Based on previous reviews, I was prepared to be a bit underwhelmed but our stay at Kamenoi Hotel was lovely. The bedroom was large and the beds were comfortable; we had a great view of the Heike no Sato folk village just next door. The food was delicious and served in a unique setting (sitting around a fireplace - irori - in a dining hall). The onsen was nice and never crowded. For the price we paid, it was an incredibly good value for our stay.

The location for sightseeing within the village was great - just across from Heike no Sato folk village and a bus stop - but buses don't run very often. We inquired about a taxi to the train station on departure day only to find out that it had been booked ... it seems there is only one in town. The bus schedule has been changed in recent years and doesn't really match up to any trains going north. It only matches the departures heading south (to Tokyo).

Breakfast, snacks & dinner was all inclusive, including alcohol beverages. Food was good and its buffet style. Onsen pool is great as well. There is an outdoor & indoor pool. Its not recommended if you are planning to do 1 night stay due to it being secluded. Its 55mins bus ride from kinugawa onsen station and you get off at the end stop. Hotel is right next to the bus stop. Perfect winter escape if you love the cold.

Location is far from any family mart or 7-11

Great location, right next to the snow lantern festival. Modern lobby and lounge. Free tea coffee and juices at anytime and self serve wine - great choices at reasonable cost. Free ramen for guests from 9-10.30 pm was a nice touch and the onsen was a unique experience - from images I thought it was outside but it’s enclosed by glass. Wish they sold the pyjamas they provide in the room as very comfortable. Staff very friendly, google translate came in handy

The rooms are a little dated but clean. I had a shower and the bathroom floor flooded - not sure if the drain was blocked ? Not a huge issue though. More info online with website where to book local direct train tickets would have been great as it’s not obvious how to get there if not driving and if you’re not familiar with the area.

Beautiful onsen with wonderful staff, meal service was unique and tasty! Room was very spacious and amenities were plentiful, would stay again!

A little bit remote so public transport is on the tricky side, do your research and give yourself plenty of time to arrive earlier rather than later. It is definitely worth it!

Winter is the off season and we got a fantastic last minute deal here in mid January. Comfortable rooms with enough space for a family of 4 including 2 teenagers. The traditional meals were a feast for the senses, though a little challenge for the teens. A minimum western menu at least for breakfast would have been a welcome addition. But all in all, a glorious unexpected stay!

Language barriers were tricky and the toilet blocked. The traditional food, while amazing for adventurous palates or Japanese travellers was hard work for the teenagers who did their best.

Fantastic service and food

The room smells a little bit when entering but otherwise it is Japanese style (bed matraces on the floor) and nice experience although hotel style is a little bit old fashioned from the 70ies/80ies

Convenient-close to the bus stop, the staff are friendly and helpful, the Japanese breakfast is delicious, the onsen area is great, the bed, bedding and room comfortable. There are free hot and cold drinks available around the clock. Very relaxing stay. I

Onsen was the best experience for staying at the hotel. It's very big and has out door area.

The location of the parking is quite far from the lobby if you arrive late the parking near the entrance will be quickly full.

The staff are very friendly and accommodating and the food is of excellent quality.

There are some areas that need attention like the cobwebs on windows and toilets, availability of tissue in the room, the air conditioning unit's heater is not working well, the heating machine emits the smell of gas making it seem like there's a car engine in the room fuming with gas.

The hotel is in a very quite area, very relaxing. Although rooms are a bit old, but they are very clean. We have 2 children 2yo & 6yo, both had an enjoyable memory of the hot spring

No milk at the free bar. And no kids size slippers