Yoriaido 4 Stars Hotels

"BYAKU Narai feels less like a hotel and more like a pause in time. Set within lovingly restored Edo-era townhouses, it invites you to slow your breath and listen—to creaking wood, soft light, and the quiet rhythm of Narai-juku after the crowds fade. Nothing is excessive, nothing is missing; every detail exists with intention and restraint. As night falls and the street empties, the town glows gently, and you realize BYAKU isn’t trying to impress you—it’s asking you to stay present. A rare, soulful place that lingers long after you leave."

"Excellent stay. Everything stands out. Clean, safe, wonderful, amazing snowy night and day. Staying there for 2 nights was so dreamy. The onsen experience was unreal. Breakfast was filling with a great set offered. Staffs were helpful and patient. Language barrier was not a big issue. They sincerely try their very best to accomodate. If you want perfect english, best to visit an english-speaking country."

"Okuhida Hot Spring Hirayukan is conveniently located, just a short and easy walk from the Hirayu Onsen bus terminal. A small shop beside the ryokan sells snacks and drinks, which is useful especially in the quieter evenings. Check in was smooth and the ryokan already had our Expedia reservations. As with most Japanese ryokan, copies of our passports were taken. We stayed in the Japanese Style Room, Sengakuso, Non Smoking (35 sqm). Footwear must be removed at the main lobby and changed to the in house slippers, in line with traditional ryokan customs. Our room was located some distance away from the main lobby and required climbing two flights of stairs, with no lift access. There were no shower facilities in the room, which is typical for many traditional ryokan. The onsen baths are located in the main building, and the male and female bathing areas are rotated once a day. Buffet dinner offered at Y4400 per person from 6pm. It was enjoyable and good value, with a wide selection including seafood. Each table is provided with two fuel stoves, and guests can choose between grilling, hotplate, or hotpot to cook the raw food. A nice touch is the free ramen served at the main lobby from 10pm to 10.30pm, perfect for a light supper after a soak in the onsen."