Ryokans in Nakanojo

The facilities are well managed even though the ryokan has been around for 300yrs.

If you want to expeirence just one ryokan (traditional Japanese bathing inn) while in Japan, make this the one. The staff at Kashiwaya Ryokan make you feel so welcome from the get go, some of the staff also have fantastic English which is a bonus! The rooms were beautiful, traditional tatami mat rooms with a small balcony and tea room looking out towards the forested hills outseide. There are three first in first use private baths, two of which would fit two individuals comfortably. Even if all three baths are occupied, there are public baths but throughout the course of your stay there will be plenty of times when the baths are unoccupied. I personally used the private baths on three different occasions since they were that relaxing. My family and I used the four bikes available at the inn to bike up to the Shima Onsen town center and it's truly very beautiful and quaint. I ended up doing the bike ride up to town on two different occasions. For Studio Ghibli fans, you can see the famous bridge and bathhouse that served as inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away as well while in town as well. In the evening, the multi-course traditional dinner we had was spectacular. There were so many different dishes, some of which we liked more than others but it gave us a rare glimpse into the uniquely delicious and varied cuisines Japan has to offer. I had previously asked the Ryokan over booking.com if they would be able to prepare anything for us because the stay coincided with my mother's 60th birthday. They responded promptly and prepared for us a personalized cake dessert platter - incredible! We spent time after in the beautiful library with coffee as the rain set in around Shima Onsen. Breakfast was fantastic again and we enjoyed bathing in the gentle rain and I took one of the most refreshing morning naps I've ever had with the sounds and smells of rain coming from outside. This ryokan stay made my mother's 60th truly unforgettable.

This is one of the best onsen I have ever been to. The place is located in a really peaceful place. We were welcomed by their kind staff and given us welcome tea and sweets. We have a family room which is really spacious. What I enjoyed most is our own private outside onsen which has a view of mountains and trees. The onboard meals are also SPECTACULAR! People might find the price a bit pricey but its all worth it! the experience is topnotch. If you will come via public transport, please note that there could be a bit of uphill walk from the bus stop. Other than that, it was a really lovely stay. It feels more like a retreat. Truly rejuvenating!

Where do I even start — this was our favourite stay in Japan! We originally booked for two nights but ended up extending our stay after a typhoon warning was issued for our next destination. The staff were incredibly accommodating, helping us weigh our options and moving us into another available room for the extra nights, ensuring that breakfast and dinner were included. Our host, Hinata, was absolutely wonderful. She spoke clear English and went over every detail of our stay — from cleaning times to meal preferences — with such care and professionalism. She was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely made us feel at home. The rooms are incredibly spacious, with soft, cosy beds, including a TV with Netflix and Disney! Making it easy to spend the day inside doing nothing! The food was exceptional — comparable to a fine Australian degustation that would easily cost hundreds back home. One night, we were even treated to dinner at their sister restaurant down the road, where we enjoyed delicious Wagyu steak, complete with pick-up and drop-off service. There were also snacks and alcoholic drinks available for purchase, plus a daily happy hour from 2–5pm. The private onsens, both in-room and in the public facility, were perfect for unwinding — with free Yakult on hand as a thoughtful touch. They also offered complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the local bus stop for both arrival and departure, which made everything so seamless. It was the perfect escape from the bustle of Tokyo — relaxing, memorable, and truly special. I can’t wait to return!

Nice open onsen baths, awesome river, beautiful nature, good rooms.

Beautiful place facing the river Very attentive staffs that makes us feel welcome Place is small enough that you can enjoy the entire outdoor onsen to yourself The private onsen in the room is like icing on the cake

Nice large tatami room Rotenburo by the river

wonderful baths, next to famous steps, beautiful ryokan