Ryokan Yamanoyu

If you're lucky to visit Kurokawa Onsen, your lodging will likely be in one of the many Ryokans dotting the area. In the USA, nothing like this mode of accommodation exists, so it was an amazing experience to stay at Yamanoyu for two nights. It was like staying with a large, hospitable family, yet you have the extreme comfort of your own room, as well as a private dining compartment in the downstairs restaurant. The kaiseki meal served to us at Yamanoyu was simply exquisite, and I was able to try local cuisine I would have never ordered on my own, including horse and chicken sashimi. I know it sounds strange or dangerous, but these delicacies were neither, instead offering me an understanding of the chef's precision and knowledge of his region. I'll never forget that meal, nor the perfect service offered by Wada, who also served us at the elaborate and incredibly delicious breakfasts, healthy meals that kept us full all day long. While you dine, the Ryokan staff is busy cleaning your room, laying out the traditional futons and comforters. While small, our room had everything we needed, with the bonus of being directly above the river, whose gentle sounds added to the relaxation you encounter in this magical town. As comfortable clothing is provided by the Ryokan, we didn't even open our suitcases while staying at Yamanoyu, nor did we turn on the television. Instead, we took advantage of the dozens of hot spring pools spread out over the town, each one slightly different than the next. Yamanoyu offered fantastic onsens for both men and women. On the mountainside, accessible by a cool covered wooden bridge, the pools were very clean, and the water a perfect temperature. You have the option to reserve the private family pool for 40 minutes at a time, which was perfect. Everyone at Yamanoyu was extremely polite, helpful and genuine, especially Kanta, Shizuka and Wada. I will never forget the incredible hospitality at Yamanoyu, and if you want a quiet, non-commercial Ryokan with exceptional food and service, book here. Shizuka, Wada and Kanda

This hotel is clean, spacious and offers different kind of service that exceeded all my family and my expectation. It has 2 private onsen on the 1st floor, a seperate public onsen on the 4th floor and a open onsen 5th floor and and open private onsen too. The food this ryokan provided is just exceptional and it is definitely value for money. The ryokan even built a smoking room on the 2nd floor for the guest so that the guest need not to go out of the hotel to smoke. Definitely will come back. It is worth every penny. Thank you the Ryokan and its management and staffs for your effort make our stay the most memorable one.

The Ryokan Yamanoyu was excellent: it has a nice family-run atmosphere, perfect food and is perfectly located. It is located right in the middle of the onsen town Kurakawo, overlooking the river. The rooms were big and the river gave a nice nature soundscape. The clean room has an air dryer, fridge, safe, beauty kits for women, a toilet, no shower. The Ryokan has 7 onsens, 2 private onsen (free), 2 indoor (men/women) and 2 outdoor (men/women) onsen. The outside onsens were very beautiful and clean. For dinner we ate an excellent barbecue menu with approx. 10 courses. It was too much food, but we ate every last drop because it was excellent. Only downsides are the ugly staircases between the 1-4 floor (4-5 has nice wood decor) and the much needed renovation of our small balcony. The staff spoke enough english. Would highly recommend again!