Dantoukan Kikunoya

For my first ryokan stay, this was definitely worth it. Our room was the best, the open air Onsen was amazing, and the staff kept checking that we were doing well and understood everything. The hospitality was excellent throughout. My fiancé and I walked from the station before realizing a staff member had been waiting to greet us. We hadn't known about the shuttle from the station to the hotel, so call them to avoid the 15-minute walk.

After a tiring week of vacation, we had a peaceful, refreshing stay at Dantoukan onsen hotel, about 20 minutes from Kyoto central station. Call after reaching JR Ogotoonsen station and the free shuttle will pick you up about five minutes later. Each room has a dedicated staff member. Suzuka-chan welcomed us and served a multi-course dinner in our room with wonderful attention to detail. We really appreciated it. There was Wagyu shabu-shabu, sashimi, miso soup, tempura, and more. Later, we reserved the rooftop private onsen for ¥5,500 an hour. Soaking outside on a cold autumn night was amazing; the water was just right, neither too hot nor burning. After a lovely night's sleep, Suzuka-chan brought us a multi-course Japanese-style breakfast. Before leaving, we browsed the souvenir shop on 1/f and bought 20 Shiba-printed cookies for ¥780, much cheaper than similar snacks in Kyoto center. Taro-kun, a lovely, gentle Shiba puppy, and Suzuka-chan saw us off. Thanks to the hotel, the staff, Suzuka-chan, and Taro-kun for such a lovely stay. We'll definitely come back with family and say hello to Taro-kun. Highly recommended to travellers to Kyoto or Osaka looking for a peaceful retreat from the busy city!~ :-)

The people here were so kind and helpful, and the hotel itself was clean and peaceful. They even made what they thought was an American-style breakfast for my husband and me without us asking, just because they thought we'd enjoy it. I was so grateful I cried when we left. The onsen was wonderful, and the food was the best I ate in Japan. This was my favorite part of the trip, and I can't wait to return.

The food was the best we had in Japan, and this was a perfect Ryokan given how close it is to Kyoto. The hot springs are lovely and separated for men and women. You can reserve a private open-air bath too, which I'd highly recommend.