Shosenkaku Kagetsu

My friend wanted to stay at at least one Ryokan during our stay and after long searches on booking.com I chose this one because of its proximity to the train station that was on a Shinkansen route. Staff: The staff was very nice and accommodating. Of all the properties we stayed this time around, this one had the speediest response when it came to contact. When I felt that despite its proximity to the train station having a shuttle would be advisable due to our heavy luggage, they immediately responded and picked us up at the train station with their little shuttle bus. Whenever I had a question, the response was near immediate. They also offered us a welcome drink Matcha tea and gave us a booklet with the house rules in English with cute drawings. I think if anything is to be commended about the hotel, it's the friendly staff. They also have a little souvenir shop with local and beautiful artisanal products. Facilities: Despite being old, the shower/bathtub was ok. We did have a fantastic view into the fish pond so we could see the koi fishes swimming around. I couldn't go, but my friend went to the public onsen and said it looked just like in the pictures. As she went rather late, there was practically no one around. Please keep in mind that each day they change the male and female onsen at around midnight. Cleanliness: Despite the stains from long use of the room, the room itself was spotlessly clean. They also asked us when we would head out to make sure the cleaning staff had enough time. Comfort: Thankfully there were also chairs and a table in a semi-separate area rather than only the flat table where you're supposed to sit kneeling. Location: There are a lot of small restaurants in walking distance, as is the rope way to nearby mountains. The train station is part of a Shinkansen route so if you have the JR Pass you'll have no trouble getting there.

Facilities: This being a Ryokan I expected the hard futons and pillows, but there was basically no alternative if you wanted to use a softer pillow to not twist your neck while sleeping. Our room was a Japanese style room, which was nicely set up but certainly had seen better days. There were stains on some of the walls and on the sliding screen at the window. Some stains were visible on the blanket as well, thought that was covered by a duvet. It certainly could do with a renovation. Comfort: As mentioned, the beds/pillows were super hard, which is however to be expected in a Ryokan. Having an alternative to the rock hard pillows would have gone a long way though. Location: Though it looks really near on a map, you may want to ask for the free shuttle if you're traveling with a lot and/or heavy luggage. T Value for money: I honestly kind of wish we had stayed the time we spent here in Tokyo. I think it just didn't fit what we were looking for. If it hadn't been for a little festival happening on the second day of our stay right at the street we were staying, I think we would've been bored out of our minds by then. The room didn't feel as though it was worth the money that they charged, considering it really could do with a little renovating. I assume from the pictures that other rooms may have been better value for money. At check out I was charged a bathing fee (I assume because my friend went to the public onsen once, whereas I didn't) and some other charges, so the price wasn't the same as given by booking.com. It wasn't a whole lot more than what I thought it would be, but I think it's important to keep in mind there might be additional charges.