YU-FURI Nasu-Shiobara
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 852 reviews
YU-FURI Nasu-Shiobara is a three‑star ryokan-style hotel set on the slopes of the Shiobara hot‑spring district in Nasushiobara, Tochigi. The property combines traditional Japanese guest rooms with hotel services, offering a choice of tatami rooms and Western‑style beds, in‑room kettles and private bathrooms, plus mountain views. Practical amenities include free on‑site parking and a 24‑hour front desk, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby trails and the local onsen circuit. This ryokan with onsen in Tochigi positions itself for families and seasonal visitors.
The bathing facilities comprise gender‑separated large indoor baths and open‑air outdoor baths, with distinct men’s and women’s areas and set bathing periods for overnight guests and day visitors. The spring is described as a chloride–hydrogen carbonate type with a mildly acidic pH (around 6.6) and a steady natural discharge, characteristics associated with skin‑softening properties in traditional bathing practice. Day‑use access is organised with towels and changing areas, and bathing schedules split between late evening and early morning to reflect customary onsen rhythms.
Rooms range from compact tatami layouts to larger family configurations, all equipped with air conditioning, flat‑screen TVs and private bathrooms; many face wooded slopes or mountain views. Onsite services include breakfast, daily housekeeping, luggage storage and multilingual reception assistance, while the hotel’s location is a short walk from the local bus terminal and roughly twenty‑five minutes by regional bus from nearby stations and expressway access. As a ryokan with onsen in Nasushiobara it offers straightforward access to Shiobara’s hot springs and outdoor activities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: YU-FURI Nasu-Shiobara
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen (indoor and outdoor)
Many reviewers praised the large, well-maintained hot spring baths, including relaxing open-air baths that were a highlight of their stay.
Spacious traditional Japanese rooms
Guests appreciated the large tatami rooms with futon beds, noting they felt roomy and authentic — often compared to feeling like a small house once inside.
Friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews noted polite, accommodating staff who tried to assist guests despite language limitations, contributing positively to the overall experience.
Family-friendly facilities and entertainment
The property offers activities for children and families (arcade, ping-pong, billiards, foosball, dango-making), which many families found enjoyable.
Beautiful location and mountain views
Reviewers frequently mentioned the scenic mountain setting, pleasant town atmosphere, and convenient access to nearby sights (for example, the Yuppo no Sato footbath).
Negative Reviews
No proper on-site restaurant; limited meal options
Many guests reported there is no full restaurant service; meals are limited to frozen bento boxes sold at reception and microwaved by guests, and breakfast options were often described as basic or not worth the extra cost.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
Several reviews mentioned dust, general lack of upkeep, ongoing renovations, hygiene issues around common areas and onsen, and broken fixtures that reduced perceived quality.
Limited English signage and communication
Visitors noted little English signage or brochures and low English proficiency among staff, making translation apps helpful for non-Japanese speakers.
Occasional room issues (insects, mold, faults)
A number of reviewers reported problems such as insects in rooms, mold in air-conditioning units, malfunctioning bathroom doors or lamps, and other room-specific faults.
Remote location and some practical inconveniences
While the setting is scenic, reviewers warned the town can be quiet with few nearby dining options, and some parking spaces are distant, which may be inconvenient without a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include 8‑tatami rooms with up to 3 futons, 10‑tatami rooms with up to 4 futons, and rooms with two single beds for two guests; check the room description when booking for exact limits.
The property has communal indoor and outdoor onsen baths separated by gender, plus large public bathing areas and family‑friendly facilities for guests to enjoy.
There is no regularly advertised airport shuttle; the ryokan is reachable by local bus or taxi from nearby stations and the Shiobara Onsen bus terminal (about a short walk), so plan transfers in advance.
The nearest regional airport is Fukushima (around 60–70 km); travel from Tokyo airports typically requires a combination of train and bus or car and can take roughly 2–3 hours depending on connections.
The property provides information in English and staff are generally helpful, but Japanese is the primary language; bring a translation app or note key requests in advance if you need detailed English assistance.
Expect tatami‑floored rooms with futon bedding, communal onsen bathing, regional seasonal scenery and local dining options that highlight Tochigi ingredients.
The ryokan sits in the Shiobara Onsen area with local footbaths and mountain views; nearby day trips include Nikko and regional attractions accessible by car or public transport.
Use JR lines to nearby stations (such as Nishinasuno or local stations) and then take a local bus or taxi to the Shiobara Onsen area; confirm arrival details with the ryokan ahead of travel.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (guests are asked to inform the property of expected arrival time) and check‑out is until 10:00.
Private/reservable baths are not widely advertised so request availability in advance; pets are generally not accepted unless confirmed by the property; there is an on‑site dining area and vending/shop facilities, with additional restaurants and small shops in the local Shiobara area.