The hotel was fantastic, with a beautiful and relaxing and quiet environment, overlooking the river and the mountains. They offered tea and coffee during the day at the main reception. The dinner was an amazing experience and having stayed for two nights, there was no repetition of the food, and just the exquisite taste and atmosphere. It snowed while I was there, and bathing together with the falling snow just added to the magic feeling.

The exhibition area is being affected by humidity, and it is a pity that some of the artefacts are becoming corroded. It would be a pity to loose this precious memoirs.

The food was exceptional yet very experimental. For adventurous eaters the breakfast and dinner will be a fun discovery session leaving you stuffed at the end.

Transport to the location is difficult without a car. Following the hotel's advice exactly down to taking the non-stop train will be very helpful however keep in mind the bus to the location from the train station does not have space for luggage which is hard for those with big bags. I suggest leaving large bags at a train locker and only bringing a carryon as you won't need much clothes once you arrive.

-Beautiful ice crystal view from the lobby -Old traditional Ryokan with long history - Lobby - Onsen

- the private onsen is completely outside with no attached room to dry the hair or get changed. Visiting many 4-5 star ryokans most have an attached room/shower inside.Especially in winter it was very cold to go back to the room with wet hair. It was a first time with over 20 years of travel experience in Japan having no attached changing room. - no skin care at the public changing room/ onsen, this was also a first. - We‘ve ordered a kids’ menu but were served an adult meal plus an additional kids’ menu which was way too much food for dinner. Breakfast had no kids menu but again a full size adult menu. A simple kids’ menu would have been great and we felt sorry that our 6 year old couldn’t eat most of the breakfast or dinner.

Amazing nature, very delicious dinners (we stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed 2 different dinner menus). Very friendly staff. Also loved onsen (hot springs bath) experience!

Staff was not speaking English, but we managed nicely, as everyone was super support-oriented. Some parts of the hotel are a bit “amortised”, but you absolutely don’t remark those once you get into the nature, onsen experiences and Japanese tastes! Strongly recommend for staying

This is the most wonderful place, full of history and character and charm, owned by the same proud family for centuries. The onsen water is free flowing (gensen kakenagashi) and is deliciously hot and pure. I would suggest visitors read a bit about the ryokan's history (on the website) and the history of the Taira-Minamoto Wars. There is a Heike-themed historical village nearby, good to visit. The food at the ryokan is excellent. It's Heike-style, using local-sourced ingredients.

When I booked I asked to upgrade my room if one became available. They emailed saying it was possible but when I saw the price of the upgrade I didn’t confirm it with them. At the end of my trip I got charged for it as they had upgraded us anyway without my knowledge. It was therefore much more expensive than planned. In the confirmation email I was told there was only one bus from the station each day so changed my travel plans and this was not the case there were multiple buses.

The hotel is just amazing. Very traditional, very friendly staff, professional and welcoming. The onsen is really unique. The dinner and breakfast options were a different experience - though if you are not a fan of oriental food, there is not much to eat. But the process was really great. The hotel rooms are big sizes with great facilities and amenities are in general excellent.

The meals were exceptional. Dinner was a very unique dining experience, with each table having its own coal pit to heat the skewered meats and mochi. The yukata provided for us to wear during the stay also added to the traditional and relaxing feel of the ryokan. The outdoor onsen had a great view, even though the sakura season had passed.

The bus to arrive at the hotel was cash only.

I used to live in Japan and can truly say this is a fabulous ryokan. Dinner is quite an event, exceptional food. Get a room with outdoor onsen. Stay 3 nights if possible.

You must rent a car to get there. Easy rental steps away from Nikko train station. Long drive to Ryokan but location in small town is beautiful.

Everything was sensational!! Highlight was the outdoor onsen and the dinner!! It was truly incredible, the quality of the food and the presentation was fantastic! The walk across the suspension bridge with the stunning scenery of fresh snow and subtle lighting was breathtaking and elevated the entire experience!

Everything was great!