Oyado Kyuan

The food was as good as you’d expect from a Nihonbashi restaurant specializing in kaiseki, with lovely taste, colors, and presentation. Dinner and breakfast portions were generous, and the delicate, beautiful styling had a feminine touch. I did feel that the sea urchin, caviar, and foie gras didn’t quite fit with the other dishes. To me, the fresh ingredients from Nasu and the cooking skill were already impressive without those extravagant ingredients. This is a quiet inn with only two rooms. There’s no front desk or shared space, and each room is self-contained and separated from the next by a garden, so privacy is complete. The modern tatami rooms have seasonal flowers and pretty accessories made from repurposed kimonos and obi sashes. The terrace seemed to float among the trees, and the spacious open-air bath was clean and comfortable. The bed felt a little simple, but otherwise cleanliness and comfort were impeccable. The staff were friendly and attentive. It’s ideal for a peaceful routine of a good meal, a relaxing soak, and a good night’s sleep. There’s also a particularly wide selection of alcoholic drinks. I’d recommend it to people who want good food and hot springs in quiet privacy without running into anyone, rather than those focused on nature. It may especially suit people with Tokyo sensibilities or foreign visitors wanting to venture a little farther afield.

Our group of female friends came after hearing this was a wonderful hidden guesthouse, and we were so taken with it that I had to write a review. It was the best place I’ve ever stayed. The staff’s thoughtfulness made us feel very comfortable. They kept a just-right distance, smiled throughout, and took great care of us. The chef even came to greet us. I’m sure anyone I bring here would enjoy it, and next time I’d like to bring my parents. I hope it doesn’t get so popular that booking becomes impossible. From Tokyo, it took about an hour to Nasushiobara Station, then 15 minutes by taxi. We were quickly surrounded by Nasu’s quiet, far from the city bustle, and felt properly away from everyday life. Our room had both an indoor and an outdoor bath. The outdoor one was spacious enough for three women, and chatting together in the bath became a lovely memory. The water felt excellent, and we soaked many times, right up until just before checkout. The open-air bath surrounded by nature was deeply relaxing. The meals were thoughtful and carefully prepared, with spot-on taste, presentation, variety, and portions. I don’t know another guesthouse that serves food like this. Thank you so much.

The food was so delicious and beautifully presented that I’d go back just to eat it. The service was pleasant, with lots of thoughtful attention, and we left wanting to return. My two friends and I made lovely memories here. The indoor and outdoor baths had smooth-feeling water that left our skin silky and warmed us right through. We relaxed a lot, and there was also a spot where we could enjoy the fresh air.

It’s a bit of a trip from the station, but well worth going. This was our second stay, and our group of three girls was just as happy with the dinner, breakfast, indoor and open-air baths, and the staff’s hospitality as last time. The alkaline spring water left our skin silky smooth, and the food was excellent again. The Sangen pork shumai wrapped in glutinous rice was the best shumai I’ve ever had. With only two groups allowed per day, we had plenty of privacy. Thank you for taking such good care of us. We’ll definitely be back.