Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya

Highly recommend! We spent 2 nights and it was perfectly worth it. Truly crafted and thoughtfully artistic ryokan. On our second day, we had breakfast in the room before heading out to Suga museum (a Contemporary Japanese Artist) the stroll back after museum by the river was delightful. Later at 2 pm, we headed to the onsen to avoid other guests, and it was perfect timing as they were cleaning until 2 pm. To top it off, we had udon in the garden, with lovely views of Sakura trees and the serene river.

I have been to Japan more than 12 times and this is the best place.||||So I went with my parents, siblings and my son. In total 6 adults and 2 baby/toddler (ages 0-2).||Part of the family got our own house 5 min walk from the hotel. (The house is also a part of the hotel). My parents stayed at the hotel. Everything was super nice and beautiful. ||This is the real japan experience, most of the other visitors are non-western. We really liked the food, probably the best authentic Japanese food that i have had on any of my trips, so that is a definite big plus. ||||There is beautiful nature all around. The hot springs were also really nice. The hotel has two beautiful pools - one outside in a small garden. Again very Japanese (No showers in the room and men and women are separated). Since you are out in nature, it also means that it would probably be good to get a car if you want to go on day trips (maybe the hotel can arrange it, we rented a car by Nasushiobara Station).||||We spent one day just walking around the lakes and small bridges. My son collected a lot of rocks and we sat in their Japanese garden and had tea. ||||The second day we went to a pottery shop and visited a childrens friendly farm. (The farm was really great for my 2 year old son. He rode a donkey and fed a cow)||||The third day we walked to the local gallery which is fantastic. (small but really great) and i heard there was a daily art walk, but we didn't go. We also drove to the Highland amusement part which was fantastic. A little old but really big and in the middle of nowhere in a forrest.||||Anyways the hotel is super nice. I would really recommend it above anything else that I have seen in Japan.

The view is really fantastic especially in Autumn. They served us free champagne as a happy birthday present and we are lucky to watch the making of rice cake in the morning. We got served for free! it was fantastic experience....

An absolute gem!||From the moment we booked, the contact with the staff at Itamuro Onsen has been so smooth and pleasant. They were especially accommodating, also regarding tattoo policy in their onsens. The Ataraxia was a new experience for us and a new favourite!||All the rooms were south facing and had a deck where you can sit out and enjoy tea and Japanese sweets facing the garden and river.||Both the dinner and breakfast were a delight!||Special highlights of the place:||- A self-serve ikebana station where you can cut you own flowers and choose from a selection of vase.||- There was a beautiful exhibition of ceramics works by a local artist||- The firefly walk at 7:30pm was amazing, even if we didn't understand all the explanations in Japanese||The shuttle service between the train station and the ryokan was very smooth and easy.||Really nice relaxing vibes throughout the ryokan.||Thank you Yoshimi and Muroi for your kind assistance!

Ryokan full of art and nature. ❤️ Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya combines the joys of relaxing hot baths, delicious ryokan eats, and thoughtful art. The personal tour by the owner who is an avid art collector and supporter of Kishio Suga (artist who’s shown at the Tate, MoMA, Guggenheim, and in Milan) was definitely a highlight. He took us over to the warehouse gallery only available to guests who stay overnight. Suga’s work starts with a word and he adds the material to it later. He showed us the words written on the backs of the pieces. He also explained how Suga’s art in the ryokan yard was based off of Kukai’s six elements, focusing on the things the naked eye cannot see: wind/air, space, and consciousness. Back at the ryokan, I loved all the creative fun touches that let you do you. There is an outdoor fireplace where you can pour your own cup of tea, and a flower arrangement area where you can pick your own vase and cut your own flower to bring back to your room as you please. At night there is a hotaru tour along the river to see the little lightening bugs do their nighttime soirée. Meals were brought to our rooms and everything was very covid-friendly.

Art themed, well designed Japanese ryokan. We arrived in deep snow, and the snowed view was simply amazing. Front desk called me 1day before arriving just to make sure my arrival in bad weather. I went by car so that was so helpful. They also had a few options like picking us up at roadside station. Outdoor onsen and sauna were both relaxing. There is pottery gallery annex. Fireplace is in the yard which looks better without rain or snow. Food is good.

Great ryokan. Good room size. Dinner was good and the location in nature is amazing Can take it real easy while there

Really great place !