We had a wonderful stay at Kutsurogijuku Shintaki in February 2025. The road up to the property was quite snowy, and we were a bit concerned in our smaller car, but upon arrival, we found the staff actively attending to the road, directing guests, and ensuring smooth access to ample parking at the top of the hill. The parking lot conveniently connects to the main building, and clear signage (including English translations) guided us to the front desk on the first floor.||The front desk staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, providing assistance with sufficient English. We stayed in Room 11, which was impeccably clean, well-prepared, and thoughtfully designed for comfort. The room featured modern amenities, including separate toilet and shower rooms, a table, bar, and refrigerator stocked with both complimentary (tea, juice, beer) and paid (wine, whisky) drinks. The beds were large and comfortable, complemented by a desk, futon, and smart TV. Leisure clothing was provided for guests, and the bathroom was stocked with high-quality toiletries and personal care products.||One of the highlights of our stay was the private onsen attached to the room. The mineral spring water was clean and refreshing, and the spacious outdoor deck overlooked the river while maintaining privacy behind a lattice screen. It was a fantastic space for hours of relaxing soaking.||Our room also provided access to a VIP lounge, which offered additional complimentary and for-purchase snack and drink options. Throughout the property, we enjoyed various amenities, including a library, ping pong area, and several inviting indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces. The staff worked tirelessly to maintain the rooms, ensure a welcoming environment, and even cleared the snow from our vehicle each morning—a thoughtful and much-appreciated touch.||The meals were another highlight of our experience. Breakfast was an abundant brunch buffet featuring a variety of excellent options, including both traditional Japanese and Western-style dishes. Each night, we enjoyed multi-course dinners showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, with an ever-changing selection of seafood, beef, and other regional delicacies. Every meal was beautifully presented, fresh, and incredibly flavorful, complemented by outstanding service.||As a tall (6'3") and larger (350 lbs) guest, I found the accommodations very comfortable, though I did need to duck in a few places, and the provided leisure clothing did not fit me. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and look forward to returning. One small improvement I would suggest is offering more non-alcoholic beverage options at meals, including sparkling mineral water, which would be a refreshing option between onsen soaks.||While we primarily enjoyed the private onsen in our room, we briefly checked out the public baths, which were well-maintained, with a clearly defined schedule for men's, women's, and private soaking times. The property also has vending machines, including a milk and coffee milk dispenser—another nice touch.||Overall, Kutsurogijuku Shintaki is a truly special place. The property is stunning, the staff is incredibly caring and hardworking, and the location is breathtaking. Our experience here made us fall in love with Japan, and we cannot wait to return.||Highly recommended!