Aston P.
Google
If you are planning to visit in Shibu Onsen or the nearby Snow Monkey Mountain, Kokuya must be your place of accommodation. Although I stayed only for 1 night, it didn't felt enough because I was so impressed with bot just how well their ryokan and rooms were kept, but their service and care towards guests as well.
Check in:
I was one a few guests whom reached the ryokan early, just before check-in time. Their staff ushered me to take a sit first and unwind, showing me pamphlets of the nearby Snow Monkey Mountain, letting me know of what I should take note as I'm heading there. I was then introduced to Jenny, a staff at Kokuya whom speaks perfect English and had no issues communicating with me. Jenny proceeded to take down my details and asked for my meal timing preference before showing me to my room. I then had my height roughly estimated by her for my yukata measurement which she brought to me immediately. Following her to my room, she briefed me the restaurant/meal location as well at the ryokan's onsen while on the way. Upon reaching my room, she handed me the master key to visit the 9 public baths around Shibu Onsen (which i had no prior knowledge of them) as well as educating me in participating in the 9 public baths. She also taught me how to wear the yukata which she chose for me as well as informing me that my tatami mattress would be set up when I am having my dinner. Check in went super smooth throughout thanks to Jenny!
Room:
I chose the Japanese Style Room with Open Air bath. Needless to say, the room was huge and extremely specious. Everything was prepared neatly and everything was kept clean. Jenny showed me the water adjustment for my own private onsen and warned that both the private and 9 public baths were hot so just be careful. The toilet itself was automatic and there was a remote control at the side although it's all in Japanese, I had to Google Translate some of the functions to know what I was going to press. All and all, the room was perfect.
Meals:
I was served a 9-course Izakaya dinner at Kokuya. This dinner was nothing but superb, being prepared by both their chef as well as their kitchen staff and carefully brought in by the hotel staff and everything tasted delicious (I was super well- fed that evening). Jenny was once again there to guide and inform me of the dishes as well as the ingredients of each dish. Occasionally, she'll check in and ask if the meal is going well.
Having my meal alone, I could hear guests from other tables how satisfied they were at Kokuya's service. Their meal staff will really stop what they are doing and take time to speak to you, answering whatever questions you have (regarding Shibu Onsen/nearby temples/Snow Monkey Park/your stay at their ryokan) and ensuring you are at your best comfort.
Check out:
Checking out was quick, handing my key only. I thing that surprised me thoroughly was when I exited my room and headed to the front desk, their staff had already arranged the shoes for every hotel guest for wearing (see photo). This service was really top notch and their staff really went the extra mile.
Overall:
My stay in Kokuya was nothing but fantastic and it exceeded my expectations beyond anything. Service, check. Room cleanliness and comfort, check. Ryokan that has onsen and is conveniently located near the 9 public onsens of Shibu Onsen, check. Just can't get any better than this. Special thanks to the staff for taking care of me and answering any doubts I had regarding temple visiting around Shibu Onsen and surrounding areas. Big massive shoutout to Jenny for serving me throughout my trip in Kokuya (you were great!).