Ryoutei Ryokan YASUI

The public onsen was clean and spacious, and the staff member serving us was so kind and looked after us throughout the stay. Dinner was a real highlight, with local Omi beef and Omi rice grown nearby. Though the place is over a century old, it's been kept in great shape, with none of the odd smells I've encountered elsewhere. Thanks to the staff and management for such a lovely stay.

I loved the very Japanese feel of this ryokan. Such an outstanding place, I miss it a lot.

The room layout was two big rooms with a tatami corridor, plus a toilet and bath. Meals came at a table, then they moved it into the other room and set out futons in the space that had been cleared. There's a bath in the room, but I'd suggest trying the public one. The men's and women's baths switch at 8 PM, and just one has an open-air bath. It was quiet when I went, and the water felt just right. The food really lives up to what you'd expect from a ryokan that specializes in cuisine. The soup broth impressed me first, then the ingredients surprised me again when I bit into them and tasted that broth filling my mouth. The servings were generous, and they even made my leftover rice into rice balls. I thought it was all good until the night noise: something like a boiler kept starting up, stopping, then starting again when I woke. It was a little annoying, and quiet is part of the ryokan experience for me. Worth considering if you're thinking of staying.

I had a really comfortable time in the roomy Japanese-style room, sleeping on a futon, and loved the traditional inn atmosphere. The course meal had small portions of delicious dishes, but I was completely full, and breakfast was superb too. I'd like to come back in another season. Wonderful!