Shirasagiyu Tawaraya

We went there to experience a japanese traditional hotel, as well as to rest after 10 days in Tokyo region, before going to another 10 days of walking in Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima region. Overall, was the perfect experience... The shuttle from JR station to the hotel has a great schedule. The staff was very nice and available, the room marvelous and traditional, very spacious also. The surroundings of the hotel are beautyfull and great for a walk in the woods by the river. The public onsen of the hotel is relaxing and an amazing experience (we went 3 times in 2 nights).The view from the room also wonderfull. This was the most expensive hotel (per night) we had in our 25 days japan trip, but worth it! I recommend it to everyone. I think 2 nights are perfect to rest and enjoy the experience, with breakfast included. Breakfast has like 14 different things in front of you, and change each day. You can try lots of different stuff from Japan.

Highest quality seasonal and regional ingredients used for all meals. Tatami rooms faced the river gorge and if there are clear night skies, the stars fill your view from the room balcony. Outdoor common baths overlook the river gorge for bracingly frigid breezes during night baths in the cold season. Also a short walk to the nearest supermart if you need more after-dinner drinks, snacks or ice cream.

Great location on the river with outdoor baths overlooking the trees. It was lovely to relax in a bath for a while on a cool autumn evening, listening to the river rushing by. Beautiful scenic walk nearby, which takes you to the town center with all the local craft shops. Very helpful and welcoming staff, who ensured our comfortable stay despite the language barrier. Enjoyable set course dinner and breakfast (included in the package) using seasonal produce.

I went there in the month of April, to live the experience in a Ryokan. It was amazing, a really traditional Japanese experience, and I have very good memories. The receptionist guy speaks a little but of English, and was very helpful in everything. All personel made me feel so welcomed, from the driver who took me from JR station and drop me at the hotel, to the waitress. She was very nice and kind, they didn't speak English, but with google translator we could perfectly communicate, she was very interested in showing me how to properly eat the traditional Japanese meal, she was very patient and I felt so comfortable. I also took a massage under payment, very good by the way. And again from the reception they helped me to arrange all, the time for dinner, onsen and massage. It was a very special stay, and unique experience.

It’s right next to a river. There are green trees on the mountains. It’s located away from the main street. Basho, the Haiku poet, visited. There’s a shopping street dedicated to tourists. If you like to hike, there are trail maps to follow old sections of town. The ryokan is built along side the river bank so the entrance is on the 5th floor and goes up to the 8th. You eat on the 5th floor and the food is delicious with mini servings of each of the 12 or so dishes. You even get a menu (in Japanese) and my waitress translated. My room was large and comfortable. The staff were very friendly.