Tenryuso
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 98 reviews
Tenryuso is a small, family-run ryokan tucked into the Yōrō Keikoku valley of Ōtaki, offering a traditional Japanese stay focused on simple comfort and seasonal cooking. Guest rooms follow a tatami-and-futon layout with modest modern conveniences such as air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, and meals emphasize local Bōsō Peninsula ingredients prepared as multi-course Japanese dinners and breakfasts. The atmosphere is calm and domestic rather than hotel-like, making it suitable for visitors seeking a quiet countryside retreat and an authentic ryokan with onsen in Chiba.
The property’s hot spring is the distinctive local “kuroyu” (black) water drawn from the Yōrō Onsen source; its chemistry is described as a sodium bicarbonate–chloride spring with a silky, skin-softening feel that many guests cite for its warming and smoothing effects. Bathing facilities are communal rather than private, with organized hours for evening and morning use; day‑use bathing is presently not offered. Facilities are maintained to a homely standard and the public baths are the principal wellness feature of the stay rather than private in-room onsens.
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Review summary for: Tenryuso
Positive Reviews
Delicious, plentiful meals
Many guests praised both dinner and breakfast for quality, variety and generous portions — food frequently exceeded expectations for the price, with several mentions of particularly tasty dishes (grilled fish, miso soup, desserts).
Relaxing, high-quality onsen
Visitors appreciated the onsen (including the nourishing 'black' hot spring), noting the good water quality and that soaking there was a highlight of the stay.
Attentive and accommodating staff
Staff and the proprietress were described as polite and helpful — they accommodated last-minute meal requests, assisted non-Japanese speakers, delivered small extras to rooms, and provided thoughtful service.
Clean, comfortable rooms and bedding
Rooms were reported as clean and well maintained; many guests found the futons and bedding very comfortable (multiple-layer futons noted) and appreciated the hotel's housekeeping.
Good value and family-friendly touches
Several reviews noted good overall value — generous breakfasts, complimentary gestures (fruit/dessert), on-site parking, a lending library of books, and considerate arrangements for families and children.
Negative Reviews
Small communal baths and limited bathing times
Multiple guests said the public baths are small (often cited as only fitting about three people) and have set hours, which made it difficult to find an ideal time to bathe.
Limited in-room facilities and amenities
Reviews mentioned some rooms lack en-suite baths and that provided toiletries are basic; a few guests wished for additional amenities (e.g., face cream).
Aging facilities and occasional maintenance issues
Some areas show their age — guests reported an old exterior toilet that malfunctioned, dated equipment in places, and isolated safety concerns (e.g., a ladder outside a window or a cliff behind the property).
Weak shower pressure and occasional food temperature issues
A few guests experienced poor shower water pressure making washing difficult; one review noted a grilled fish arrived cold and overly salty.
Remote location and nearby inconveniences
The ryokan is in a rural area with no nearby convenience stores, occasional insects due to the natural setting, reports of fast traffic on the nearby road (safety concern for families), and some guests noted less attractive surrounding scenery or abandoned buildings nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon bedding and typically accommodate one to two adults; children are welcome but those aged 4 and over are treated as adults. Extra beds and cribs are not available, so book suitable room types for your party.
Yes — Tenryuso sits in the Yōrō Keikoku onsen area and offers shared hot-spring bathing facilities; baths are intimate in size so capacity can be limited. Please follow standard onsen etiquette and check bathing hours on arrival.
There is no regular shuttle listed; the nearest station is Yorokeikoku on the Kominato Line, about a 30–35 minute walk. Guests commonly take a short taxi from the station or arrive by car.
From Narita, travel by rail or bus toward Chiba area then connect to local lines toward Ōtaki and Yorokeikoku Station, followed by a taxi; from Haneda use trains to central Chiba and similar local connections. Driving or renting a car is often the most direct and convenient option for this rural onsen area.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some staff can assist in basic English but communication may be limited. Guests who need specific language support should notify the property in advance.
Expect tatami rooms with futon bedding, yukata and slippers provided, plus refrigerator and air-conditioning in rooms. Traditional Japanese meals are offered (breakfast commonly included) when selected at booking.
Yōrō Keikoku ravine, waterfalls and walking/hiking trails in the Yōrō Keikoku Okukiyosumi natural area are the main draws. The area is suited to nature walks, seasonal foliage viewing and short sightseeing drives around Ōtaki.
Free private parking is available on site, making a car the easiest way to explore. Public transport is limited; expect a longer walk from Yorokeikoku Station or take a taxi from the station.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (arrival window requested at booking) and check-out is in the morning; guests should inform the ryokan of expected arrival time in advance. The property closes its entrance late at night, so arrivals after late hours may be restricted — confirm exact times when you book.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private onsen use is not routinely advertised and must be requested directly. Basic shops and conveniences are available in the Ōtaki area but may require a short drive, so bring essentials or plan a quick trip into town.