The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA - Hostel

The meals were a real highlight. Breakfast and dinner are included, with varied Japanese food: one night we had individual shabu shabu, and another we made our own sushi with very fresh seafood and wagyu beef. Some of our best meals during our 14 days in Japan were here. The onsen is small, clean, and relaxing, with room for about five, though I never saw more than two people in it at a time. The team of just three or four people seemed to handle everything, from check-in and checkout to shuttle driving, bringing extra sheets and towels, serving meals, and cleaning up. They did it all with a smile and went out of their way to make the stay memorable. The value and service at this ryokan are hard to beat. Getting around is the main drawback. The inn is on a steep hill, so town and Yugawara train station require a shuttle or taxi. Arrange a pickup or drop-off ahead of time, since walking isn’t practical. The Wi-Fi was weak in our room, but our pocket Wi-Fi took care of that.

The onsen was a relaxing spot, and it never felt crowded. We had a wonderful night here on our honeymoon. Everyone made us feel welcome and helped us out, including taking time to speak English since my Japanese isn’t very good. They also walked us through dinner and breakfast, our first traditional set meals at a hotel. Book the shuttle in advance. The walk with luggage would be a tough one.

I stayed in a three-person mixed dorm on the first floor. It was clean and quiet, though storage was limited to a locker that might fit a carry-on suitcase. The natural spring water in the onsen was nice, but the bath itself was quite small. The cafe lounge was a relaxing place to have a drink or snack, or get some work or studying done, with comfy beanbags, soft music, and a cozy atmosphere. The staff were friendly and worked hard the whole time I was there. The place looks fairly new, and the Google Maps and Booking.com photos seemed accurate. At 6,000 yen for two people without meals, it could be a good low-cost stay in a laid-back, beautiful area. Just be ready for steep hills if you leave the ryokan on foot for food or drinks. I wouldn’t recommend that walk for young children, older people, or anyone with physical limitations.

The staff were so kind and went out of their way to help when I lost my luggage. The place itself is stunning and the dorms were priced really well. During the weekdays I had the onsen to myself, and the beds and pillows were perfect. A great stay.