Tsuta Onsen Ryokan

We stayed two nights in Kakukan room with a private semi open-air bath with a half-board meal plan. Really enjoyed the stay; will go back again. Staff & Service: Incredible hospitality. Everyone spoke excellent English; we hardly had to use our Google Translate app at all! Room & Bath: Very spacious and well-proportioned. The vanity area is massive, with room for two chairs and a coffee table. The in-room onsen layout is excellent, featuring a safe step outside and a two-tier step inside for easy access. Minor Compliant: 1) The closet is on the opposite side of the room, not attached to the bedroom. 2) The bathroom exhaust fan is linked to the light dimmer control; a standalone fan switch would better manage condensation. 3) Too many light switches without labels. 4) Living room is half tiles and half tatami; I wish the coffee/tea counter on the tile side. Meal: We enjoyed a private dining room for both dinner and breakfast. Executive Chef Osamu-san and his staff were incredibly attentive, explaining each dish beautifully. Thank you, Chef Osamu-san and team! Public Onsen: The historic Kyuan-no-Yu and regular bathhouse are amazing. True to the website, they feel cozy despite the high ceilings. I was lucky enough to enjoy both completely to myself! Bonus: The nearby pond loop trail is fantastic. Do the full hike, then head straight back to the ryokan for a rewarding soak.

Outstanding hot spring resort in every aspect. The local cuisines and ingredients are particularly delicious

The quality of service is world class. If you want a traditional experience search the entire property experience

Extraordinary service, staff, location, spa, and breakfast

Wonderful stay. Impeccable service. Remote but rustically decadent. So relaxing and cozy during our stay between fall and winter. We missed the peak fall leaves but that did not detract from the natural beauty of this area and we still enjoyed the waterfalls of Oirase gorge and the small loop around Tsuta pond greatly. If anything the onsens were even more enjoyable in the cold weather, and we were grateful to have the opportunity to stay in such a historic and well-kept ryokan.