- the room and onsen is outdated and has old design ( but temperature is comfy)…the overall services are below than expected for 3-star ryokan ( especially when I used to visit the 4-star one in Kyushu).

- helpful staff … I saw many bad comments about the one male staff. It turns out that he is actually helpful ( from picking me up at the bus station, reminding me about dinner time, ..). His manner is straightforward in taking care of the guests ( unlike others I experienced at other ryokans) but I didn’t feel any bad intentions from him. So, please keep up the good work. - food…portion is more than enough with refilled side dishes , rice and soup - location…peaceful and easy to each by bus

Stayed in March 2024

This was a wonderful experience in a traditional guesthouse with a beautiful Onsen. A really lovely way to unwind after the hectic pace of a few days in Toyko. The area is beautiful and very special to spend time in.

Stayed in April 2024

We did not enjoy the pillows provided, as they were too dense.

We enjoyed being away from the big cities, and staying in the mountains away from crowds. The staff was very helpful and friendly. We also enjoyed the breakfast and dinner they provided for us each day. Overall, it was a very homey and peaceful experience.

Stayed in April 2024

Too far away. Confusing transportation.

Stayed in March 2024

Got rushed by the staff all the time. We seemed to be in a place where strict timeline needed to be met so we had the staff coming to our bedroom for dinner, breakfast and check out (we were not late for any of them and didnt have in mind to do so). For the money we payed, I would have expected a more relaxed atmosphere. Onsen was nice but not the most clean. You get the same for dinner and breakfast but in different formats. I love tea but the one they had was horrible, the worst I have had in Japan. Come on, guys! For the price you charge, you could make it better.

Bed was confy and the place itself was clean. Beautiful area

Stayed in March 2024

A little bit dirty

In the mountains nice atmosphere

Stayed in March 2024

My neck needed a less firm pillow.

I wasn’t sure about raw egg but gave it a go and was surprised.

Stayed in March 2024

Shared restroom (necessity in the circumstances of the minshuku). At least some rooms should have private restrooms.

Nice onsen and location in Ohara (important historical place) right next to Jakko-in temple. Good dinner, beautiful view of the traditional Japanese garden.

Stayed in February 2024

The staff were very gracious about helping us have a great experience despite us not being able to speak Japanese and knowing little about Japanese customs. The area is beautiful, the food was good, and the baths were very pleasant.

Stayed in January 2024

Very strict with meal times and these seem to be more to their convenience. Onsen is a little shabby - lots of leaves tracked in from the outside. Though these contribute to a homey atmosphere - if you are expecting a luxe onsen hotel, this is not it! It is much more DIY than that. Staff were brisk and came off as a little unfriendly, but that might just be my perception.

Meals are always excellent. Hotpot that's comforting after a long day out - with miso they made and fermented. The owner also has his own plum wine that is on the menu. He's very friendly and suggested places to visit in the surroundings. They sell the miso too, as well as white miso ice cream in the store across. This inn is *not* in Kyoto city - it is deep in the mountains in a rural town called Ohara, though these can be accessed from both Kyoto (1 hour) and Otsu city. That said, it is a great location to explore the temples in the mountains with deep historical significance such as Sanzen-in and Jakkou-in, which pre-date most of the temples in Kyoto city and have a very different vibe. We didn't use it, but they make shuttle arrangements as well, though you have to be very good with being punctual. It's an inn with great character, the owner loves Tom and Jerry and has decked out the entire place in T&J as well as Studio Ghibli figurines. It's very charming.

Stayed in October 2023

I would be very careful with the outdoor onsen. There are steps leading up and into a small basin of water you can use as an onsen. On the way down from those steps, I slipped and feel from the wetness of the steps. When I slipped, I hit my head on the steps and it was a loud thud. I’m fine (got checked out by a doctor) but I would avoid that area because of how slippery it is.

The onset was pretty amazing. It’s hard to tell just how nice it is from the outside of the property but once inside, it feels very homey and comforting.

Stayed in November 2023

Accessibility, the place is remotely suited where private car is very much needed.

Staff was amazing and we really enjoy Japanese cultural experience.

Stayed in September 2023

I feel the baths were somewhat lackluster based on the descriptions and expectations coming in. They were fine, but the baths were the main attraction that this hotel seemed to offer when booking and that was probably lesser on the list if memorable things about it. There are also very specific hours for scheduling meals and bath times, so be prepared for that.

This Ryokan has some great views in such a beautiful area outside of Kyoto. The dining rooms were beautiful and the place has a retro feel. The rooms had great views and the food was great!

