Yamazato Restaurant & Ryokan Isobe

What made the stay special was how warm and friendly the hosts were. Dinner was cooked right at our table with fresh local ingredients, and the river fish was especially good. Everything was locally sourced and full of flavor. Our room was warm and comfortable, with cozy traditional-style bedding. We also appreciated being able to book a private time slot for the bath. The quiet, peaceful setting made it easy to relax, and we absolutely loved our stay.

The landlady, young landlady, and staff were so kind and considerate, always smiling. That hospitality is what I remember most. We stayed from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day in Choraku Soan, the thatched-roof main lodge. It has an old, folktale-like feel, and our family of four got to use all five well-kept Japanese-style rooms and baths. The meals made with local ingredients were exquisite. The landlady called them “my own style,” and they were so delicious I could hardly believe it.

The food was light and tasty, and both the atmosphere and service were good. I’d consider coming back for a day trip, though the prices seem high, so it feels more suited to a special splurge while nearby or entertaining clients. Bathing is limited to set times, the rooms are guesthouse-style, and the toilets are shared. I also found some extra charges unclear.

On our checkout morning, January 22nd, we woke up to deep snow. At 9 am the landlady came to tell us that Hiyoshi Station was closed for the day because of the heavy snowfall. We were worried, but she kindly called a taxi for us to the next station, and we made it safely down the mountain and back to Kyoto. We were incredibly grateful. We said goodbye with a translator, thanking the landlady and Grandma and wishing them good health. We waved until we couldn’t see each other anymore. My classmates and I were touched by their kindness and the excellent service. The night we arrived, on the evening of January 20th, Grandma had made us a delicious, hearty sukiyaki dinner. Breakfast the next morning was really good too. 🙏💓