Kikori
8/10 Excellent - Based on 63 reviews
Kikori is a traditional sukiya‑style ryokan located in the Isawa Onsen district, built and furnished largely in warm, polished wood that evokes its name (kikori, or “carpenter”). Guest rooms range from single‑storey wooden suites to a two‑storey wing and carry names such as Izumo, Akebono, Yamato, Horai, Suehiro, Kasuga, Hagoromo and Takasago; many open onto a planted garden that provides a calm outlook. This ryokan with onsen in Isawa Onsen, Yamanashi, offers a compact, intimate layout suited to couples, small groups and travellers seeking a quiet traditional stay.
Public facilities focus on bathing and relaxation: the property features indoor and open‑air hot spring baths, a sauna and several wooden soaking tubs, including a hinoki (cypress) tub, arranged around a courtyard; these are communal onsen with separate washing and changing areas rather than private in‑room baths. Rooms are Japanese‑style with tatami, futons and a small sitting area, and guests are typically supplied with yukata for meals and onsen use. Practical conveniences include a station shuttle by reservation, on‑site parking, luggage handling and a modest gift corner.
Evenings center on seasonal, multi‑course dinners presented in a traditional sequence, emphasizing produce from the Yamanashi area and portioned for individual guests; breakfast follows a comparable local menu style. The inn also displays historic armor and traditional tools that add a regional cultural element to the experience, while staff service remains hands‑on and family‑oriented. For travellers seeking an authentic timber‑built ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi that combines wooden architecture, garden views and straightforward, serviceable facilities close to Isawa’s hot‑spring attractions, Kikori is a well‑appointed option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Kikori
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsens and variety
Many guests praised the onsen facilities as beautiful, rejuvenating, spacious and very clean; reviewers noted both large communal baths and private room baths, as well as outdoor and hinoki baths.
Very friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlighted exceptionally kind, attentive staff who provided shuttle or station pickups, assisted with late arrivals and luggage, and offered warm hospitality even with limited English.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere
Guests appreciated the classic wooden decor, antique-style furniture, yukata robes and the overall nostalgic Japanese ambiance that enhanced the stay.
Excellent food
Many guests enjoyed the meals—multi-course dinners and breakfasts were described as delicious and well prepared, contributing strongly to the experience.
Quiet location and pleasant views
Reviewers mentioned a peaceful setting with nice garden or bamboo views, making the property a relaxing spot for visitors.
Negative Reviews
Incorrect address on booking listing
Several guests were directed to the wrong location by the online address and had to ask locally (e.g., the post office) for directions, causing inconvenience on arrival.
Inconsistent cleanliness and housekeeping lapses
While some found the property very clean, others reported issues such as poor room cleaning, hair left in changing rooms and even a room door left unsecured after cleaning.
Some facilities feel dated or limited
A number of guests noted that certain onsen areas and amenities are a bit old, the dry sauna was unavailable for some, and the open-air bath can be harder to access because buildings are separate.
Aging rooms and limited modern conveniences
Several reviewers felt rooms were old and in need of remodeling; comments included limited power outlets and fixtures showing wear, making the accommodation feel dated for some.
Plumbing and temperature issues
Multiple guests experienced slow hot-water delivery, sensitive faucet temperature controls and occasional drainage problems, and a few mentioned that some rooms felt cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are Japanese-style with futon bedding; capacities vary by room type (many rooms offer up to three futons, some room plans accommodate larger groups), so confirm the exact capacity when you reserve.
Yes — the property offers indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and a sauna for guests to use.
The property mainly lists communal indoor and open‑air baths; private‑bath rental is not guaranteed on listings, so request privately with the ryokan before arrival.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle/taxi pick‑up from JR Isawa‑Onsen Station is available by prior request or reservation, though service hours are limited.
The nearest regional airport listed is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (around 100+ km), but most guests arrive by train to JR Isawa‑Onsen Station and complete the final 5–20 minute leg by shuttle or taxi.
Japanese is the primary language; staff are known to be helpful and some English assistance is usually available, but it’s best to note any special requests in advance.
Traditional Japanese meals are served (kaiseki‑style dinners and Japanese breakfasts are common), and dinner service may be affected by very late arrival, so notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
Children are welcome and family‑style Japanese rooms are offered, but no baby/extra beds are available on site; pets are not permitted.
Kikori sits in the Isawa Onsen area and is within roughly 20–30 km of attractions like Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji‑Q Highland and local wineries; it’s also convenient for exploring nearby hot‑spring towns.
Check‑in typically starts at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; if you expect a late arrival, contact the ryokan in advance since shuttle availability and evening meal service may be limited.