Yutorelo Nasushiobara
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 418 reviews
Yutorelo Nasushiobara sits on the forested slopes of the Shiobara valley and presents a relaxed, family-oriented ryokan atmosphere across 77 rooms that mix Western and Japanese styles. The property adopts an “all-in” hospitality concept with complimentary lounge drinks and sweets, a waterfall-view lounge and a farm-themed studio where guests can unwind; public areas include a games corner and a top-floor table-tennis lounge. Practical amenities cover free on‑site parking, a scheduled shuttle from the nearest station, elevator access and a small on‑site convenience for families, making the hotel straightforward to reach and use as a base for hiking, cycling or nearby sightseeing in the Nasu area.
The hotel’s bathing offer centers on an on-site hot spring source described as a gentle, neutral simple hot spring (pH ≈7) with a source temperature around 42°C; guests can use a spacious indoor bathing complex with sauna and a rock-style open-air bath fed from the same source. For more private bathing the property provides four sky-level reserved open‑air baths on the top floor that give mountain views and are intended for exclusive use by one group per stay for a short, timed session. These features position the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi while retaining larger communal onsen facilities for wider relaxation.
Meals emphasize local Tochigi produce: dinner is delivered primarily as a buffet with live-cooking stations and an optional select main dish, while the evening drink service includes soft drinks and alcoholic choices as part of the in-house experience. Staff-run activities and conveniences—bicycle rental, child-friendly room setups, a small fishing pond and event programming—aim to keep families and couples engaged without elaborate planning, and the mix of communal and reservable bathing options makes this a practical choice for travelers seeking a mid-size ryokan with onsen in Nasushiobara.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yutorelo Nasushiobara
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen and bathing options
Many guests praised the onsen facilities—large, clean public baths, private open‑air baths, and relaxing hot springs that were perfect after a long day.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight courteous and helpful staff at reception and in service areas, improving the overall stay experience.
Good food and breakfast buffet
Guests enjoyed the food offerings—quality dinner experiences, a generous breakfast buffet with varied items, and complimentary drink options.
Spacious, clean rooms and strong value
Rooms were often described as large and clean; several guests felt the price offered very good cost‑performance compared with alternatives.
Family-friendly amenities and pleasant public areas
Visitors appreciated family‑oriented features (kids' space, child yukata, ice treats), a comfortable lobby with waterfall views, free drink bar, and extra leisure options (games, ping‑pong).
Negative Reviews
Some areas and items feel worn or in need of updating
A number of guests noted aged or beat‑up fixtures, visible wear (worn towels, peeling wallpaper, dust in some areas) and recommended renovation or deeper maintenance.
Bedding comfort issues
Several reviewers reported thin or uncomfortable futons (some feeling damp) and wished for fluffier, more comfortable bedding.
Staffing and check‑in/service process concerns
There were comments about limited staff presence at the front desk and restaurant at times, reliance on automated/tablet check‑in that confused older guests, and occasions where guests had to wait or seek help.
Operational issues at buffet and lounge
Some guests experienced slow buffet refills, unclear locations for returning used dishes, and occasional shortages or delayed restocking at the free drink/lounge area.
Location, accessibility and booking/noise wrinkles
A few reviewers mentioned practical downsides: few nearby restaurants or convenience stores so hotel dinner should be prebooked; occasional noise from corridors or neighboring guests; unclear parking signage; and occasional problems with private‑bath availability or online reservation clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Western-style rooms for two to family and Japanese-style rooms that sleep larger groups using futons; please enter exact guest numbers when booking to confirm availability.
The hotel has a large public onsen with indoor and outdoor baths plus a sauna, supplied by the property’s own source; regular public bath hours are in the afternoon–evening and early morning.
There are sky private open‑air baths for guest use (typically one 30‑minute session per stay without advance booking); pets are not allowed on the property.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas where they are visible, so please check with staff if this applies to your group.
A free shuttle service runs between JR Nasushiobara Station and the ryokan (roughly 40 minutes); advance reservation for the shuttle is required—contact the property to arrange pickup.
By train, use JR Nasushiobara Station and take the hotel shuttle; by car the ryokan is about 30 minutes from the nearest expressway interchange and parking is on site.
Staff can assist in English to a practical degree, but Japanese is the primary language; staff will help with basic English inquiries and local directions.
The on‑site restaurant serves a buffet-style dinner focused on local ingredients and a Japanese-style breakfast buffet; a lounge offers complimentary drinks and snacks for guests during set hours.
The area offers nature activities such as hiking and seasonal skiing, local hot spring scenery, and family-friendly facilities at the hotel; regional sightseeing in the Nasu/Nasushiobara area is within easy reach.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; reception is staffed and the property asks guests to notify them in advance if arrival will be late.