Jizaiso
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 140 reviews
Jizaiso is a modest, family-run ryokan set on the wooded slopes of the Nasu Highlands, offering a traditional stay focused on hot-spring bathing and seasonal dining. The property draws from the local Nasu spring known as "Jizo no Yu", and its bathing facilities include an open-air bath and communal large baths that look out over the valley. Several room categories combine tatami styling with en-suite bathing, and the property markets itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Nasu for guests seeking a more secluded soak.
The inn maintains fifteen guest rooms ranging from pure Japanese-style to hybrid and suites; a few rooms feature private open-air baths while other guests use segregated large baths, a covered onsen and rentable family baths. Standard amenities include yukata robes, in-room tea sets and complimentary Wi‑Fi; the front desk operates 24 hours and the ryokan provides shuttle and parking for car arrivals. Spa services such as sauna and massage are available, and private-bath reservations are handled at booking.
Meals emphasize local produce from the Nasu area — highland vegetables, local eggs and a house three-year miso — served either in the dining rooms or to rooms on request; the kitchen also offers teppanyaki and course menus reflecting seasonal catches and regional beef. The location places the ryokan within short drives of Nasu Safari Park, museums and outdoor attractions, with public-bus links and shuttle options from nearby stations making access straightforward. This profile supports searches for a ryokan with private onsen Tochigi.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Jizaiso
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff and service
Many guests highlight very warm, helpful and polite staff who go out of their way—offering special attention to children, preparing medicines, arranging transport to the bus stop, and providing little extras (candies, late-night snacks).
Delicious traditional meals
Dinner and breakfast are frequently praised as extensive, well-prepared and delicious Japanese-style meals, with several guests calling them a highlight of the stay.
Relaxing onsen experience
The hot springs receive strong praise—private and outdoor baths (including one with a waterfall view) are described as relaxing and enjoyable, and the onsen facilities are considered a major draw.
Comfortable, cozy rooms and renovated facilities
Guests describe rooms as comfortable and the property as clean and pleasant, with some mentioning recent renovations that improved the overall look and comfort.
Family- and elderly-friendly amenities and privacy measures
Reviewers note thoughtful touches for families and older guests (children’s meals, privacy screens in the dining room, room amenities), and overall suitability for elderly visitors.
Negative Reviews
Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
Several guests mention limited English ability among staff—communication can require some Japanese, although staff try hard to understand and assist.
No Western breakfast option
At least one guest noted the absence of a Western-style breakfast, as breakfasts are served in traditional Japanese style only.
Onsen/bath issues (temperature, cleanliness, leaves)
Some guests reported issues with bathing facilities: indoor baths felt cold to some, outdoor baths sometimes had floating leaves, and a preference for greater temperature variation between baths was mentioned.
Occasional strong odour in some rooms
One review reported a sewer-like smell in a specific room (possibly septic-related), which affected that room’s comfort.
Difficult access and signage at entrance
A few guests found the entrance road narrow and the property sign hard to spot from the main road, causing them to miss the turn and re-search for the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small twin or Japanese-style rooms for 2 up to family rooms that sleep 4–6 guests; the property has 15 rooms in total, including several rooms with private baths.
Yes — the ryokan offers hot spring facilities including separate large indoor baths and open-air (rotenburo) baths using the local source, and some rooms have private open-air baths.
Private/family-style bathing options exist: some rooms include a private open-air bath and the property offers reservable private baths subject to availability or specific room selection.
There is no regular airport shuttle, but the ryokan is served by local route buses (stop ‘Shin Nasu’ within a short walk) and the property can sometimes arrange station pick-up or drop-off by prior request — contact them before arrival.
The closest airport listed is Fukushima Airport (about 55 km); by public transport or car the ryokan is commonly reached from Kuroiso or Nasushiobara stations and is roughly a two-hour drive from the Tokyo area.
Staff provide friendly, practical service and can assist in basic English, though Japanese is the primary language; many guests report helpful English support for common requests.
Meals are traditional Japanese cuisine using local Nasu ingredients; breakfast is served in the morning and dinner is offered in the dining room, with in-room dining available for some plans or guests requiring privacy.
Nearby highlights include Nasu Safari Park, the Fujishiro Seiji Museum, local toy and craft museums, scenic hiking and ropeway access on Nasu Kogen, and seasonal autumn foliage routes.
The ryokan is not generally pet-friendly; only assistance animals should be discussed with the property in advance.
Standard check-in begins at 13:00 and check-out is by 11:00; early arrivals, late departures and luggage storage can usually be arranged with the front desk if you notify them ahead of time.