Chikusenso Mt.Zao Resort & Spa

I stayed for two days, and everything seemed perfect until I developed severe food poisoning on the second day. I'd spent the previous 48 hours at the hotel and eaten everything the hotel prepared. My husband had similar, milder symptoms on the first day, but we didn't realize what was happening at the time. We asked whether other guests had become sick, and staff kept telling us no. After checking out, I looked through older Google reviews and found a family describing the same symptoms seven months earlier. I believe something in the cooking needs to be investigated. It's a lovely hotel owned by a big Hong Kong group, but with this kind of closed-minded attitude from management, I worry this could happen to other people. I only hope my review can help protect someone in the future.

The team made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Everyone, from the front desk to housekeeping, was warm, attentive, and careful with the details, and the hospitality made our visit feel special. One member of the hospitality staff deserves particular thanks. He took time to understand our travel preferences, arranged things to suit us, and gave personalized recommendations that added a lot to the experience. His warmth and commitment made our stay comfortable and memorable. We're grateful for the wonderful memories and look forward to returning to your beautiful Onsen.

We spent two nights at Chikusenso with half board, and it was one of our most memorable ryokan stays in Japan. Our Spa Suite was spacious, beautifully designed, and relaxing, while the onsen facilities were top-notch. The hotel felt both refined and homey, with a lovely mix of luxury and authenticity. What stayed with us most was the thoughtful service. The restaurant staff went out of their way to meet our needs and made each meal welcoming. From check-in through the final meal, everything was handled with care. Thanks to the whole team. We look forward to coming back.

I didn't think it was worth the high price. The room had been renovated, the public onsen area was nice, and bathing in the snow was a good experience. The food was okay and service fine, but to me the stay was average and nothing special. There are better ryokans for the money. Dinner was also frustrating because some tourists spoke loudly in a quiet setting and played YouTube videos on their phones at full volume. I'm a tourist too, but I wouldn't behave that way. I know that's not the hotel's fault, though separate rooms for each group would have kept the noise from carrying.