TAOYA Nasu Shiobara
8/10 Excellent - Based on 138 reviews
TAOYA Nasu Shiobara is an onsen resort rebranded from a longstanding ryokan and run by a national hot-spring hospitality group. With a "cave" motif, the property concentrates public spaces around a lounge and a planted courtyard with a wood-fired firepit, keeping the scale to sixty rooms to retain a relaxed feel. Located in the Shiobara Onsen area of Nasu Shiobara, this ryokan with onsen in Nasu Shiobara highlights easy access to nature and an all-inclusive approach to in‑house refreshments.
Bath facilities are a focal point: a top-floor open-air rotenburo faces ridgelines for long-soak views, supported by interior communal baths and a sauna; the onsen programme is communal rather than in-room private baths. Dining centres on a grotto-themed grill restaurant with a live kitchen and wood-fire grill, backed by a buffet for evening and breakfast, while a lounge counter provides self-service drinks and light bites. Onsite amenities include a small games area, free parking and a 24-hour reception.
Guest rooms pair tatami surfaces with Western beds in a contemporary Japanese layout and include modest modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a kettle, flat-screen television and in-room safes; the accommodation mix suits couples and families seeking a restful base. The property markets an easy regional escape from the Kanto corridor—about seventy minutes by shinkansen to the nearest station—making it a convenient ryokan with onsen in Tochigi for short breaks. The overall tone is of a deliberately relaxed retreat that blends local hot-spring bathing with approachable dining.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: TAOYA Nasu Shiobara
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple guests highlighted staff kindness, polite greetings and attentive service that made stays comfortable—staff often assisted with requests, photos and prompt answers.
Very good food and buffet selection
Many reviews praised the meals—buffet style with a wide variety, tasty dishes, plentiful desserts and drinks. Several guests said dining was a highlight.
All‑inclusive perks and free drink bars
Guests appreciated the all‑inclusive setup: free drink bars in lounges and near the onsen, complimentary post‑bath treats (ice cream/drinks), and plentiful beverage options including beer.
Clean, relaxing rooms and facility atmosphere
Numerous reviews noted the property and rooms felt clean and comfortable, with relaxing lounge areas and a calm atmosphere suitable for unwinding.
Good value and on‑site leisure options
Many guests felt the stay offered good cost performance—free entertainment like billiards, table tennis and massage chairs, plus easy access to onsen facilities added to guest satisfaction.
Negative Reviews
Rooms often lack private bathrooms
Several guests pointed out that many room types have no en‑suite bathroom and rely on shared baths, which some visitors found inconvenient and would have preferred a shower or private bath in the room.
Onsen facility shortcomings (lighting, supplies, water)
Some reviewers reported issues with the open‑air bath—no night lighting, cold water/temperature problems on windy nights, lack of body soap at the rotenburo and no nearby water/refill station for drinks after bathing.
Inconsistent service / operational teething problems
A few comments mentioned poor or inexperienced front‑desk service (e.g., guests asked to carry bags from the entrance, limited explanations of facilities, missing in‑room amenities during early opening months), indicating inconsistency in service levels.
Room maintenance and hygiene issues
Isolated reports described maintenance or hygiene problems such as a moldy humidifier tank, unpleasant air‑conditioner odor, squeaky doors or noisy sensor lights, and uncomfortable pillows—areas needing attention.
Limited or worn recreational and amenity items
Several guests noted limitations like small/limited space for table tennis and karaoke, worn equipment (e.g., old ping‑pong rackets), few smoking areas, and sometimes sparse in‑room toiletries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from doubles to family Japanese-style rooms; some rooms use futons or sofa beds and can sleep up to six guests. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
The property offers public indoor baths, an open-air rooftop bath with valley views and a sauna fed by the local Shiobara hot-spring source. Private rental baths are not listed among standard amenities, so contact the property directly if you need a private bath.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; guests typically arrive by train to Nasu-Shiobara Station and continue by local bus or taxi to Shiobara Onsen. Taxis and scheduled buses serve the area for the last leg of the journey.
Most international visitors fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) and take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu-Shiobara Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for Shiobara Onsen. Domestic flights to Fukushima Airport are an alternative but require a longer ground transfer.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; reception can handle basic English, but English proficiency may be limited in this rural area. Consider a translation app for detailed requests.
You can expect tatami-style rooms with futon sleeping, communal onsen bathing, regional seasonal cuisine served in the hotel dining area, and ryokan-style hospitality. The hotel atmosphere emphasizes a relaxed, local hot-spring experience.
The ryokan sits in the Shiobara Onsen valley with scenic suspension bridges, hiking trails and natural viewpoints nearby, and the broader Nasu region is popular for day trips; Nikko is also reachable from Nasu-Shiobara. Outdoor scenery and onsen sightseeing are the main draws.
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu-Shiobara Station, then use the local JR Kanto bus or a taxi to reach Shiobara Onsen where the ryokan is located. Some smaller regional stations and bus routes also serve the area for local access.
Pets are generally not accepted at the property; contact the hotel to confirm any exceptions. There is no on-site supermarket; convenience stores and local shops are available a short drive away—reception can advise on nearby options.
Standard check-in is usually from 15:00 and check-out by 10:00; please confirm exact times with the hotel. Private-use options (such as private baths or event spaces) are not listed as standard amenities, so contact the property in advance to request availability or reservations.