Kohoku No Sora Futari No Yado Kihiro

The meals were frustrating, too. My companion asked for more sauce, and since I was short as well, I assumed they'd bring some for me too. They brought only one portion. It felt inconsiderate. They say they operate with very few staff, and even sauce only comes if you ask. The place just seemed too stingy. I booked a room described as having an open-air bath, supposedly the best room, but it was actually a semi-open-air bath in a regular room. The room itself was small, so I wondered how tiny the others must be. It wasn't remotely worth the price. I called a week before my stay to arrange a shuttle, but nobody answered, so I couldn't book one. I ended up taking a taxi from the nearest station, which cost just under 2,500 yen. When I complained that I'd called several times with no answer, the inn said they were operating with minimal staff. That isn't the guests' problem. I don't normally write reviews, but I couldn't let this go. Choosing this inn was a complete mistake, and it was very poor value for money.

We went for a short trip to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and the idea of a getaway for two adults appealed to us. The hotel limits each room to two people. There are seven rooms in all, with three different themes, plus three private baths fed by Onoue Onsen water. Meals are served at a counter screened like a semi-private space, with a view of Lake Biwa, and the parking lot is spacious. We were the only guests on a weekday just before Golden Week, so we got to try all three private baths. They were kept at 39, 40, and 41°C, and in April the two warmer ones were perfect! ^_^ The kaiseki was excellent, with plenty of courses made from local ingredients. The proprietress explained the thoughtfully prepared dishes, which made them easier to understand and even more enjoyable. The late-night rice balls were delicious, too. We were happy with the exterior, interior, service, and food. A tour guide once told me that travel is about experiencing something out of the ordinary. For a luxurious trip for two adults, "Kihira" is a great fit. I'll definitely return for another getaway.

The rooms aren't especially spacious, but ours was comfortable enough and very clean. Lake Biwa was right outside the window, and we used the provided binoculars to watch waterfowl. The sunset was especially beautiful during our stay. With a maximum of seven groups, the inn had a quiet, restful feel. It began as a traditional Japanese inn focused on cuisine, then was renovated under new ownership to fit its current concept. Dinner used local ingredients, and each dish was served with care. The baths were large enough for two, and besides the private bath there were three separate ones, each cleaned after use. The temperature was set at 39, 40, or 41°C. The cleaning and infection control measures seemed to be in place, which made the bath experience feel safe and comfortable. I'd recommend this inn for a peaceful stay.

There are only a few rooms, and the three kinds of baths are all private. You can use them during the set times whenever they're available. We had Omi beef sukiyaki for dinner, with a very generous portion that let us really enjoy the beef. Breakfast had plenty of choices and different flavors to try. The service was excellent, and it's the sort of quiet, relaxing inn we'd like to return to every year.