Top-tier luxury. This place is what you get when you give someone a very generous budget and ask them to dream up the most comfortable Ryokan they can think of. The whole place was in tatami mats and it was comfortable to walk about barefoot or with socks. The baths themselves were the best out of all the ryokans that I have tried. They offered a range of different shampoos and soaps, and multiple indoor and outdoor baths - ranging from stone/natural baths to wooden tubs. There is also a sauna and cold bath, and it is here that I discovered the adrenaline rush and relaxation that comes with alternating between a hot sauna and cold bath. There are also privates baths (yes there are two!) that are free for use, unlike other ryokans that charge you for them. There are free treats everywhere - ice pops and milk (my favourite!) at the baths, various snacks and drinks (coffee, various teas, vinegar drink and even beer and shochu!). Then at 10-10.30pm, you can get a bowl of ramen, with the Akita specialty: Fish Shottsuru. Best, most premium and complete bath amenities out of all the ryokans I have visited. They also have well-placed cold water dispenser and places where you can simply sit after your bath to enjoy the view. They also offer a "pillow library" where you can personally compare different types of pillows and choose the ones that you like best! Best facilities out of all the ryokans I've been to (perhaps to make up for the lack of things to do by way of local attractions and how isolated it is). There are traditional Japanese children's games, origami and even a quaint library. Layout of the room is great too - I like that there is a separate "reception" area where you can keep your bags and clothes separate from the main sleeping/living quarters. I also like the little table in front of the window - perfect for a quiet reflection.

Very few shuttle buses, which when combined with how isolated it is, means you absolutely need to stick to the arranged shuttle bus pick-up time, leaving buffer time (i.e. "waste" some time waiting around if your connecting train does not arrive at a time that matches the shuttle bus schedule). Also some gaps in the service, e.g. they did not bring my bags to my room for me, which is customary in other Ryokans. The Wifi was also patchy on one night. No nearby activities means this place is best for simply enjoying the facilities and onsen, and having quiet time to yourself.

The surroundings, cleanliness, service, facilities and food.

There’s free Shuttle services from train station to and from the property but it was not clearly stated as how to book it and from which station . We had trouble booking the shuttle with the property via message (no response) and when we called, they don’t speak English and just asked us to take a taxi which cost about 110,000 yen from the nearest train station.

food was excellent with local specialties. staff did their best to translate and explain in english. free midnight ramen was a nice surprise. be sure to organize shuttle service from yuzawa in advance and be aware that currently many connections to the south and west are restricted due to heavy rain damage.

Thoroughly impressed with the quality of the food and the amenities. They treated us very well with a great deal of respect and kindness. They tried to accomodate us in any way they could which made us feel valuable.

Location and property itself both excellent, views out the room and rotenburos were other worldly serene

Nothing I can think of

The dinner was excellent. Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Nice facilities.

one of the best hotel I have ever experience in japan.

Has got everything you wish for from a modern-traditional ryokan.