Houshi Onsen Chojukan

I've been coming back for 20 years, and the place still feels magical, like time stops for a moment. The whole experience has always been amazing. It's a special place, but the hospitality has changed over the years. Meals used to be served in the room or the main dining hall, and guests could choose. That option is gone now, and everyone is packed into the dining room with fixed meal times: dinner at 6 or 6:30, breakfast at 7:30 or 8. The schedule is strict, with no exceptions. The Japanese hospitality doesn't feel the same either. The kitchen staff now seem inexperienced and have trouble speaking and understanding Japanese. Their English is at a similar level. We stayed two nights, and they used to tidy the room, straighten the futons, and replace cups, but that service has also stopped. It's still a magical place, but I hope they take care not to lose the roots that started it all 150 years ago.

The historical onsen and decent food options were the only positives for me. Almost everything else was a problem. There was barely any service, most rooms had no Wi-Fi, and the wooden building was incredibly cold. Staff didn't clean the bed, bugs were everywhere, and the room pillows were basically bricks. I couldn't sleep on them.

The meals in the dining room were outstanding, with so many different dishes that even as someone who eats a lot, I struggled to finish them. Service was friendly and responsive, and the hotel seemed well staffed for the number of guests. The surrounding area was incredibly beautiful in summertime, with plenty of fun places and activities for tourists. Wi-Fi and phone reception were poor, which helped me disconnect and relax. After three days here, my mind felt very quiet. As an American, I found visiting Hoshi Onsen Chojukan quite different from my other experiences in Japan. Soaking in the baths twice a day was peaceful and felt beneficial. A few tattoos didn't seem to be a problem in the baths.

With a river view in the mountains, this inn was a magical, incredibly peaceful place to unwind and recharge in beautiful surroundings. The food was exceptional, and the staff were attentive. I'll definitely be back.