The location! Its near so many nature trails, it would have looked amazing in all seasons. The staff were so helpful! We are self travellers so we expected to lug our luggage on our own all the time but the staff helped to carry them out of the free shuttle bus and into the inn. We were taken aback by the hospitality. They had welcome drinks too! The staff are always smiling and so nice to tourists. They made an effort to communicate with us through google translate and answered all our questions patiently. The room was huge (by jap standard) and facilities were well maintained. They even had a variety of pillows to try, just tell which type of pillow you want to try and the staff will lend them to you, includes the pillow covers! Onsen was good even though they only had one pool. Best of all, was the food! We had half board so breakfast and dinner were provided. We enjoyed the food so much! In shell- scallops and cheese everything! Even a mini hot pot was a delight! They had a variety of soft drink selections and loved the dessert too! We noticed plenty of locals staying in this inn too, a sign of a hidden gem and we totally agree with their taste!

Sad that the free shuttle bus was only one way but understand that two ways is too much cost! Thankfully there was a free one way shuttle too, the whole place (Lake Shikotsuko) is a 1 and 30mins drive even from the airport away. The shuttle helped us so much. Nothing we didn't like, we loved it so much. Will definitely come back again!

I was very impressed with the information available on the trees, plants and birds in the area around the hotel. The paths around the hotel were beautiful. I loved the emphasis on nature inside the hotel too, including the large viewing windows, the natural décor between the two hotel wings, the small dried flower bouquets on the room's number plate, and the scientific research on the region in the relaxation room. During my winter stay, I was the only Westerner in the hotel and I appreciated the hospitality of the staff and the excellent Japanese food at breakfast and dinner. It is a perfect place to stay while enjoying the natural beauty of the national park.

Good value for money Delicious food, clean and comfortable room. Location in the woods., peaceful and relaxing environment . Nice view from the room and restaurant. Staff are friendly and helpful. Some staff are fluent in English, some communicated with Google translate app. Free shuttle between Shikotsuko bus stop and hotel . After I reached Shikotsuko bus stop. I gave my luggage to the driver and sent it back to the hotel. I went to Shikotsu Ice Festival. We moved between hotel and Shikotsu town by free shuttle according to the shuttle schedule. Nice onsen . Highly recommend.

The most amazing staff and best hotel experience in all of Japan! We travelled a lot and this is far above all! We have a 2 year old, so we always look for non-smoking and child-friendly hotels in Japan, this is truly it. The room has a nice tatami smell, it was spacious and bright, fully child safe. The curtain was perfectly blocking the street light at night and there was no bright light or noise in the room. They use the best mattress brand in Japan, they are very comfortable and large. You can rent different types of pillows. The staff is super friendly and warm, playing and taking care of the kids very much, it's not the regular distant politeness. They have child seats, utensils and plates for kids too. There is a play corner next to the restaurant. I am truly amazed by this all. They operate a lovely 'free coffee' and birdwatching spot between om 10 am to 4 pm. The dinner was a multi course, traditional Japanese meal with fresh seafood and seasonal delicatessens. It was mind-blowing. The buffet breakfast had plenty of delicious choices. We went to the onsen and sauna two times, we had the place only for us. The hotel and the surroundings are peaceful and calm. A huge park and viewpoint offers space for children in all seasons. There is no access to the lake, so it's safe for free play. In wintertime, they offer sleigh and other snow toys. It's worth going to the Visitor Center (5 min drive), which offers a great interactive experience for kids.

I reserved one night only. 😅 I wanted to stay more!

I liked the style, the staff, except for one old man who was lacking manners unfortunately, but the rest of the staff were great. The location is very far and dicontinued from any city or access to taxis. There is a bus station nearby, but in winter you'll have to walk 20 minutes in the snow to reach there. The dinner was very tasty, the breakfast was good. The onsen was nice and cosy, not big though. I general it gave a good experience in how the Japanese live, but the hotel is old and I hope it can stay operating for long time.

The site of the hotel is lovely; the Japanese-style rooms not fancy, but fine. This is a tourist hotel, not a traditional ryokan. Meals were served in a shared-dining room. Dinner and breakfast were both good with the added bonus you can watch birds while eating breakfast. We were there a bit off-season so it was quiet.

Nothing.

This was the third time I stayed at this hotel. I usually travel Japan every year for a month or more. It was perfect every time. Service in Japanese hotels is generally very good to excellent. This hotel is unassuming but one level better. The personal attention to guests is just outstanding, even amazing. Good Onsen, located in a lovely bird sanctuary forest next to the lake, pleasant ambience. I was lucky this time they served Kaiseki dunner (only 6 months of the year). It was among the best I ever had (5 nights). They were kind enough to provide a translation on English for each of the courses every night.

Perfect hotel. There was nothing I could suggest for improvement.🙂. I don't know where the frowning face comes from.

Very clean and well maintained hotel and small Onsen. Absolutely stellar food. A lot of nice common spaces for working, relaxing, reading. Very calm. Well suited for families. I wish I could stay much longer there. Nice walks outside but in winter, the steps to the lake are very icy. Be careful!

This was my first time staying at ryokan-style hotel. Staff addressed every issue or question I had from dinner(I am on gluten-free diet) to questions like where I find Ice festival there. My room had charging brick with normal outlets but also USBs, many hotels do and many hotels don't have that, so I think it's fine to mention it. I didn't expect sauna in the public bath, so I was really pleasantly surprised by that.

I don't think I can pick on anything. Maybe, this one is 100% personal and won't apply to you if you have different way of thinking, but as it was first time staying at ryokan, I felt like I am doing something wrong and that worrying probably didn't help me get fully relaxed.

Good food both dinner and breakfast. Good location right at the National Park. Quiet and tuck away. It is a small size onsen hotel. Thus, more tailor to smaller group. Very nice. Saw some wild lifes at the park as well.

The dinner happened to serve some lamb happened not be a favorite meat for us (personal taste). but still pretty good.