The RYOKAN O — Hotel in Nakatsugawa

A sweet refurnished Ryokan with interactions in mind. We visited during low season, so there weren't many neighbours. The setup was great, the shared bathrooms and showers were kept in pristine condition. I guess everyone knows the basic rules staying in Japan, keeping noise down, keeping the place clean.

Location: few minutes away from JR Station, there were a few restaurants that kept open to wee hours. Nakatsugawa must have taken quite a hit from COVID, many stores and restaurants were closed if only temporary - there is a certain sadness across town. You can walk thru the town to reach the old preserved ancient-postal road area with a Sake brewery and Chestnut-specialty sweets shop.

Parking: There were a few choices, but a lot across from a nearby convenient store was the best, you can pick up a few essentials after parking. The walk is about 7 minutes away.

Room: A sweet Japanese tatami room that was kept clean and tidy.

Amenities: A washer+dryer room is very helpful.

There was a bar, but wasn't as populated as marketing materials, they do serve beer and coffee. Would be a great place to mingle on long stays.

All in all , a good choice in this town comparing to elder-style...

Very friendly welcome and convenient location close to the train/ bus station. We were able to check in early and were able to leave our bags for a night after our stay which was very useful. Staff were very helpful at all times and in particular giving advice about activities. The room was compact, with separate communal shower and toilets (which maybe on a different floor but was no problem for us). Walls were pretty thin but we still slept well (ear plugs were provided). We liked the roulette game for a free drink at the bar and croissant/ soup provided for breakfast. Many restaurants/ bars were located close by for dinner. ||We arrived early afternoon and didn't have enough time to get to the gorge, but did enjoy a walk to the nearby Naegi castle ruins. We took a bus to nearby and walked back. It was beautiful with hardly a person around. The next day we took a short bus to Magome and walked the beautiful Nakasendo trail to Tsumago. We walked with small backpacks (our big bags at Ryokan O) and stayed close to the end of the trail...

As Rokans go The Ryokan O is not the best in the world. However, it is impeccably clean, well organized, centrally located and staffed by outstanding staff. The entrance is fantastic, with a kettle suspended above a wide open traditional fireplace and polished floors gleaming at the entrance. House slippers remind you that you are in a Ryokan and not some hotel. Mahi, at the check in, speaks adequate English but is very attentive and helpful. Yu, in the bar, speaks better English and makes a mean Old Fashioned! The bar serves snacks made by Yu, who is an excellent cook, too. The tatamis mats rooms are a decent size, comfortably catering to two adults with backpacks. Our view was of the street, but the paper sliding window covers provided privacy and authenticity. The key to staff was the staff. They were ever so friendly and helpful. It felt like we were regulars, even though this was our only night. I would stay here...