Kikaku Ryokan

I stayed two nights, February 25th and 26th, 2026, and found it an absolutely fantastic inn. What stands out isn't just the food or the hot springs on their own. The baths, meals, coordinated decor, and music all come together as a complete hot spring experience and a deeply relaxing retreat. Getting there by train is convenient, and you can take a bus from Numata Station in Gunma Prefecture. In winter, the inn runs a shuttle from the Shimo-kaido road. Outside winter, it's a walk from the bus stop. The proprietress's kindness and warm smile make it easy to relax. She gives guests a comfortable amount of space while still being welcoming. There are thoughtful conveniences around the inn too, including self-service all-you-can-drink coffee and tea on the first floor, a coin laundry, and a dryer. There are two baths at different temperatures. One is split into two sections, so you can alternate between hot and lukewarm water. For bathing, you mark your planned time on a magnetic board outside the changing room, within a 50-minute limit. No need to worry about overlap. If someone is in the bath, you can come back when they've finished. Water and pickled plums are available at the entrance. Every dish was carefully made, and the small side dishes, grilled food, vegetables, and everything else tasted great. The steamed fish with basil sauce was especially good, and I savored each dish. For guests staying multiple nights, they ask at dinner on the first night, by questionnaire, what portion size they'd prefer for the next meal. Those considerate touches impressed me. I work in a completely different industry, but still felt I had a lot to learn from the care put into the stay.

The food was delicious, homemade-style, and left me very satisfied. I came for therapeutic bathing, but next time I'd like to visit for sightseeing. The Oigami No. 7 spring was wonderful, with a gentle sulfur smell and mineral deposits floating in it. The whole building was spotlessly clean, and its woodwork gave it a warm, beautiful feel. Antique-style furnishings reflected the inn's character and concept, and it was refreshing to see those historical pieces. I'm grateful for the staff's kindness and consideration. Thank you very much.

January 13, 2028: The inn is reasonably priced, but they don't cut corners. Meals are homemade and tasty, with more to them than simply sashimi or tempura. The facilities feel thoughtfully arranged for guests, and the hot spring is a good-quality weak alkaline spring. It's a lovely place for a quiet stay if you can follow the inn's rules. September, 2027: A quiet, relaxing place with a very good hot spring. The homemade food is tasty and served in just the right portions. The building feels old, but many areas have been renovated, and it's clean and thoughtfully kept. The management policy is clear. If you're comfortable with it, this is a wonderful place to unwind.

It feels like a slow summer holiday at your grandmother's house in the countryside. The whole inn is peaceful and relaxing, with thoughtful touches everywhere that make you feel at ease. The rooms are old, but the bathrooms have been renovated and are very clean. The bath is private, and you can use it as long as you like when it's free. There's hot and lukewarm water, and switching between them will make you sweat quite a bit. The meals are comforting home-style cooking, not luxurious, but the kind you can savor. In summer, there's a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Fukiware Falls. From Tokyo, it's about a 50-minute walk from the falls, a good option if you want a leisurely stroll along country roads. If you don't want to walk, you can take the train to Numata Station and then a bus, or take a bus from Fukiware Falls. There are almost no shops nearby, so buy what you need beforehand. The nearest convenience store is about a 30-minute walk away. It's a place to relax in the hot springs and rest at the inn. I'd definitely like to come back.