Nasu Hoshi no Akari
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 54 reviews
Nasu Hoshi no Akari is a compact hot-spring inn on the Nasu highlands in Tochigi, positioned for easy access to local museums and natural attractions. The property emphasises private bathing: every guest room includes an outdoor onsen-style bath fed by the ryokan’s natural springs, with two distinct spring qualities available and 100% free-flowing water in the bathing facilities. This layout makes the property functionally a ryokan with private onsen in Nasu, suited to travellers who value solitude and flexible soak times without sharing public pools.
Guest accommodation is arranged around a mix of garden-facing and elevated-view rooms, each fitted with an individual open-air tub crafted from varying materials such as rock, granite, Shigaraki ware and hinoki to create different atmospheres. Rooms provide standard conveniences—refrigerator, electric kettle, flat-screen television and en-suite washrooms with bidet toilets—and many plans include a multi-course evening meal that blends Japanese technique with subtle Western touches and local produce, including select Tochigi beef where offered. Service scope covers in-room dining, a small library/lounge area and parking on site.
The inn sits within short driving distance of popular Nasu attractions, making it easy to combine nature walks, museums and family outings with restorative bathing. Practical visitor notes include a mid-afternoon check-in window and a mid-morning check-out, quiet hours observed overnight, and the presence of both public and private bathing options on the property; these features underline its profile as a ryokan with private onsen Tochigi for travellers seeking a balanced mix of local sightseeing and dedicated hot-spring time.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Nasu Hoshi no Akari
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff (including English speakers)
Multiple guests praised the staff for being very friendly, caring and attentive. Foreign/English-speaking staff were noted as helpful in explaining ryokan customs, offering thoughtful service (e.g. escorting guests to bus stops and providing bus tickets) which improved the stay.
Excellent meals
Many reviewers highlighted the food as a major strength — dinner and breakfast were described as very delicious, well explained by staff, and a highlight of the stay (local specialties like grilled fish and Tochigi beef were mentioned).
Very good onsen experience (public and private)
Guests enjoyed the hot springs: the large public bath and private/room open-air baths were praised for comfort and pleasant water quality (some described a milky, skin-softening feel). Room open-air baths were spacious and added to the relaxing experience.
Traditional charm and scenic views
The property’s traditional, old-style architecture and atmosphere appealed to guests. Scenic features such as mountain views, a rooftop observatory and excellent stargazing were highlighted as memorable parts of the stay.
Helpful extras and overall cleanliness
Extras such as a free massage machine, staff willingness to assist after hours (e.g. fetch items from the shop), and generally clean, tidy facilities were noted by several guests as positive aspects.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and minor maintenance issues
Multiple reviews remarked the property feels dated in places — examples include worn floors/boards (squeaking tatami areas), old bathroom fixtures, low water pressure in hand basins and other signs of needed maintenance.
Accessibility concerns (no elevator/steps)
Several guests noted difficulty with access: no elevator and multiple stairs/level changes made carrying luggage and travel with elderly family members challenging; some found mobility aids unclear to use.
Wi‑Fi and limited nearby amenities
Some guests reported weak or unreliable Wi‑Fi. The location is somewhat remote with few nearby convenience stores or services, which may be inconvenient for those without a car.
Room open‑air bath privacy and temperature/amenity issues
A few guests found the room open‑air bath setup lacking a proper changing space or adequate privacy (only a simple shade), and one guest experienced the room bath being too cool to use. Others noted missing personal amenities (e.g. makeup cleanser) in some rooms.
Inconsistent cleanliness and occasional service lapses
While many praised cleanliness and service, some guests reported cleanliness issues (dirty tatami or toilets) and isolated negative service experiences (rushed or unfriendly handling at breakfast). Also, the large public bath lacked secure lockers/lockable storage for valuables, causing concern for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacity depends on the room type; several Japanese-style rooms sleep up to four on futons. The property’s policy listed on booking platforms indicates children are not accepted.
Yes — the property offers hot spring bathing with public indoor and open-air baths, and some room types include a private open-air bath. Standard onsen etiquette applies and tattoos may restrict public-bath use.
There is no regular published airport shuttle; guests are asked to contact the ryokan in advance to arrange arrival assistance if needed. Most visitors use public transport plus a taxi or private transfer for the last leg.
Fukushima Airport is the closest airport at roughly 56 km. Nearby JR stations include Kurodahara, Kuroiso and Takaku, each about a 30–40 minute drive from the ryokan.
Japanese is the primary language, and some staff or booking information online provide basic English support. If you require stronger English assistance, notify the property before arrival.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan stay with tatami rooms, futon bedding and seasonal local cuisine served at the property, plus quiet-house rules. Meals emphasize regional ingredients and a calm, authentic atmosphere.
The ryokan is within easy reach of the Nasu Toy Museum and the Seiji Fujishiro Museum, with the Nasu Highlands and farms also nearby. Many popular Nasu sights are a short drive away.
Take a train to Kurodahara or Kuroiso (or nearby stations) and then a taxi or local bus for the 30–40 minute road transfer to the ryokan. Driving from major stations or airports is common for the final leg.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 11:00. The property requests that guests inform them of expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Some room types include private open-air baths for exclusive use; for fully private onsen reservations, contact the ryokan directly. Convenience stores or supermarkets are available in Nasu town a short drive away.