Honkan, Sekizen-kan

Sekizenkan Ryokan (Gunma) Review Sekizenkan Ryokan in Gunma is an absolutely enchanting place — a true journey into Japan’s past. Known as one of the oldest hot spring inns in Japan, this ryokan is said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, and when you step inside, you immediately feel that magical atmosphere. The building itself is full of history, with beautifully preserved wooden architecture, tatami corridors, and the sound of flowing water echoing softly through the halls. The private and public onsen baths are a highlight — filled with natural hot spring water that feels silky and rejuvenating. Each bath area has its own charm, and the views of the surrounding nature make it even more relaxing. The rooms are traditional yet comfortable, giving you a sense of old Japan while still offering modern conveniences. The kaiseki meals are artfully prepared and feature local Gunma ingredients, beautifully presented and full of delicate flavors. The staff are polite, attentive, and passionate about preserving the ryokan’s heritage. Every detail — from the paper lanterns to the tea served in your room — shows the deep respect for Japanese tradition. Staying at Sekizenkan feels like stepping back in time to experience the heart of Japanese culture. It’s a peaceful, spiritual place that combines history, nature, and hospitality in perfect harmony. Truly one of my most memorable and favorite experiences in Japan.

I was so happy to live out my Spirited Away dream! This was probably my favorite part of our Japan trip. Even though the booking process is definitely not foreigner friendly, and the website is one of the most frustrating I've ever encountered, it was worth it for the experience. Service was impeccable. Prices were high for our stay in Kashoutei, but it was actually very reasonable for the beautiful room and amazing kaiseki dinner and breakfast. I will never forget this experience.

We stayed here after finding some unofficial rumors that it may have inspired the Ghibli film “Spiritied Away”. Amazing experience. You feel the history everywhere. Bonuses: the yukatas provided were the highest quality we had in Japan and we opted for their included dinner which was multiple courses and amazing.

Firstly I want to say, please come here because it is an amazing heritage place and it deserves all the love. Now for the review. As I walked along the beautiful pathway leading to the 300-year-old heritage building, my heart stopped for a moment. The bridge, the old architecture — everything seemed to transport me back to a distant past. It was breathtaking. Sadly, this was also the best part of my visit, because from that point, things went downhill. A day earlier, I had visited the architectural masterpiece that is Kusatsu Onsen, which set my expectations quite high. Perhaps that played a role in breaking the spell. When we entered and asked for a day visit, the man at the entrance didn’t seem particularly happy to help, even though I tried my best to speak in Japanese. After explaining that day guests could only use the indoor baths, he charged us the fee and handed over two small bags. (I’ll come back to those bags later.) Inside, the bathhouse had a nostalgic, retro vibe, though everything felt rather small and cramped. There were five tiny pools, one small shower, and two hidden stone “sauna” chairs. I moved from pool to pool, enjoying the varying temperatures. While the water was fine, it didn’t compare to Kusatsu’s quality. The real charm here lay in the building’s historical atmosphere. Now, here’s the reason for the three-star rating. As I was leaving and drying off, I finally checked what was inside the small bag — a toothbrush and what I thought was a towel, but turned out to be a tiny face towel. Trying to dry my genitals in front of a room full of Japanese men quickly turned into a comedy. The “towel” felt like sandpaper, making the experience genuinely painful. Out of curiosity, I checked other reviews later and saw that someone had complained about the same issue months ago, yet nothing had changed. Honestly, I’d rather they simply advertise it as a “bring your own towel” place than commit this small but unforgettable crime. In the end, the highlight of the visit was collecting the commemorative stamps — though since we weren’t allowed in all areas, we couldn’t get them all, as we are collectors, such pity. Please bring your own towel and enjoy this magnificent place. Worth it!

Review not included the hotel and services, only from the outside location. Wanted to visit this place since we watched “spirited away” and was excited to see it in person. Worth the hours of drive up through. We parked nearby the resort and had a quick walk to visit the bridge (we did held our breath as we crossed) 😅.

I really had a very enjoyable 2 nights stay here. The breakfast and dinner provided was really good and of excellent quality. Service was exceptional. And the outdoor onsen at Kashoutei was everything you want an onsen to be ( ´ ꒳ ` ) Stop by their cafe next to the main building for the softserve ice cream with sweet potato too! Really yummy sweet treat. Overall it was a very memorable and relaxing stay.

If you know the anime Spirited Away, this might look familiar. Regardless, the hotel is beautiful. You can stay in the old wing which may not have the best facility but you will get a taste of how it was like in the past. Or stay in the new wing which offers the best luxury one can offer. The food is one of the best, if not the best we have in Japan. Our dinner was served in our room with seasonal ingredients and attentive service. Of course the staff is as friendly and polite as you would expect. Not everyone is capable to communicate in English but they surely will try their best. Driving there is very straightforward but if you are staying in the new wing, the parking and the reception are actually in the back of the hotel (if you consider the famous red bridge is the front.) Highly recommended and early reservation is a must to get the room and date you want.

We booked a full inclusive experience with the Japanese room. The experience was perfect from that start with the check-in to the room. The room was huge, clean with a nice view - definitely recommend it. Had the chance to have the in room dining too. The hotel generally old but it’s part of the experience, but will say mostly clean. Diner and breakfast was high quality product. Access from Tokyo is ok, train + bus - easy with little planning. Thanks to the team.