Stayed in November 2023

Great authentic food and great onsen

Stayed in September 2023

Cute Japanese ryokan in the middle of nowhere, but easy to reach from Kyoto. Amazing experience, friendly stuff and beautiful surroundings

Stayed in October 2023

We booked for two people, but they only set up a futon for one. They only provided one pillow cover per person. I found more pillows in the closet, but couldn't exactly use them to sleep on without a pillow cover (there were some questionable stains as well). The futons were thin. Our sleep there wasn't exactly the best. There were things here and there about the inn. Some things needed to be wiped down. The windows were dirty. In our room, the walls were peeling.

The dinner and breakfast was delicious. It was nice to enjoy the view while enjoying the meal. The rotenburo was nice as well. Staff was courteous. Although we didn't speak much Japanese, and they didn't speak much English, staff did make sure to check up on us during our meals. The ride to the bus stop was much appreciated! If you don't have that much baggage, I recommend walking to the hotel before checking in. The scene in Ohara of the hills and rice fields are just breathtaking.

Stayed in August 2023

Bus 17 from Kyoto was a little hard to figure out...but we were helped by a local. Apparently there are two Bus 17s? Once we boarded the bus, it was easy. Just ask the driver if it's going to Ohara, then you'll be fine. We caught the bus in downtown. Ohara is the final stop, so that part was easy!

Ohara is an absolutely gorgeous place. I wish we could have stayed longer. So green and serene. The dinner and breakfast were so delicious and wholesome. A wonderful, fresh homegrown and generous meal, best enjoyed in the hotel's provided yukatas (robes) and slippers. The miso was fantastic and staff were very helpful and accomodating (frying the raw egg for our daughter, for ex). It felt more like dining in a home, rather than having a fancy kaiseki. But that was fine with us. Our Japanese-style room was comfortable and there were plenty of futons and blankets. Onsen was clean and water was a great temperature. Beautiful forest to look up into from the outdoor pool, and sound of frogs and rain at night. The view to the garden from our room was sublime. We also were able to get rides to and from the bus station. A short walk around the hotel revealed a beautiful and fascinating little neighborhood.

Stayed in June 2023

There’s no lavatory in the room, e.g. to brush teeth, you either have to do it in the toilet or at the spa. It’s quite remote from the bus stop.

It was a really nice sunny experience for traditional Japanese living, meal and breakfast. The spa was a unique experience and so cute, not busy. It was very clean, quiet, no noise at all. Personnel was very friendly and helpful.

Stayed in June 2023

Facilities at the onsen is a little outdated. The room is a little small but still alright. Shared toilet

Near Jakko-in temple and can walk to Otonashi waterfall and San zen-in temple. Very polite staff.

Stayed in May 2023

It's difficult to desire more from a traditional inn. This one is a very good balance between traditional experience and convenience. If you travel with kids who are not willing to try unusual food, it would be best to grab some snacks though. Just in case.

It's a true traditional inn, but it's equipped with some modern facilities making the say more comfortable: lighting, air conditioner, bathrooms (on the floor, not in the room), wifi and even vending machines. The location is pretty distant, but in exchange the traveller gets a nice view and calm surroundings. It's not totally in the middle of nowhere though, it's a village with several houses and similar inns around. The personnel is extremely friendly. When they can't express themselves in English, they're ready to use smartphone with a translation app. Both the dinner and breakfast are traditional. May be unusual for a western taste, but are good. The inn accepts bank card payments.

Stayed in April 2023

As we were given the rooms at the end of the corridor, there were quite a number of steps to traverse. With 7 peoples' luggage, it was quite a workout! The rooms were a little cosy too.

The staff were helpful and accommodating of our requests (family of 7). They were extremely kind to do a pick up and drop off service at the bus terminal. Food was delicious (miso chicken hotpot), and the hot spring was the right temperature. Dipping in the big urn was a new onsen experience for me!

Stayed in April 2023

Maybe add a chair or two in the room would make it more comfortable, if possible. The surroundings of the B&B are lovely too with the forest in the backdrop and fields around. It'd be great if there are more tea or coffee shops opened but we couldn't find any. I hope the economy continues to improve so more shops can open

Both breakfasts and dinners were excellent. We really enjoyed the different vintages of miso. The onsen experience was enjoyable too. I've not tried B&B before and this has been a pleasant stay. I particularly like the design of the building, and feel very different from staying in a hotel.

Stayed in April 2023

The staff tried their best to adapt the dinner and the breakfast to our dietary preferences, and they understood our requests. It was okay to use the Onsen with tattoos, and it was in a beautiful environment.

Stayed in April 2023

Poorly maintained

The location is amazing, the atmosphere is good

Stayed in April 2023