Oyado Tamaki

A peaceful, traditional Japanese onsen hotel, with lovely views that feel thoughtfully chosen. The baths were clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I really appreciated the careful attention throughout.

Dinner was filling for us, despite some comments we'd seen saying portions were small, and breakfast was just the right amount. The meals were creative and delicious, including options for people in our group with dietary restrictions after we requested this ahead of time. The staff were attentive, welcoming, and accommodating, and the owner, I think, and staff came out to see us off. Their hospitality made the stay feel personal and cozy. We spent three nights at Oyado Tamaki and had a very comfortable, relaxing visit. The ryokan has a peaceful feel, with little spots to enjoy the views and thoughtful touches from the staff. Its traditional Japanese style is balanced with modern touches. Every room is different and has its own charm, and ours looked even better than the photos. They were also very clean, as was the rest of the ryokan. Our rooms looked toward the mountains and stone steps, which added to the atmosphere. It's just two minutes from the stone steps and the cluster of shops in Ikaho, so the location was convenient. We arrived on a snowy winter day. The narrow, steep road from the bus stop was slippery, and we slipped quite a bit, so I'd suggest asking for pickup or drop-off if it's snowing. Even so, the snow-covered stone steps looked stunning.

The lunch was tasty, with a nice variety of dishes, and we had a private dining room overlooking the steps and mountains. We visited Oyado Tamaki for a day trip with lunch. Reception was polite and helpful, and the clean hot baths felt peaceful. There were both silver and gold waters, plus indoor and outdoor baths.

The view faces the famous Ikaho Stone St., yet the hotel was quiet enough for a restful stay. I loved the full traditional Japanese experience, from check-in through dining and the onsen. Service and food were excellent, and this is doubtlessly the best hotel I've ever stayed at. Definitely recommend it!