Nasu Onsen Sanraku
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 45 reviews
Nasu Onsen Sanraku sits in the forested slopes of Nasu and presents a quietly traditional stay combining tatami-floored rooms and contemporary comforts. This ryokan blends wood-lined interiors, seasonal garden views and attentive service, and is positioned for easy access to local attractions such as the highland visitor center and nearby museums. For travellers seeking hot-spring experiences it operates as a ryokan with onsen in Nasu, Tochigi, offering both communal bathhouses and room types that emphasise classic Japanese hospitality.
The thermal water here is sourced directly from a mountain spring roughly 5 kilometres away and the property advertises 100% natural onsen water that is not reheated by a boiler. Two large bathhouses—including outdoor pools beneath maple and wild cherry trees—operate on rotating gender schedules, and a selection of rooms feature private open-air baths for in-room soaking. Facilities include public indoor and outdoor baths, and the property presents itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi for guests who prefer exclusive bathing.
Guest accommodation ranges from compact tatami rooms to larger suites with verandas; many rooms include conveniences such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, a refrigerator and an en‑suite wash area. Evening meals follow a multi-course Japanese style prepared by the kitchen and staff assist with luggage; the property also provides a shuttle service and on-site parking. The setting suits couples and families seeking a relaxed base for exploring the Nasu highlands, with hiking, museums and seasonal foliage within short driving distance.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Nasu Onsen Sanraku
Positive Reviews
Exceptional hospitality and service
Multiple guests praised the staff’s attentive, polite and caring service across reception, porters, kitchen and wait staff; staff accommodated requests (late arrivals, celebratory touches) and created a memorable, personalized stay.
Excellent traditional onsen experience
Reviewers highlighted large, beautiful public onsens and private outdoor baths that match the photos; outdoor hot springs and the overall traditional onsen atmosphere were repeatedly described as a highlight.
Outstanding food and presentation
Many guests enjoyed the multi-course Japanese meals (high-quality seasonal ingredients, careful plating and timing), citing specific favorites and praising the overall dining experience and value.
Calming setting and traditional Japanese ambiance
The ryokan’s garden, river features and traditional rooms created a relaxing atmosphere; guests appreciated the authentic Japanese experience and tranquil pace of the property.
Clean, comfortable rooms and good value
Rooms (including those with private onsens) were described as simple, very clean and comfortable. Several guests felt the experience offered high value for money.
Negative Reviews
Remote location — transport can be costly
Some guests noted the property is far from the train station, requiring a long/expensive taxi ride and making a car preferable for getting around.
Limited English spoken by staff
Several reviews mentioned that staff mainly speak Japanese and English ability is limited, which can complicate communication for non-Japanese speakers (though it did not prevent enjoyment for many).
Aging facilities and minor maintenance issues
Guests observed that parts of the property feel dated and could use touch-ups (examples include worn roof areas and occasional signs of wear), though many still found the character charming.
Outdoor insects and seasonal nuisances
Some visitors reported insects (e.g., flies, biting insects) around the open-air baths during certain seasons, which affected the ability to fully relax outdoors.
Limited accessibility and some cramped bath areas
The layout is not fully barrier-free (relying on stairs except for elevators), and a few guests found certain changing areas or smaller outdoor bath dressing rooms tight for busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms for two up to family rooms that sleep four to six guests; some suites combine beds and futons for flexible occupancy—check the specific room’s maximum when booking.
The property offers hot spring facilities including a public bath and outdoor (open-air) onsen using natural spring water drawn on site.
Yes, several room types and suites feature private open-air baths for exclusive in-room soaking.
The ryokan is about a 35-minute drive from Nasushiobara Station and roughly 34 miles (≈55 km) from Fukushima Airport; a regular airport shuttle is not clearly advertised, so visitors typically use taxis, private transfers, or a rental car—confirm shuttle options with the property before arrival.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and check-out is from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM; you should inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can assist in basic English but English proficiency may be limited depending on the team on duty.
Pets are not allowed on the property.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts; certain room types can receive meals in-room and the staff can accommodate dietary requests if notified in advance.
Free private parking is available on site and the property includes a small minimarket; larger supermarkets and convenience stores are a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Seiji Fujishiro Museum (within walking distance), the Nasu Kogen Visitor Center, Nasu Garden Outlet, and natural sites such as local waterfalls and parts of the Nasu highlands.