Kimuraya Ryokan

The food feels freshly made at home, and I enjoyed the ingredients and seasonings. There are three baths, free tea and coffee, and parking for four cars right out front. The facilities are old, but they provide toothbrushes, towels, bath towels, yukata, a washing machine, paper towels throughout, and an automatic hand-washing faucet outside the toilet. The TV is large and gets BS broadcasts. Good value for the money.

The food was a real treat, from the tray of side dishes to the local shiso rolls. We liked the rolls so much that I bought some at the morning market to try different kinds. Meals were brought to our room, and we left the trays in the hallway afterward. The inn was almost full when we visited in early October during the Adult Holiday Club promotion, but the staff were very friendly and the stay felt like excellent value. We got the largest corner room, perhaps because we chose the most expensive plan. It was clean and had Wi-Fi. There were lots of stink bugs, which makes sense for the season, and duct tape was provided in the room and bathroom to remove them. Of the three baths, the second-floor public bath was nearest to our room, so we used it often. The gender curtains were arranged so the hot spring water was private each time we bathed. It was a little hot, but still comfortable. A wonderful inn, and I could see why it was popular. Thanks for the hospitality.

The meals were what we were looking forward to, and there was plenty at both breakfast and dinner. The mountain vegetables were blanched, the fish grilled, and everything was homemade. Hot dishes arrived hot and cold ones stayed cold; the rice and miso soup were tasty and felt wholesome. For the price, the food was unbelievable. There are six rooms in this small inn, with a Showa-era atmosphere. On arrival, we were welcomed by the cheerful landlady and the calm owner. We were a group of three staying two nights. Of the three bathing rooms, one is a private bath you can use freely with a lock. The other two have curtains marking the gender, and all let you bathe in water straight from the hot spring. It left both body and mind feeling soothed.

We were already talking about when to return while we were still there. One night isn't nearly enough, and my husband and I would like to stay a week or so next time. By chance, a room was available for the first day of Golden Week, so we managed to book. The landlady's greeting as I came through the entrance made me feel right away that this was a great inn. Our room was clean and comfortable, and there were three baths to use whenever they were free. Breakfast and dinner were served in the room and were delicious. The rice was especially good, and we finished every grain, along with the tasty local wild vegetables. The staff were kind too. It really felt like an ideal place to stay.