Arimakoyado Hataya Ryokan

Lost my key the night before. I think I lost it at a nearby restaurant. I backtracked everywhere I went but the restaurant was closed. So the staff person had to let me back in the room, which was down the street. I couldn’t leave the room again as there was also an entrance door that was locked 24/7 & I needed a key to get back in. So I was stuck in a room without a tv! In the morning when I checked out, they told me I couldn’t leave until I found the key. The restaurant wasn’t going to be open to noon, and there was no guarantee it was there. This all occurred at 0800 and I had a bus and several trains to catch. I offered to pay for the key replacement and they charged me 10,000 yen. I don’t know what it costs to copy and replace a key, but it certainly isn’t 10,000 yen. But I paid it because I was in a hurry. But telling me “No, you cannot check out until you find the key.” (In a very rude manner) did not sit right with me. I’m a senior, and I had prepaid for the room months before. I could have just left without paying for the key replacement, but I offered kindly and the payment was received rudely. Like, couldn’t they have just called the restaurant later when it opened? I actually liked the place, very old school renovated nicely. Except for the medieval onsen, lol. But to be told, “No, you cannot leave until you find the key” pissed me off and he’s lucky I didn’t go off on him after he took the bill & didn’t thank me for my patronage. 1 star.

Great, great personal and the town is fantastic

Just a set of futon and a small table. No TV, hardly any amenities, but an excellent onsen and quiet evening. A perfect place for those who want digital detox.

Amazing location, price and staff. I know a little bit of Japanese so that helped, but they have a book for non-Japanese speakers! If you’re visiting, just please be respectful of their rules. I would definitely come back and recommend to everyone!

Was a nice area to visit. Wish I had studied more of area. Would have stayed 2 nights instead of 1 had I known better. Very interesting area and hot springs hard to find as I speak nor read Japanese. But did enjoy the experience.