Honke Bankyu
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 210 reviews
Honke Bankyu is a historic riverside ryokan founded in 1666 that preserves traditional wooden architecture and riverside room layouts. The property comprises a compact set of guest rooms arranged along the clear stream, each finished with natural wood, tatami flooring and futon bedding; yukata robes and in-room amenities are provided for a customary stay. The inn presents a layered experience of wood‑framed common spaces, a small library and a garden, and it retains a local character rooted in the valley setting rather than an urban hotel feel.
The bathing facilities center on source‑flowing hot springs that feed both communal outdoor and indoor baths, plus reservable private hot‑spring options located beside the river. Guests can book private use of onsen baths for a timed period and some room types include semi open‑air or indoor private baths, making it an apt choice as a ryokan with onsen in Kanto and also a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi for visitors prioritizing both shared and secluded bathing. Baths are described as gentle, mineral‑rich waters historically prized for skin and restorative properties.
Dining focuses on charcoal‑grilled irori cuisine and seasonal kaiseki prepared from local mountain and river ingredients, served around hearths or in set course formats in the property’s dedicated dining rooms reached via the symbolic vine bridge. Service follows a traditional ryokan pattern with evening multi‑course meals and morning Japanese breakfasts; the property also offers free parking, limited transport guidance due to rural access, and a quiet atmosphere suited to guests seeking a culturally rooted hot‑spring stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Honke Bankyu
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Multiple reviewers praised the baths — hot public outdoor onsen overlooking the river, private/in-room open-air baths and semi-outdoor tubs — describing them as perfect, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Exceptional dining
Guests repeatedly highlighted the kaiseki/hearth dinners as delicious, beautifully presented and sometimes adapted for dietary restrictions; the dining experience was described as memorable and a central part of the ryokan stay.
Warm, attentive service
Staff were described as warm, professional, kind and very attentive; reviewers felt welcomed and well looked after throughout their stays.
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Many guests loved the traditional ryokan features — tatami rooms, futons, yukata, incense, historic charm and ritual touches — creating a serene, immersive Japanese experience set in beautiful natural surroundings.
Beautiful setting and comfortable rooms
Reviewers praised the scenic location (river, forest, suspension bridge, mountain views) and comfortable, well-equipped rooms — several mentioning spacious rooms with great river or mountain views and private bathing facilities.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited transport
Multiple guests warned that the ryokan is some distance from Nikko and village access is limited — buses are infrequent (one reviewer noted ~every 2 hours) and many visitors arrive by car; plan travel/connection times carefully.
Cleanliness concerns in some rooms
A few reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness (dust, dirty bathrooms or beds) and that some areas could be better maintained despite the property’s overall charm.
Some rooms feel dated or poorly insulated
A minority of guests reported dated furniture and poor sound/thermal insulation in certain rooms, which affected comfort for those visitors.
Limited English spoken by staff
Several reviewers noted that few staff speak English (the majority of guests are Japanese). While staff are helpful and do their best, communication can sometimes be difficult.
Access logistics and travel planning required
Beyond distance, guests advised booking train tickets in advance and checking transport schedules — reaching the ryokan can require extra planning (train + bus) and occasional driving is common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon bedding; occupancy depends on the room type and some rooms accept extra futons for children upon request. Cribs are not available and guests under 18 must check in with a parent or guardian.
The ryokan has multiple hot-spring baths including indoor and open-air public baths, with gender-separated bathing; private baths can be reserved for exclusive use. Guests with visible tattoos may face restrictions in public bathing areas.
Honke Bankyu does not operate a regular hotel shuttle; public buses between Yunishigawa-Onsen Station and the ryokan are limited and the last bus is in the early evening. If you miss the last bus, you will need a taxi and should reserve one in advance.
From Haneda or Narita take trains to Asakusa or Kitasenju, then the Tobu Railway express toward Yunishigawa-Onsen Station, followed by the local bus to the ryokan. Check train and bus timetables carefully because connections are limited.
Staff speak Japanese and some English; friendly service is provided but English proficiency can be limited, so simple phrases or printed itinerary details are helpful. Advance requests are recommended in writing where possible.
Dinner is a traditional kaiseki / hearth-style meal served in the dining room and breakfast is Japanese style; a yukata is provided for dining and relaxation. Notify the ryokan of dietary restrictions at least a few days before arrival so they can accommodate where possible.
Heike Village Museum is about a 10-minute walk; Ryuokyo Gorge is roughly a 40-minute drive, and Nikko Toshogu is about 1.5 hours by public transport. The ryokan is in a small onsen village, so most sightseeing is best planned with transport times in mind.
Standard check-in begins in the afternoon (from 3:00 PM); please inform the property of your arrival time in advance. Dinner service typically starts around 18:00 with last orders early in the evening, and check-out is in the morning (by around 10:00 AM).
Private onsen baths are available to reserve for exclusive use; pets are not permitted at the property. For private-bath reservations and special requests, contact the ryokan ahead of your stay.
The village has limited shops and restaurants, and many nearby establishments may close early in the evening, so plan meals and bring essential supplies if needed. The ryokan offers full meals when booked and will advise if local services are limited during your dates.