Yado Hanaya Tokubei - Dorogawa-onsen Hot Spring

We were a group of five and got a large room together. It was basic but very clean, though not having an en suite bathroom wasn't very convenient. The tofu and soy bean dishes were especially good, and both dinner and breakfast were high quality. Breakfast normally starts at 8:30, but the staff kindly arranged it an hour earlier for our hike. We were glad to find a guest lounge on the first floor where we could relax and listen to music. The onsen, changing room, and shower area have all been newly renovated and were spotless, but they're quite small, and there's no outdoor onsen. All the guest rooms are on the first and second floors, with no lift, so the stairs could be difficult for guests with limited mobility. The hospitality deserves 5 stars, food 4, onsen 3, and room facilities 3. Visited 11 May 2019.

It's a charming, intimate little place in the middle of Dorogawa Onsen. The staff made me feel well looked after, and the onsen was peaceful and relaxing, never busy during my visit. The car park is a bit away, but the owner helped guide us and arranged a transfer.

Dinner was served in a private room, and although the dishes were simple, each one was tasty and nicely presented. The portions suited us well, and the beef grilled on magnolia leaves was excellent. The bath was clean and recently renovated, with lovely water, though the tub fits only about four people. I chose this inn in Dorogawa Onsen, a place I'd long wanted to see. It's a 500-year-old establishment, and the traditional exterior has plenty of charm. I could only book a room without a private bathroom, but mine was upstairs facing the street, which added to the trip atmosphere. I was glad, since I believe the other rooms on that floor didn't face the street. By evening, warm lights around town made the streetscape feel beautifully rustic. Breakfast was simple and just what I'd expect at a traditional hot spring inn. I'd like to come back in a few years.

The meals were thoroughly enjoyable, and everyone was very kind to me. I took photos of both dinner and breakfast. It was my first time here, and I came away wanting to return. The inn is a well-known one in the Dorogawa Onsen area, a relaxing place to recover from travel fatigue. It's about 850 meters above sea level; during my early June visit the cloudy, rainy weather made it feel cold.