We were guests at the Iizukatei Hotel for three nights – a wonderful stay! We spent the first two nights in one of the renovated “Kura”. The small house – a traditionally renovated warehouse – had everything you need to feel comfortable! We could easily prepare our breakfast in the small kitchen. The bathroom and sleeping arrangements were perfect. We were particularly impressed by the fruit and vegetable platter that awaited us every day in our accommodation. The fridge was also always stocked with fresh drinks. On the third day, we moved to one of the hotel's more luxurious apartment. From there, we had a great view of the garden in several directions. The space was generously proportioned and nothing was missing. The hotel is located in a very quiet area in Nakagawa-machi, very close to the Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, which was designed by Kengo Kuma. Nikkō is also easily accessible from here. For art lovers, we also recommend a visit to the MOB (Museum of Alternative Art), which is located not far from the hotel. Trips are also worthwhile to Nasu to the “Water Garden” by Junya Ishigami and to the sauna project “Genkiro” by artist Takashi Kuribayashi. An important addendum: On the last evening, we were allowed to use the brand new, not yet opened hotel sauna of the Iizukatei Hotel. It is – like the entire hotel complex – comfortable and inviting! It is a wonderful place to relax in the evening. Our special thanks go to “Mama Kei” for her warmth and attention, which made our stay a real gem.”

Easily the best part of my trip was staying here. I felt like a mixture of an esteemed guest, friend and family while staying here. The hospitality and meticulous care of the staff, especially Maylene, the friendliness of the locals and the beauty of the hotel grounds and overall surrounding nature made for the perfect stay. My hotel room was like an apartment to myself and it was so clean, the beds were the most comfortable bed I’ve slept on, the floor has a heat option, there’s a mini kitchen (I didn’t get to cook anything though) and the shower was great and also has a tub for you to soak in too! They also give guests a yukata to wear! Every day I got a platter of fresh seasonal fruits and veggies sourced locally. They gave an option of a western or Japanese breakfast (I opted for the Japanese) and even how they served it and displayed it to you was meticulous. Food was delicious! They gave an option for a half day or a full day trip where staff can drive you around to different sites and experiences around the area. They have great recommendations (also make sure to read the material they provided you so you get a better idea on what you’d like to do). I did a soba making class and had a private onsen experience. The prices were fair for all the things I asked to do and see during my half day. They would also personally take me to restaurants and speak with them to help with the language barrier. It’s the countryside so the immediate town around was small but there’s still some things to sight see and eat; I spent one of my days just walking around and exploring town. I had food poisoning before coming here and I was literally nursed back to health here with the fresh food and the staff checking in on me all the time. If you’re hesitating, I’d say book this place for 1-3 nights at least. It’s a little far out but when are you ever going to stay in a historical 200 year old renovated complex in the beautiful countryside of Japan? You won’t regret it.

Not a negative at all but just a tip for guests who come by public transport that they should ask the staff and look into the local bus times. They’re a little sparse and there is usually like a 4 hour gap between the last morning bus and the first afternoon bus. So make sure to time your transport right. There’s no luggage storage on the bus but you can put it on the seats because it’s mostly empty. When I left, the manager of the place personally flagged down the bus for me to make sure they stop and then all the staff came out to wave goodbye to me while I was on the bus and it was departing. Truly, everything was so wonderful about my stay.

This hotel was well worth the visit. The facility is a beautiful historical building with modern luxuries, including shower and self-filling bath (control panel). The apartment with the garden view and outdoor seating area was amazing, especially with the winter snow. The laundry room, kitchenette, and dining room inside the apartment were a lovely luxury to have during my travels. The staff were professional and helpful. Maylene was kind enough to help organise some local activities as well as transport me around to the local destinations. My recommendation is to email ahead, and the staff would be able to help in organising these.

Not actually a negative. The location is quite a fair distance away from the nearest train station. So best to plan ahead with the local bus service or message ahead to try and organise a taxi or shuttle service

It was the first time we ventured out from a major metropolitan area in Japan and we are glad that we chose Iizukatei. The breakfast served in our room every morning was exceptional. The staff was super attentive and always went out of their way to help us with reservations, driving us around and arranging activities.

It could have been better if there is a private onsen on site. But I guess you can't ask for everything.

Absolutely amazing stay and location. They have really done an outstanding job in preserve the old Japanese style and architecture of the buildings, while modernizing the rooms with heated floors and everything else you could hope for. We felt really welcome by our host, and she helped us organize in-room dinner prepared by one of the local restaurants. The accompanying breakfast is a tour de force in small Japanese dishes, which were all equally interesting and tasty. We could not recommend this place enough.

Amazing location, experience and staff went above and beyond. Absolutely recommend everyone to visit this amazing historic home. The decor and the food is fantastic. The memories made ere will always be remembered. Thank you for your amazing hospitality and kindness. We will visit again

Nothing it was just perfect

- nicely renovated historic building - super helpful staff - supports local businesses - experiencing local culture

- nothing, although room was probably on the pricier side the activities organised by the hotel staff were very reasonably priced

The staff were very friendly and were very welcoming. When I arrived, they greeted me and told me where I could go to sightsee. The place I stayed in had a nice ambiance to it. I enjoyed my stay and would love to come back. It’s a good getaway from the big cities.

Such a small town with delicious food all around and within walking distances, small shops to look at, and just amazing overall. The place is right smack in the center of this small town. Very beautiful indeed.

The staff made our stay so special in this traditional home. They have modernised the interior without losing the traditional aesthetic. We will stay here again.