Nakaya Ryokan

The rooftop private onsens were a highlight, and we also loved the cup game. There was plenty of tea to choose from, dinner was delicious, and breakfast buffet was wonderful. Our room was spacious and clean. We were warmly welcomed when we arrived. The staff booked us into the private onsen, took our dinner order, and provided kimonos. It felt homely from start to finish, and was one of our favourite stays in Japan. The staff were wonderful. Thank you very much

Booking the day before got us a great deal, and the in-room dinner made it feel like especially good value. The grilled fish on a stick was a highlight, salty and crispy without being too dry. Breakfast was a simpler Japanese-style buffet, but there was still a good selection. The tatami room was basic, clean, and in good repair. The Ryokan seemed to have been renovated in the last few years, and it felt kid friendly, with play rooms. There are three onsen options: a fully private indoor one that costs extra, a public indoor bath that I think is really public, almost like a sento, and an outdoor bath that's private and bookable at no extra fee in the evening, then shared in the morning. It's curious that the outdoor baths have no wash station. They're also raised to the third floor on a steel structure, presumably for a view.

This quiet, relaxed ryokan in the mountains near Minakami made a great base for exploring the area. You can get there by bus or train from Minakami, a 5min ride. We had a great few nights here, with spacious rooms, excellent food, and good onsen facilities, including a rooftop one. It felt very family friendly. The kind, attentive staff helped us book a rafting tour and even lent us onigiri-making equipment so we could pack a snack with the rice left from dinner. We'll definitely come back.

The breakfast buffet was yummy, and the onsen was great. You can reserve the upstairs rotenburo for half an hour to yourself for 2000yen, which is especially nice if you're shy, want to go in with your partner, or have a family. There are also free-use time slots with separate times for men and women. Just remember to bathe and warm up in the downstairs indoor bath first. It's a cozy, lovely place, and the staff are very helpful and friendly.