Bankei 4 Stars Hotels

"Highlight was definitely the onsen. This is the best onsen I have ever used in any area of Japan. It's huge, there are so many different options for baths, and the women's open air bath was so beautiful and picturesque in the middle of winter, right next to a snow covered mountain. It was spotless clean and they provide so many amenities. We stayed in a Japanese style room and it was lovely. The different wings weren't actually as spread out as it seemed so nothing was too far away. Buffet dinner and breakfast were great, lots of variety and lots of vegetarian options which I was worried about! Hands down the best spot for Jigokudani and the boardwalk and park trails (most of the trails were closed for winter though). An easy short stroll to the valley and in the other direction cute souvenir shops. Definitely recommend :)"

"We had the most gorgeous time at this beautiful ryokan/onsen/resort. The setting is so calm and luxurious – I’ll never forget sitting in the (huge) window of our room in the evening and morning, watching the birdlife over the pond and river, with the snowy mountains in the distance. The outdoor onsen is especially spectacular in the early mornings and late nights, and we appreciated that even at 'busy' times during our stay there were only a handful of other people at most in the onsen. It was also lovely to have information for those new to onsen, so everyone felt welcome and comfortable, and a recommended 'itinerary' for a one-night stay, acknowledging that many (like us) would only have a short time here. Dinner and breakfast were both stunning in the traditional ryokan style, with lovely sake and wine on offer in the evening. The hotel is clearly able to accomodate a large number of guests but is cleverly laid out (as is the dining room) to make it feel very intimate and private for each guest. It’s such a special and calm place, and one I’ll always think of very fondly! (PS. You can access the National Ainu Museum by foot via the hotel car park, or it’s a very quick drive next door. We visited after checking out — not to be missed!)"