Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei

The morning buffet was great, and we came across a market set up in front of the hotel where we bought fresh persimmon. The hotel also provided an Onsen pass for the public baths. If you want to use a private Onsen, make sure to book it in advance. It was one of the best Japanese experiences I’ve had. The place felt serene and delivered the Onsen experience I expected. The whole team put a lot of effort into making our stay memorable, and the service went above and beyond. If you’re looking for a getaway in the heart of nature, this is it.

The kaiseki dinner was delicious, and Juu, our server, was kind and attentive. She explained the courses clearly, which made the meal even more enjoyable. It’s a lovely traditional onsen hotel with upgraded facilities. The staff were kind and helpful, and the whole stay was an amazing experience. Highly recommended.

We only tried the onsite onsen on our last day, and I wish we’d gone sooner. It was gorgeous and quieter than the public baths. The traditional Japanese room was exquisite, with tatami floors that had a naturally warm scent when there wasn’t incense burning, and futons that were firm but comfortable. The staff were wonderful and made us feel they truly cared. They went out of their way to make us comfortable and keep things running smoothly. Much of our Japan trip had only a veneer of service, with polite smiles but little help or direction even for simple needs. Here, our interactions were all memorable and pleasant. It was our honeymoon, and we couldn’t have chosen a better ryokan. This is the single best hotel I’ve stayed in. Leaving was the hardest part because we hated saying goodbye.

The staff put service at the heart of everything. At checkout, someone ran after me because I’d left a shirt in the wardrobe. After we had already left, they also helped us buy items from the gift shop even though they don’t run an online business. A big thank you to Collin, Jing, and their team for going out of their way for former guests too. Everything at the hotel felt carefully thought through, from the comb and toothbrush in the room to the curated gift shop and the guest onsen, which everyone should check out. It’s a top-class place I’d put alongside the best five-star brands, probably even better. I loved our stay and now want to try their sister hotel Nishimuraya Honkan, where we couldn’t stay this time because we had kids. Next time I’m back, I’ll definitely stay at a Nishimuarya establishment. I wish more places like this existed.