Suzukiya Ryokan

I visited at year’s end. The charming, roughly 90-year-old inn has been renovated in places and felt very clean. Sliding room doors don’t lock, but the outer door does, so nobody can enter without permission. There’s only one bathroom, a shared hot spring bath, but it’s been renovated and is a lovely place to unwind. Dinner was amazing, with plenty of Hitachi beef and sweetfish. The quality and amount were both satisfying, and it felt like I hadn’t had proper Japanese food in ages. The portions may be a bit much for women or people with smaller appetites. I’d like to come back.

Although the bath is small, the jacuzzi water is great. The 95-year-old inn has been carefully restored, so it doesn’t feel dated. An elderly couple runs the place, and housekeeping is meticulous. The staff are very attentive. The food is excellent: everything is freshly made, and they don’t skimp when there are few guests. We had grilled sweetfish, sashimi, tempura, Hitachi meat, and delicious freshly cooked rice, about 1.5 cups per person. I’ll definitely visit again.

They kindly accommodated me at short notice. This traditional inn is nearly 100 years old, and its steep stairs add to the charm. There’s a parking lot. Smoking is prohibited inside, though there’s a designated area near the entrance. Wi-Fi is advertised, but there wasn’t any. I was traveling for work and booked a room without meals, so I can’t rate the food.

A comfortable space. It was helpful that they had lotion and moisturizing cream too!