The room, the food, the view, the staffs, the wild cat in the private onsen, and everything else… The ENTHUSIASM, KNOWLEDGE AND WARMTH of the friendly people working in the hotel - Especially Mr. Li Fan - because of his thoughtful arrangements, I delightedly experience the resort’s services and got to see what I wanted to see in the Zao area - with EASE and PEACE like a breeze!!! 🤩🙏 Oh, I must emphasize that - Mr. Li speaks English and Mandarin FLUENTLY - that’s… definitely NOT easy to run into in Japan!!! And Ms. 橫山道子 - She is SUPER FRIENDLY!!! 🙏 I am very happy and grateful for my 一期一會 in 竹泉莊！

IF I must be PICKY - Too much food is offered for dinner. I appreciate the different dishes - but the quantity of some kind can be less to save for the resort and the earth!

In short: it's an absolutely fantastic onsen. We had a wonderful time from start to finish, even decided to add an extra night because I didn't want to leave after just two nights. Everything is of an extremely high standard, be it the fantastic food or the impeccable service and incredibly warm welcome from all members of staff.. Very special thanks to Koji Aihara-san and Yukihiro Sato-san and also the young trainee whose name I didn't catch for making our time at Chikusenso truly unforgettable! The rooms, grounds and baths are obviously very nice and the pictures on booking are accurate. We will definitely come back!

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I started grinning like a fool as soon as I entered the grounds of Chikusenso. It is everything the pictures show and so, so much more. I was genuinely too delighted to play it cool. A truly beautiful property complete with a river and at least two waterfalls (the grounds are huge, so I can't be sure there aren't more). Inside the premises are just elegant with unique touches like the enormous replica temple bell in the guest lounge. There are 'public'/shared onsen and for the bashful there are also two lovely private onsen to choose from, where the pools are outside so you can hear the river. But it is the staff who elevate this unique and beautiful place to 'exceptional'. Mr Rajan who welcomed me so warmly on arrival and explained the myriad of amenities and services so perfectly. Mr Li, who explained the property's long history and more recent impressive architectural upgrade with such enthusiasm and whose admiration for the local environment almost persuaded me to go hiking. Michiko, in the restaurant who was so warm and sweet she made me feel like I was staying in her own home and her charming colleague who made me a perfect little chair from a champagne wire. I wish I could name all the staff because without exception, they were all wonderful; kind and attentive without ever intruding. Speaking of the restaurant, make sure you have breakfast and dinner there. Over three days the variety and finesse shown by the chef was spectacular. Sitting at the 'chef's table' let me watch the man in action, and it was a masterclass in calm precision in the kitchen. I left this morning and I am already giving serious thought to coming back in January...what more can I say.

Leaving

It was an amazing stay at 竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen. Everything was perfect: spacious room with all amenties that you need, super friendly and helpful staff, beautifully designed lounges and relaxing onsen! The hotel also offers transfer from Sendai station and transportation in the neighbourhood. Additionally I highly recommend to reserve dinner - the food was not only delicious but served beautifully. It is a really marvellous experience.

Nothing serious, maybe the WiFi could be a bit stronger

Breakfast was huge, healthy and very tasty, a solid foundation for a day full of attractions. Coffee very good, but thats obvious in Japan, perfectly composed with fresh food, light but caloric.

I have no idea. Being in many luxury ryokans I can easier find what others could improve themselves.

Beautifully designed hotel and very spacious comfortable room with super comfortable futons and great bathroom. The female shared bath outdoors is really beautiful and peaceful. The food was very nice and the staff tried to accommodate us with their best English.

We had a complimentary private bath reservation included and though it was still nice we unfortunately got moved to Bath 1 because bath 2 wasn't cleaned yet after previous guests. It seems bath 2 would have a much nicer view however.

This is the best Japanese experience The surrounds are luxurious and subdued The staff are very friendly and helpful The food is excellent and a truly superb Japanese experience A place to really relax

Staff are nice. Facilities are great. Dinner and breakfast are delicious. We were given snacks as night food. Private onsen was available. Can see stars at night.

Its location is a bit far away

Exceeded all expectations. The half board meals are extremely generous. I could not eat all the Wagyu beef. Everything worked like in a dream. Will come back every year now.

Everything was exceptional, it is a bit pricey but the value is definitely there. The food, staff, and overall service were beyond expectation.

The only problem is its location, it is a bit out of the way. (worth the trip though)