The place is located in a super nice forest, where we saw the snow stacked on the side of the road (half a meter high, at the end of march). This gave off very nice vibes. The personnel treat you very well, even picking up after your shoes (which we found particularly awkward, as we were not used to this). The included dinner was about 9 authentic Japanese courses. The breakfast was also very extensive. We definitely couldn't finish it all. The room was very large and looked very good.

The Onsen baths were a little too cold for us, especially outside in the beautiful nature. Between 35-37 degrees Celsius I'm guessing. Which was still nice to be in, but not the real hot spring experience for us. The tatami beds were quire thin, we were definitely touching the ground. The location is a little hard to get to, but it is worth the drive to get to the beautiful mountain forest.

The outdoor pool was incredible, our room was very large for the three of us and had all the right and authentic amenities. We had a lot of snowfall so we experienced the outdoor pool with snow falling. The dinner and breakfast were very traditional. We were helped by Otsuka who was amazing checking us in and explaining the procedure to access the onsen and then how to eat our traditional dinner and breakfast, we thought he provided a very high standard of service, arigato Otsuka and Awanoyu

It was a trek to get there and we weren’t sure if we going to make it. Awanoyu had to send their own bus to meet the Alpico bus half-way along the route as the Alpico bus couldn’t go through the snow. We had snow in Matsumoto as our departure point to get to Awanoyu and apparently that is unusual so everything seemed a bit uncertain about the travel to get there, but it did all work in the end.

We loved the remoteness of this hotel…we had already been to Kyoto,Kanazawa, and Takayama. This was our last destination before heading home, and we wanted to just relax, take leisurely walks and soak in the sulfur hot springs. Also, be treated to kaiseki dining,which were elaborate and tasty. We loved the kotatsu (heated table with a blanket draped to keep your legs and lower body warm. And the kotatsu was located in the bay window facing a snow covered woods: so serene. We specifically want to commend Otsuka-san and Ogama-as for serving us breakfasts and dinners with a high degree of professionalism and kindness. Also, deep appreciation to Tajima-san at the reception desk for providing a typewritten page of directions for my husband and me, in reaching our next destination. It was complicated, requiring 6 different transfers. But his step by step directions plus a map of the train station showing us how to get to the next train, were so helpful. On our last day, the ryokan provided a private van for three couples (us included) because the local bus couldn’t pass the road due to a landslide. That’s service!

The outdoor bath is spectacular

Very Dated interiour could use a renovation. We paid for a room with a view and got a sweeping vista of a parking lot. Food was ok but we had much better at lower priced Ryokans.

Awa No Yu is very beautiful, especially in autumn when we went! Lots of beautiful fall foliage and the open air milky waters onsen gives it a very surreal and relaxing vibe. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and meals were very yummy. It's a bit pricey but considering this includes quite an extravagant dinner and breakfast for two, it suddenly becomes much more worth it. Plenty of hot springs to enjoy and the staff were very helpful and friendly! We were made to feel very welcome. Location is also conveniently near Kamikochi, so this was a great place to stay if you're intending to visit.

While the rooms were clean, the hot spring onsen felt grubby and that was quite a big disappointment for us since that was one of the reasons we picked this ryokan. Both the indoor and outdoor female pools were grimy. The I'm not sure if it was meant to be that way because of the quality of the water or not but the mixed gender bath felt relatively cleaner and it's using the same water. That said, it's also mixed gender, so ladies going alone may feel uncomfortable.

We had a great stay here, it was really unique. It was certainly expensive but it felt very authentic and was a one in a kind experience. The hotel is a little old but thats part of the charm, it was perfectly clean. Baths were wonderful and the multi course dinner and breakfast was wonderful! I loved sleeping in one room with the family in the cosy beds they made up for us. It was a real highlight of the trip. Warning: be careful to check the roads before you set off - you may need to allow extra time to get there if a road is shut like it was for us - you also want to drive up those mountain roads slowly!

The onsen was beyond expectations! It was warm and relaxing. It was a bit uncomfortable to be around so many naked people, but no one really looks at you. Women can use a "bathing robe" that they provide, which I did and was tremendously helpful in making me more comfortable. Guys have to be nude though. The dinner and breakfast were soooo good! Def worth the money!

Everything was perfect. It's very rural and old time'y so don't expect any fanciness. We loved it

We liked the old school feel of the place. The staff was really nice. The personal attention to our needs was exceptional. They pretty much do everything for you. They greet you in the parking lot at your car. They take your luggage to your room. They bring a tea to your room and explain how everything works. They take your meal preferences(dinner and breakfast). While we were at dinner, unbeknownst to us they prepared our beds so when we got back to the room everything was ready for bed time. Meals are set menus. The food was delicious. We felt like royalty. Really nice experience.

We arrived hungry and assumed we'd be able to buy some food or snacks. Nope. You only eat at meal time.

One of the best onsen and ryokan we've experienced. The unique milky hot spring water is really gentle on the skin. Our children had a great time at the onsen too. The kaiseki dinner was exceptional. We stayed here for 2 nights and were given a treat to two very different 13-course dinner. Fantastic experience.

Nothing that we can think of. Great hospitality, great ambience, very comfortable space, fantastic onsen, excellent dinner and breakfast. Pricey, but for the experience, it's worth it.

The hotel is beautifully locates in the Japanese Alps and the onsen facilities are stunning. A very characteristic and enjoyable experience. The hotel service and staff are impeccable and the meals were delicious. Highlight of our trip in Japan.

The building itself is a little tired and could do with a renovation, but charming nonetheless. Getting to the hotel is not easy either, needs a little planning ahead.