The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA — Hotel in Yugawara

Nothing but the best service, the 3-4 workers there do everything in the place from check in/out, to shuttle driver, to getting extra sheets/towels, to serving the meals, and cleanup after, all with a big smile. You have to include the meals, breakfast and dinner. So varied and delicious Japanese food, once a personal shabu shabu and once a variety of make your own sushi with freshest sea food and wagyu beef. Some of the best meals we had in our entire 14 day Japan trip were there. The onsen is small but clean and nice for up to 5 at once, but there was never more than 2 people at once while there. Super relaxing! They go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable and memorable. Only 2 negatives, one is the location is on a steep hill and requires hotel shuttle or taxi ride into town or Yugawara train station, definitely not walkable. Just arrange the shuttle pickup or drop-off in advance or taxi and you'll be just fine. 2nd negative is wifi connection was weak in our room location, but we had a pocket wifi, so didn't bother us. You just cannot beat the value and service you get for this...

This was the first time for me in an onsen. If your walking from the main road via bus, it is a very steep hill so do take your time. It is open and easy to see if you have a GPS. Otherwise the sign is on the side of a building to tell you where to turn. The staff was very friendly and knew how to take care of everyone. I had the pork cutlet full meal and it was devine. I could have passed on the ice cream. The hot spring is not a mineral one but all the traditional bathing services are there. The seperate shower room has shampoo, conditioner and body wash if you forget yours. I stayed in the mixed dorm. The lockers they provide is big enough for an overnight or backpack. No carry on luggage. The bed was wonderful. Please be aware, if you need amenities like toothbrush or towel for the onsen, there is extra charge. I wouldn't bother with the cosplay room. There is charge if you use it but free if you post your photos on social media. All clothing sizes are average but it's more of a storage room...

Be aware! This hotel is a scam! We paid breakfast and dinner for four adults (we have two adults two children in our group), but they only gave us two dinners and two breakfasts. The female staff insisted my payment was only for two adults and they charged fees for children over age 7, which is not my case. We've paid for FOUR adults, that means you got to serve four meals. Customer service was very poor, I requested a shuttle service in the same day but they never responded; the male driver was impolite and inattentive and did not inform us about anything. The hostel is a faraway and not in walking distance even from bus station. Amenities are outdated and it does not worth $267 at all. Seeking partial refund for four meals they shortchanged us. This is a very disappointing experience as this hotel tried to cheat us! We will never come back again. I will not recommend this ryokan to anyone especially if you travel with family. They will find ways to cheat you. Unethical...