Hotel Epinard Nasu
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 213 reviews
Hotel Epinard Nasu sits on the wooded slopes of Nasu and is operated by a regional hospitality group. The property functions as a resort-style ryokan with onsen in Tochigi, offering 314 guest rooms that mix Western beds with tatami seating and balcony views of the surrounding hills. Its setting makes it a practical base for outdoor activities such as hiking, golf, horseback riding and family attractions, and a free shuttle service connects the hotel with Nasu‑Shiobara station and select direct buses from Tokyo.
Public hot-spring facilities form a central part of the guest experience: indoor and open-air baths, communal hot-spring pools and a large sauna are complemented by an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and spa treatment rooms. As a ryokan with onsen in Nasu the hotel manages separate bathing areas and family-oriented amenities; towels are typically provided for overnight guests and some bathing hours are reserved for hotel users. Dining spans three on-site restaurants serving buffet, Japanese and French menus alongside a tea lounge and bar, while on-site activities include tennis, pottery lessons, a fitness centre and occasional live events.
Rooms range from standard twin layouts to family suites and junior suites with mountain or garden views; some categories include private dining spaces for in-room French service. The complex also supports guests travelling with pets through dedicated pet rooms and an outdoor dog run, and provides accessible rooms and public areas. Practical details for planning a stay include 15:00 check-in and 11:00 check-out, 24-hour front desk services and the option to reserve airport and station shuttle transfers in advance.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Epinard Nasu
Positive Reviews
Wide, high-quality buffet breakfast
Many guests praised the breakfast buffet for its large selection, local dishes and overall quality — described as abundant, varied and enjoyable for both adults and children.
Large, attractive onsen and bathing facilities
Visitors highlighted the spacious, beautiful onsen and public baths as a major plus — relaxing and impressive facilities that add to the stay.
Family-friendly facilities and events
Reviewers noted strong family amenities (kids' areas, baby chairs, pool and baby beds), many events (shows, concerts, seasonal activities) and special services that make the hotel especially good for families with children.
Friendly, helpful and well-organised staff
Staff were frequently described as polite, responsive and efficient (for example quickly changing rooms when requested); operations and guest flow were often smooth even with large numbers of visitors.
Spacious rooms with good views and cleanliness
Many guests appreciated large rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies with attractive views, and generally felt the property and rooms were clean and comfortable.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast and onsen timing, crowding, and lack of morning coffee
Several guests found breakfast crowded with long queues and unclear queueing procedures; some noted buffet areas were hectic or fully booked. One guest also reported both the onsen and breakfast closing at 10 a.m. which made mornings feel rushed, and an absence of available coffee in the hotel in the morning.
Air conditioning and ventilation problems
Multiple reviewers said room ventilation was limited — windows cannot be opened and temperature control is centrally managed, causing rooms to feel stuffy or too warm and limiting individual adjustment.
Check-in/check-out delays and language barriers
Some guests experienced slow reception service and limited English support; provided documents and signage were often only in Japanese, making check‑in/out and communications difficult for non-Japanese speakers.
Location and accessibility concerns
A number of reviewers mentioned the hotel is isolated with few nearby restaurants or shops, making a car preferable. Accessibility issues were raised too — parking could be distant and an accessible parking space nearer the entrance would be helpful for guests with reduced mobility.
Occasional cleanliness/maintenance and menu consistency issues
Some visitors observed dust or small cleanliness issues in rooms and changing areas, occasional unpleasant odors in shower rooms, and felt buffet menus sometimes repeated too much or that food quality varied on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from two‑person twin rooms to family rooms and suites with extra futons; some room types accommodate up to six guests—enter exact numbers and ages when booking to see permitted occupancy.
Yes — the hotel has large public hot‑spring baths including open‑air (rotenburo) and indoor public bathing facilities; note that visible tattoos may restrict access to public baths.
Private in‑room onsens are not listed on the main site; if you need a private or reserved bath option, contact the hotel directly to confirm availability and any reservation requirements.
A free shuttle operates from JR Nasu‑Shiobara Station (reservation required at the time of booking) with scheduled mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon departures; there are also direct express buses from Tokyo stations to the hotel.
Common routes are the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu‑Shiobara Station followed by the hotel shuttle, or an express highway bus from Shinjuku/Tokyo straight to the hotel; travel from central Tokyo typically takes about two to two‑and‑a half hours.
The primary language is Japanese; the hotel provides English information online and can assist English‑speaking guests on request, though availability of English‑fluent staff may vary.
Onsite facilities include a spa and healing salon, indoor heated pool, open‑air hot springs, pottery and hands‑on workshops, tennis courts, mini‑golf, karaoke, a shopping arcade and seasonal live events.
Nearby attractions include the Nasu Orgel Museum (about a 15‑minute walk), Nasu Teddy Bear Museum (around a 10‑minute drive), Nasu Garden Outlets and several nature and hiking spots in the Nasu highlands.
Check‑in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check‑out is until 11:00 AM.
Main hotel rooms generally do not accept pets, but a separate pet‑friendly terrace building on the property offers dog‑friendly rooms, dog run and related facilities; some venues and facilities can be reserved for private use—contact the hotel to arrange—and local shops and outlets are within short driving distance for groceries and supplies.