Mizunoto

The property was absolutely beautiful from the outside. I couldn't find this info directly on their listing, but they did send a message after booking that they offer a free shuttle from Kowakidani station to their property which was extremely convenient. When I went, the shuttle ran from 2-5 PM and comes back to the station about every 10 minutes. They have a nice little souvenir shop in the lobby and plenty of seating. My mother and I stayed in a room with a private hot open-air bath. In addition to the public onsen, they also offer 4 different private hot springs which are available on a first come first serve basis. Milk and yakult are free and available at different times of day. Our room was very spacious and clean, and in typical Japanese fashion came with all the bathroom amenities you could need as well as a tea set, tea snacks, and items to make your own pourover coffee. Some areas of the room did seem a little dated/older, but clearly everything has been kept very clean. The beds were extremely warm and comfortable with the slightly chilly mountain air. The private bath was a wooden style tub located on the deck, and we were provided a cedar block and a whole yuzu to put into the water. The view was gorgeous from the bath! For dinner you can choose between bbq or hotpot style, and one of two set mealtimes. Dinner was a fairly traditional Japanese kaiseki style dinner. It was one of the most gorgeous and meticulously prepared meals we've had, but taste-wise was fairly average. One thing is for sure though, they feed you a staggering amount of food. We both loved the traditional Japanese style breakfast though! They apparently offer free ramen at the restaurant in the evening after a certain time, but even with choosing the earliest mealtime we were too stuffed to even consider ramen.

Spa facilities, the traditional Japanese meals, the hot springs, The traditonal Japanese rooms

Amazing stay. The hotel has private onsens and included traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner in the price. The staff are very helpful and friendly. The hotel is a short walk from the train station and from the bus stop, where you can easily travel to the tourist spots. We weren’t sure straight away on the clothing expectations, but quickly realised we should wear the Yukata provided when in the hotel, including meal times. The private bath on the balcony is amazing.

There are 4 onsens (new and old building with each a men and women onsen that alternate daily) so a lot of variety if you stay longer. Many free items such as popsicles and milk near the onsen, coffee beans with a grinder in the room, free hot and cold drinks during the entire day and eveming snacks in the lobby. I oved the Japanese food, both the dinners (the traditional menu perhaps a bit more than the BBQ menu, also because of being served in the nicest looking restaurant of the 2) and the excessive breakfasts. One-hour unlimited drinks during dinner, I loved the sake. Free roomwear that everybody is wearing in the entire hotel including the restaurants, so no worries that your clothes will smell after breakfast. Very peaceful location with the sound of nearby waterfalls and I think crickets. The huge room (dated but convenient) had a huge window overlooking trees and hills. A room description I saw mentioned "no private bathroom" but that probably applied to not having a tub on the balcony as we had our own bathroom and separate toilet, which the hotel confirmed promptly after my earlier inquiry. Favorably located versus the major sights. Very kind staff that spoke English.

We were all really impressed, the Ryokan is gorgeous and we'll maintained. Our rooms had a gorgeous view of the mountains from our balconies. The private onsens in our rooms were amazing. This Ryokan provides many facilities with a variety of public and private onsens to choose from. The three private onsens that the hotel offered could be used without a reservation as long as they weren't in use. Our meals were the highlight of our stay, our dinner was one of the best meals we had in Japan. Our waiter Honda-san was extremely informative and friendly, he informed us of what each course consisted and provided his own recommendations. The Ryokan also offered a variety of complimentary snacks through out the facility, an icream after soaking in an onsen was just perfect. I would highly recommend staying at Mizunoto, everything was clean and the staff were incredibly welcoming.