I love the woman who ran the front desk and did dinner service. It seems like the only other help she has is the chef and a young woman at meal time. As someone who has studied Japanese for a while but still has issues with basic conversation she was amazingly good at communicating with me in Japanese which gave me a chance to practice what I've learned (e.g. she'd ask me where I'm going next and then say Tokyo or Kyoto? By giving me options she helps my brain fill in what I missed in the preceding question. It worked so well I was able to understand all of the rules of the facility despite usually struggling really hard to understand anyone at native speed). But it also seems like their English is satisfactory too. I wouldn't go if you're inflexible or needy if only because there's such limited staff to cater to your needs. But if you want to be around super friendly and helpful people with a surprisingly good food service (of note: their recorded piano sounded oddly live. I forgot to check what it was playing out of) then I strongly recommend it. They helped me find an ATM, suggested a hike, made me caffeine free tea since I said I didn't want any caffeine during dinner, helped me check out early for the bus to ryuzu falls, and even checked to make sure I had an umbrella for the next step in my journey. Also the view is pretty dang good, it's right by the lake after all. The onsen isn't super impressive but I honestly can't tell the difference between any of the 5 I've tried. It's hot. And it's a private booking.

I think the comforter is too warm for June. I probably could've made the room freezing cold but whatever.

Staying here was a fantastic experience! The situation of the house overlooking Lake Chuzenji is incredible and the owner was wonderfully hospitable. The pension is run extremely well by the lady and her team who provide a delicious traditional meal - we enjoyed this experience so much and it was a real highlight of our trip. The pension’s location was the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of the Lake Chuzenji area and the hiking and natural surroundings it offers. We would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to anybody considering a trip to Nikko/Chuzenji. Thank you!

This a small pension with about 8 rooms. A bit old and tight, but is being kept very clean by the owner. The owner was so nice. The meals provided during our stay (breakfast & dinner) were SUPERB and their presentation was very professional. The staff were soooo nice! We really appreciated their hospitality. During our entire trip to Japan (almost 1 month), we remember Chuzenji Pension the most! The hospitality of the owner, the quality of the meals provided. To us, the meal provided were just right, not too much ... not too little ... and their qualities were up there with the more luxurious places that we stayed at.

Nothing about Chusenji Pension that we don't like. But, we were very surprise that this lake town was so quiet. Not too many people during the day (we were there at the end of April), and the entire town is dead after about 7 PM! Having said that, this town is beautiful. The winding roads between it and the town of Nikko is beautiful. Being just about 10 miles, or so, from Nikko, I think this town is perfect for visitors to Nikko. Nikko has its own attractions, this town has its own too, and it is so peaceful. Also, the drive from this town to Niigata City is breathtaking!

The location is perfect, amazing lake views, close to the falls and free parking. The lady is adorable, she goes out of her way to make sure you have everything you need. The restaurant house is very cute. Food was delicious, both dinner and breakfast, and the vibe very cozy as there are not that many rooms. Baths were nice and warm and it was great to be able to have them privately.

Single glazed windows, hence not great isolation against the cold (as for a lot of older buildings in Japan), but we had a heater in the room which worked well.

Great location. Located next to the beautiful lake. Well maintained, even as its age shows. The onsen was sufficient, and comfortable — not the largest or the most lavish, but cozy and private; and when you’re soaking in the bath, that’s all that truly matters! The staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. They were kind and easy to communicate with. Not to mention, Chuzenji Pension is located right next to the lake! Beautiful views. A short walk away from a wonderful waterfall.

I thought the location is good that near the bus station and the lake. The room is also perfect that the beds are comfortable and all the rooms have the view of the lake, so we can enjoy the beautiful sunlight with the lake view even in the rainy day. The foods are also good even I prefer to experience JP style instead of Western-style.

The hotel has two onsen rooms need to reserve, but you cannot reserve more than one time for each even they were available. The using time is 45 mins during afternoon and evening, but only 25 mins in the morning. I thought it would be not enough time to enjoy them. Maybe it is better to extend the time and let guests can reserve one more time if the table hasn't been occupied if all the guests have reserved. The facilities are clean enough but a little old. Also hope to have japan style food and larger amount, instead of current Western-style.

What a lovely place this pension on lake Chuzenji is. It’s like going back into the 60’s in Europe. A digitized Yamaha pianola plays classical music, the waiting staff are all good humored and reasonably fluent in English. The food itself is great, and there’s no need for anything else after a 5 course meal. Our room was spacious with a fantastic view on the lake and the owner and her staff are very friendly and helpful. What struck us most is that the food is close to 100% in line with the pictures on the website and it made us believe that the menu doesn’t change during the course of the week. ( we may be wrong though)

Some details in the room could do with an update, but the total package is so charming that any ‘update’ would merely result in a downgrade.

Everything! The pension is a quiete place, perfect for relaxing. The staff was just amazing, they treated me very well. I was received with an extraordinary dinner, and then relaxed in the private onsen. The lake surrounding the place is a must see. Would return again!

Don't expect luxury accommodations, but very very warming instead.

The location is only 3 mins walk from the bus stop and the scene which can be seen from the window is very beautiful. The room is clean and wide. The service is more than 5 star hotel and the staffs are very friendly. We felt like home there and enjoyed marvelous food (dinner & breakfast) in the cozy dining room. I highly recommend this place if you want to feel the nature and peace of life.

Our host and staff were exceedingly professional, kind, and gracious. Every need we had whilst staying was met. As a non-native language speaker with very little vocabulary I was never left feeling confused or excluded, rather I was treated warmly and felt quite at home. I can highly recommend the half-board option to any considering it. The meals are served with aplomb and the restaurant area is exceptionally charming.