Nakamurakan

I had a really wonderful stay, so I'm not sure why some of the reviews are so harsh. The room I booked was Japanese-style, warm, comfortable, and very clean. I didn't notice any smell, despite what some people have mentioned, and I loved soaking in the warm onsen every night. Getting here on my own was easy with Apple Maps. The reception staff were kind and helpful, spoke enough English to explain check-in and check-out, and kept my luggage until check-in. They made me feel welcome. For Kamikochi, the location worked perfectly: a 20-minute bus ride away, with Hirayu bus station just a minute's walk from the hotel. I had no problems at all and would absolutely recommend staying here when visiting the area.

The private onsen was a real treat, though I wish each booking allowed more than a 40-minute session. We also loved wearing Yakuta and having dinner here, and the traditional ryokan style made our Japan trip feel special. The architecture and simple design were lovely, with wood throughout the interiors that added to the atmosphere. The property sits near Hirayu bus station, surrounded by peaceful nature. Finding it was a struggle. There were no English direction signs or English sign on the building, so I went around in circles until I asked someone at another hotel for help. The rooms and bathrooms are dated, with old-fashioned fixtures and fittings. On our last day, we spotted a centipede crawling in a corner near the bed. It must have been there all night, though thankfully it left us alone. Being so close to nature means living alongside it and leaving the ecosystem undisturbed, without pesticides or insecticides. That comes with the setting.

I've stayed in plenty of ryokans, and this was the worst experience of my life. All three onsens were cold, and dinner arrived cold too, with four hairs in the food. Everything felt stiff and unappetizing. The manager moved our car in the parking lot, scratched the entire underside, and never told us. There are plenty of other places in town, so I'd stay somewhere else.

The futons were more comfortable than the ones we've slept on at pricier ryokans, and our room was large and clean. Some complaints about cleanliness seem overstated or may have been dealt with. The hotel is worn in places, but to me that added charm. I'd love to return after it has been refreshed, perhaps with the garden restored and a few parts of the building updated. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Most of the front desk team spoke decent English. My fiance found our private onsen too hot, and they quickly let us switch to one that was a little milder. The algae some reviewers mention is, as I understand it, something onsen fans enjoy for its supposed skin benefits, and a sign the water hasn't been treated with harsh chemicals. The food was incredible, and I'd definitely choose half board. Both breakfast and dinner were huge, filling spreads. We could hardly breathe after finishing our meals. I do think the negative reviews are unfair after our stay, though they made me second-guess booking here.