This is a Ryokan which has a very good reputation. For me, the stay is perfect and I will recommend this Ryokan. Even though you cannot value the location of the Ryokan, as Shuzenji is a very small place. The Rokan is right opposite to the bamboo forest, which is suitable for my personal view. However, you need to notice as it is close to the bamboo forest and near to the river, you will find many bugs here, especially at night. Don't forget to close the windows and doors. When you first arrive at the Ryokan, don't forget to take a photo of the board at the door as you can find your name on it. If you have a name that can be written in Kanji, you can even email them to let them write in Kanji. The Ryokan itself is large but the staff are very nice and friendly. They will introduce the whole Ryokan to you when you arrive and lead you to the most places so that you can find out the several Onsens and amenities' locations. I will recommend you to discover the Ryokan when you are free. The Ryokan even provides guided tours as most of the buildings here are cultural heritage. Moreover, the Ryokan will even provide umbrellas, so no worries when it rains. The English of Ryokan staff is not ideal, as you might be able to guess. If you can speak Japanese, I will recommend you to use Japanese. The food quality is very good and they will sometimes provide some very interesting dishes. For example, the lobster shell tempura, which shocked me at first but tasted not bad. I have mentioned Onsen before but there are a few more you might need to know. Since the hotel has a long history, you might need to take a shower in your room first then go to the Onsen in different places as there are no shower places in Onsen like other Ryokan. However, the onsen is very good so I will recommend you try as many as you can. Overall, the Rokan is expensive but absolutely worthy. I will recommend you to try it when you are free.
We had the most wonderful time at Ochiairo! I came here for a birthday trip with my husband and best friend and we stayed in the spacious Aofuji room overlooking the river. The spatial arrangement offered more than enough space and privacy for 3 people and probably 2 couples or a family and kids. The white noise lulled us to sleep every night and it was simply magical. The international staff was so helpful to us. While we don’t speak Japanese, they did their best to understand and attend to us and it all worked out. They went above and beyond making my birthday feel very special. It was the small details that really mattered - ensuring that we had bikes and activities arranged the night before, coming to our room to teach me how to wear my yukata when I asked them to help, and even cleaning out and lovingly packaging some souvenir bento containers we arrived with when they saw them in our mini fridge! Everything about this place is just so beautiful. A few notes: - THE BATHS! When I tell you that I screamed when I saw the cave and private onsen in particular - just trust that they cannot be missed. - We are all tattooed - one of us significantly so. They have small tattoo covers but ask that you do cover them in the main bath areas (I only know this because I asked and they were incredibly polite about the advice) - We brought tattoo cover but in case you don’t want to bother, please take advantage of the absolutely stunning outdoor private baths - The food is great and eat dinner in sitting rooms upstairs (not served in your room) - You get unlimited drinks (alcoholic and otherwise) and snacks which was another pleasant surprise because they are so tasty! - The koi fish in the front swim up to you and follow you around with such enthusiasm. It’s as if they’re little pond puppies. The staff allowed us to feed them so if interested, please ask. - Don’t miss the swing next to the suspension bridge! - While I loved our room - please note that there is an abandoned hotel directly across the river from it. Kind of ruined the “I am communing with nature” vibes but it was fine in the long run. I could go on, but just trust that this place is just exceptional!