful, adding a special touch to the overall experience. The private onsen in the room was a highlight, providing a relaxing and luxurious escape. The food was exceptional, with a variety of delicious dishes that left me very satisfied. The staff were incredibly friendly and grateful, always attentive and making me feel very welcome. Additionally, the hotel’s location is very convenient, making it easy to walk to Kotohira-gu Shrine. This made exploring the area very enjoyable and hassle-free.

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I liked the setting in a beautiful garden. The view from my tatami room was superb. Although a western style bed was unavailable on the nights I booked, I found the futon comfortable and at 74 I was able to get off the floor without too much difficulty. I like that you could access YouTube on the TV as I travel alone and was able to have English programs at night. The room was very spacious.

I would have like to have coffee sachets and larger cups in the room. There was only tea.

Beautiful haven of tranquility. The design and craftsmanship in the rooms was exquisite. The outdoor onsen bath, though small, was wonderful. The ryokan is a quick walk to the historic Kabuki theater if you take the path behind the property. The theater is definitely worth a visit. We wish we had stayed a second night.

Well, of course we wish it had been less expensive but you understand what you are paying for. It is wonderful.

Everything is amazing. The dinner and breakfast were fantastic. The room easily fit three adults. The staff were friendly and helpful. They gave us a map with suggested walking routes for local attractions. Also, they have umbrellas you can borrow if it is raining.

I just wish the tattoo policy had been on their website or mentioned on booking.com. I would still book but I would have researched a nearby onsen or sento that we could have visited as well.

Great to have private onsen bath and we are able to use at own time. The breakfast was superb-slightly different food everyday and the staff were friendly and courteous. The location may not be very convenient but we like the quiet and laid back atmosphere.

The room was small for 4 pax. Not much free space after the futon beds were laid out with 4 opened luggages. Also rather inconvenient to return and collect keys whenever we leave and come back.