Nihon No Ashitaba

The food was amazing, every bite of it, and the New Year’s breakfast on January 1 was a wonderful way to start the year. The baths were lovely, especially the main outdoor one and the bamboo one. Each changing area had a little fridge stocked with water and milk, a thoughtful touch. We stayed over New Year’s and had an amazing time. The staff were thoughtful and kind, and the service was impeccable. It’s one of the most gorgeous ryokans I’ve visited. I hope I can come back someday.

The staff, including Mika Tsubone, made the stay feel like a real example of Japanese hospitality. Between the impressive rooms and the restorative hot spring, the whole experience was extraordinary and one we won't forget. I'd happily encourage others to discover this place.

We loved our first ryokan stay at Nihon no Ashitaba so much that we hope to come back for a couple more nights. Bar Barolo was a happy surprise, too. The wine, whiskey, cocktails, cigars, and the bar itself were all great. We had a bartender from our own nationality the first night, then used Google Translate to chat with the bar owner the next day. Both conversations were a lot of fun. The meals were another highlight. Dinner and breakfast were carefully served, every dish was excellent, and the menu changed daily. The server, a man who may have been the manager, whose name I've forgotten, was professional and kind. He recommended his favorite sake, and we loved it. We'd read a little about ryokan and asked plenty of questions when booking. They replied quickly and kindly. Our house was luxurious and had the traditional features we hoped for, including a garden, indoor and outdoor onsen, a living room, tatami room, and comfortable bedding. Everything about Nihon no Ashitaba felt perfect for a first stay.

The staff's thoughtful kindness is what stands out most from our two nights at Nihon no Ashitaba. My family and I were very happy with the trip, and I'd like to come back in another season. They picked us up at Yufuin Station, and the next day they also drove us to our lunch outing, which made getting around the village easy. My mom and I enjoyed all four meals, two breakfasts and two dinners, with a different menu each time. Set among beautiful scenery, the ryokan was a lovely place to soak in the onsen and unwind.