Sarugakyo Onsen Ryokan Higuchi

ONSEN REVIEW: The view from the lobby was nice while I waited, which is why this gets two stars. I booked a private onsen because I have tattoos. The session was 50 minutes for showering, soaking, and blow-drying, which felt short but was understandable. The price was ¥3300, cash only, and that part was expected. The water was 46°C, too hot for me to get into, so I couldn’t use the onsen despite paying more than I’ve ever paid to use one. I told the front desk it was too hot, and they just said, “So sorry, bye! Thank you!” There was no offer of a different onsen at a temperature a person could manage, or to refund the ¥3300 for a bath I couldn’t use. The private onsen dressing room was dusty, and the wallpaper was peeling with what looked like mold on it. I’ve been in Japan for 2.5 months, and this was the worst and most expensive onsen I’ve visited.

The onsen is wonderful, with indoor and outdoor baths, and the breathtaking view makes it even more relaxing. They also provide a complete package, including pickup from Jomokogen Station and free dinner and breakfast. I absolutely enjoyed staying at this ryokan.

We were there for one night, and it was a lovely place to unwind as a couple. It’s an old hotel rather than a modern one, which is part of what we liked. Japan has plenty of private hotels and ryokans known for their age. The rooms were simple and Japanese style. There were four private onsens for an extra charge, and we chose Sakura Garden onsen, which had open windows. The tofu-based dinner was one of the best, with everything served around the tofu concept. Breakfast was buffet style, with a beautiful view of the lake.

Dinner was the one real bright spot. If you like tofu, theirs is wonderful, and the staff were friendly, helpful, and gave good service. The hotel itself is dated and needs cleaning and maintenance. The lobby smelled old, the room and onsen were average, and the rocks in the onsen can be slippery. I wouldn’t come back.