Yamanakaonsen Ohanami Kyubei

The suite we had was luxuriously spacious and had an onsen bath in our bathroom. The room overlooks the beautiful river and gorge. Because we are a family of 4, they set up 2 futons in the tatami mat area, which can be enclosed by shoji screens or left open. The hot water was the most instant I’ve ever experienced in my life. The ryokan provides lots of amenities and if we wanted more, there was a cart in the lobby where we could have helped ourselves. The ryokan has a private outdoor onsen too, which you can book, but we were happy with our in-room one, so did not use it. The ryokan has danjo, senbei and matcha tea making stations open in the afternoon, as well as a snack cart that is popular with the kids. I read reviews where guests complained of stink bugs. The weather was cold, so we kept our room windows shut and there was only one stink bug that appeared in our room on Day 2. I called the front desk and a staff member arrived in under a minute to whisk the insect away.

We had a suite with the private onsen which was fantastic. So peaceful, relaxing and romantic. It was expensive at nearly 70,000 yen (approx $700 AUD) per night and we stayed two nights, but the experience was totally worth it. If you can, definitely get this room. The little town of Yamanakaonsen is only about a 15 minute walk and has a convenience store and other gift shops. We found a lovely spot down by the river. The staff were all excellent, as I have found in all Japanese hotels, but I want to make a special mention about a young Indonesian lady (Sushi) who waited on our table. She explained the extensive menu in Japanese to my Japanese wife and again in English to me. Her bubbly personality was a delight. The food was outstanding, top quality and plentiful. Overall one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had. The onsen in your room overlooking the river and forest was just perfect.

We loved the simple luxury of Ohanami Kyubei — our room was elegant and comfortable and we enjoyed sleeping on the futons and sitting out on the balcony. We also appreciated the multiple onsen options, especially the private outdoor baths with views of the gorge and of the sky. All of the staff were exceptionally gracious and helpful and we felt very welcome. The breakfasts and dinners included were delicious and extravagant and varied with each meal. We also liked how easy it was to visit other places in the area through Canbus and through the hotel’s free shuttle to Kagaonsen station. We would love to return, and would highly recommend staying at Ohanami Kyubei for a restorative and romantic vacation.

We enjoyed the onsen experience. The staff were friendly and advising us how to do everything.

Since not so many guests during weekdays I could enjoy a "roten-buro" (outdoor bath-tub) out of three for 40 min alone. Also it's located upstream of the river almost at the end of the row of onsen ryokans, which is quieter and surrounded by nature.