Tabist Shiobaraonsen Kashiwaya Ryokan

We had a comfortable traditional tatami room with two Western single beds, though we slept on futons. It had a good valley view, air conditioning, an in-room safe, and a toilet. The building is old and some fittings aren’t new, as other reviews say, but we thought that added charm. The room rate was very reasonable. We were the first Airbnb guests, and our ryokan experience was excellent. Our host spoke excellent English and was very attentive. His son, who runs the restaurant, said his English wasn’t good, but communicating with him was easy. We arrived too late for dinner, unfortunately, but found an excellent izakaya nearby. Local restaurants and izakaya are about a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk away, so plan ahead. The baths are down a long outdoor flight of stairs. We loved the view from the outdoor baths, and were lucky to have them to ourselves since only one other couple was staying. Give yourself enough time to enjoy them, especially in daylight. They close at 22pm. We didn’t use the indoor baths, but they’re available all night. The Shinto shrine to the hotel’s spring gods is opposite the ryokan and beautiful to visit. If you’re driving, the parking is just past the ryokan, over the bridge to the left.