I cannot even imagine why someone would give this less than ten other than they were expecting a sterile hotel. This place has more character and historical beauty than any place I’ve been in Japan, and I’ve been all over. It IS NOT a hotel, a cushy spa on Hakkone, anything generic. It IS. A totally singular unlike any place you’ve been before historical, proud, quirky, creaky, beautiful, mysterious place. We were the only people there the first night and I felt like I had crossed the bridge in “spirited away.” There are tunnels and pathways within the building and we had spectacular views, and the beautiful baths alone with whispering bamboo and total silence. But most of the service is out of this world. I’ve been to many ryokans? And the level of care and proud hospitality, and sweet lovely smiles AND THE FOOD. The most delicious, generous, indigenous, creative…you can’t believe it. I could go on and on but am almost out of room. If you are a Hyatt person, or a White Lotus spa type- don’t go here. Let’s keep it for me. But if you want a secret slice of real Japan with the best hospitality and food in the world with things you’ll never find anywhere else - this is your place

On our way back from skiing in Hakuba, en route Tokyo, we made a stop at this beautiful quiet town to stay for the night at a family run Ryogan …Turned out ? One of the trip’s highlights ! At first impression, the traditional wooden house looked especially fragile in this freezing cold night with traditional heaters; yet the welcoming smiles radiating from the young pretty host in her beautiful kimono warmed our hearts as darkness fell. The traditional heated bedrooms and heated blanket covering settees were warm and comfortable. We got a hot bottle in our blanket on each futon - cute :) Walking to the dining room and onsen was COLD. We had Japanese dinner at the Ryogan served by the beautiful same host in kimono. Very charming. One dish was horse meat sashimi!! The cook was the grandma - the cutest grandma in the world! We just loved Grandma and everything! It was snowing when we closed up the night in on sen. We were the only group of guests that night so had the on sen to ourselves only. Immersing in hot water in a very cold night while watching silver flows of snow falling quietly was such an experience ! The next morning, after yet another beautifully prepared traditional Japanese breakfast, Grandma in her lovely cooking apron and the sweet host saw us off at the front gate. There were lingering photo takings and good bye sayings before we finally walked slowly off to our car. What a memorable stop over of our route to Tokyo !

We loved this historic, family-run ryokan. The meals were amazing, and beautifully created. Our hosts were very accommodating, kind and helpful, and went above and beyond, driving us back to Ueno station at the end of our stay. This also gave us an opportunity to have a lovely conversation with the hotel owner, learning about his time living in Australia 40 years ago. There was a choice of 2 onsen and we preferred the larger one with its outside area that was very pretty. It was cold in Aoki, but the room and beds were warm and comfortable, as well as there being additional heating in our room which was situated in the older building.

We regretted having luggage with us, as the local bus trip from Ueno station was quite long and cramped, and we felt bad about getting in the way of the locals. The hotel is very old and quaint, but could do with a bit of general maintenance and a refresh: the walls in the small onsen area were crumbling, and it felt like the entry area needed a good clean.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime lodging opportunity The ryokan building itself is museum-quality, dating from the Tokugawa period, and it has been designated an Important Cultural Property. It felt very special to be able to walk the halls and lodge there. The current owner is a descendent of the local village headman (Shoya), and the inn was founded in the Muromachi Period along the Tosando. The owner is the eleventh generation to run the lodging. He and his family and staff are warm and generous, some of the nicest and most welcoming of the many inns I've stayed in over the years. They have modernized the "bones" of the inn, providing modern plumbing, electrical, etc--all the modern conveniences--while maintaining all the atmosphere. The meals were spectacular and clearly the work of an excellent chef.

No complaints whatsoever.

Masuya Ryokan was truly a joy. This historic, family-run ryokan with provide you with a comfortable and authentically Japanese experience throughout. The tatami rooms were well-maintained, the mountain views were breath-taking, the staff was so kind and welcoming, and the food was incredible. Easily the best Japanese food I've ever had.

Be prepared for a 30-minute walk from Aoki Bus Terminal. The walk is well worth it for the quiet solitude in the mountains, and they will offer to drive you back upon checkout.

Very spacious accommodation and traditional onsen on site was included. The staff were very accommodating and even offered to extend the onsen hours for our late arrival.

Some parts were a little tired but then it is old and traditional. There were roadworks outside the hotel so access was limited. It would have been helpful to have this information before arrival as we did not know where to go with the car.

This is a magical and very old, historic, and authentic Ryokan. The family running it are some of the kindest people we've met in Japan. Exceptional food, lovely and peaceful indoor and outdoor hotsprings, and out-of-this-world service. The breakfasts and dinners blew us away every time. In addition to shuttling us from and to the bus stop, Ken even drove us to a couple of different places for activities we wanted to do since we didn't have a car. There is great hiking and even various wineries in the region (in addition to hot springs and temples). The family was very patient with our limited Japanese and utilized a translator app to make sure we were comfortable.

Wouldn't change a thing. It's good to understand that this is a building from the 1800s, so it doesn't have central heating for example, but they put space heaters in every room.

A heritage ryokan onsen and they are keeping its tradition. The staff were so lovely and very helpful they made our stay so welcoming. The owner (I guess) gentleman even helped us carry our bags upstairs. At check out, they also stayed outside and waved us goodbye. So honoured. If you choose to stay here, take the responsibility of understanding the heritage of this ryokan.

Nothing

We absolutely loved our stay at Masuya Ryokan. A very historic, family run place with a lot of character. The meals were delicious and we really enjoyed our onsen experience within the ryokan. They even drove us to a station further away which was so kind (for a small extra fee).

We loved it all.

Fantastic old Japanese Ryokan. The owners were absolutely fantastic. Very friendly, kind and extremely helpful. Rooms were clean and spacious. The bedding was very comfortable. One of the best beds in our experience with other tatami mat style rooms. Onsen was small but had everything you need and outdoor open air section available. Would highly recommend. If we are ever back in the area, we will stay again.

No complaints. Maybe some fresh paint on walls in the hallways upstairs.