OYO Manzo Ryokan

The meals were plentiful and excellent, and the room rates felt like very good value compared with other ryokans nearby. It’s right behind the bus terminal, beside a path to a temple that looks beautiful when lit at night, especially in the snow. The building clearly isn’t new, but it wasn’t dirty and had a cozy feel. The place was run by a Japanese elder and a staff member. The indoor bath wasn’t in the best shape, though the water temperature was fine for me. With the right conditions, you can get a great night view from your room. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable stay who’s curious about what traditional ryokans are like.

The owner's cat came out to greet me and wanted head rubs. Very good cat. The older gentleman running the ryokan was sweet too. I hadn’t asked ahead for dinner, but he still made it for me, and I was so glad: shabu-shabu, fish baked in foil, then ice cream. Breakfast was omurice and corn soup. Omurice isn’t my favorite, but it feels different when someone makes it just for you. Dinner and breakfast together cost around 1800y. I paid 5000y total for a "Japanese-Style Economy Room with Shared Bathroom". Since nobody else was there, I ended up with a big room to myself and a connected bathroom. It was the best sleep I had in Japan. The weather had been gloomy and made the trip hard, but listening to rain patter against the window made it worthwhile. The futon was incredibly comfortable. There were a pair of girls and a pair of men, but otherwise the ryokan seemed empty. I had a better onsen experience than some other reviewers, probably because I was the only person there. Still, I cut myself on the rough concrete while stepping out, so I understand the concerns about the aged onsen and bathroom. I wouldn’t bring my parents here, but I had a great time and appreciated the owner’s kindness. This ryokan was the highlight of my June trip.

The owner was lovely, the food was fantastic, and our room was nice, so the visit turned out strange but really enjoyable. The building is aging, with noisy pipes and a very dated bathroom, and the onsen could use a deep clean. It’s a lovely place, though it does need some renovation.

The room was really roomy and comfortable, and the staff were very nice.