Wakaki Ryokan – Nasu Yumoto Onsen
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 18 reviews
Perched on a low hill in Nasu Yumoto, Wakaki Ryokan is a compact, family-run inn centred on its natural springs. The property draws from the same local source used by a nearby imperial villa and offers communal bathing alongside a reservation-based sky open-air bath that looks out over the plateau. For guests seeking a traditional bathing stay, this ryokan with onsen in Nasu provides both public rotenburo and rooms fitted with private bathing facilities.
Rooms range from garden-view Japanese-style accommodation to mountain-facing suites; several room types include an attached open-air or spa bath. Standard fittings reported for guest rooms include air-conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator and a work desk, while bathrooms are private with modern fixtures. Meals follow a monthly seasonal menu that emphasises locally sourced produce; the ryokan also offers boxed meals and an à la carte morning option. Guests can request traditional kaiseki-style dinners served in the dining room or in-room. On-site services include free Wi‑Fi, complimentary parking, a sun terrace and optional massage treatments, and staff maintain a hands-on hospitality style. Small craft workshops and seasonal events are organised at the property.
Located within easy reach of local museums and short drives from main transit nodes, the inn suits travellers who plan to combine onsen time with hiking and regional sightseeing. Reservations are recommended for the open-air baths and for rooms with dedicated bathing, which makes the property appealing as a ryokan with private onsen Tochigi for couples and small groups. Practical conveniences such as on-site parking and multilingual booking information simplify access and planning for stays focused on peaceful hot-spring relaxation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wakaki Ryokan – Nasu Yum…
Positive Reviews
Outstanding outdoor onsen and starry views
Multiple guests praised the outdoor rotenburo and rooftop open‑air baths, mentioning excellent onsen quality and beautiful night/sky views (star/constellation viewing from the rooftop).
Spacious, very clean rooms with traditional touches
Reviewers noted large, clean rooms with tatami flooring, pleasant wood aroma and comfortable layouts, contributing to a relaxing stay.
Friendly, attentive staff and smooth service
Several guests highlighted polite, helpful and reassuring staff interactions (including accommodating check‑in) that made them feel welcome and well cared for.
Good amenities and plentiful toiletries
Visitors appreciated the variety and quality of amenities provided, describing the onsen facilities and in‑room amenities as very nice.
Pleasant location and room views
Guests mentioned a great location and rooms offering pleasant garden or mountain views, adding to the overall atmosphere of the stay.
Negative Reviews
No elevator—stairs only
Multiple reviewers pointed out there is no elevator; stairs can be difficult for guests with large suitcases or mobility concerns, although staff assistance was suggested as an option.
Rooftop open‑air bath experience varies
At least one guest found the rooftop open‑air bath disappointing, indicating the quality of that specific facility may be inconsistent across visits.
Onsen temperature can be very hot
A reviewer mentioned the men's onsen felt too hot for personal comfort, preventing them from fully relaxing; temperature preferences may vary.
Room layout and shoji partitions can affect airflow
One guest reported that shoji partitions between living and sleeping areas blocked air conditioning airflow to the bedroom, requiring them to leave a partition partially open to sleep comfortably.
Expectations from photos may not match reality
A guest warned that online photos appeared edited and advised checking other sources (e.g., Google photos) before booking, noting dissatisfaction and difficulties with refunds related to expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms typically accommodate 2–4 guests; some suites or larger rooms can sleep up to 6 on futons. Always enter the exact number and ages of children when booking to confirm capacity.
The property offers public hot-spring baths, an open-air “sky” bath, and some rooms have private onsen; a reservable private open-air bath is also available—please ask reception for availability. Guests with visible tattoos may be asked to use a private bath instead of public bathing areas.
A reservation-based shuttle service is often provided from nearby stations (Nasushiobara or Kuroiso); schedules can vary, so contact the ryokan in advance to reserve and confirm pickup times. Airport transfers are not routinely provided, so plan to use train or taxi connections.
The nearest regional airport is Fukushima Airport (roughly an hour by car), while Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports are common choices for international arrivals followed by train travel to Nasushiobara or Kuroiso. From the station you can use the ryokan shuttle, a local bus, or a short taxi ride.
Staff speak limited English and an English page exists on the ryokan website; it’s advisable to notify the ryokan in advance if you need specific language help or to bring a translation app. Many staff are helpful and will assist with basic directions and arrangements.
Wakaki offers a traditional Japanese ryokan stay with tatami flooring, futon bedding, and hot-spring bathing; meals vary by plan and may include Japanese set dinners and breakfast options. Note dietary restrictions or preferences when booking so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Seiji Fujishiro Museum and the Nasu Toy Museum are within easy walking distance, and Nasu Animal Kingdom, Nasu Kogen, and other highland attractions are a short drive away. The area is also good for hiking, local craft experiences, and seasonal foliage viewing.
By train, travel to Nasushiobara or Kuroiso and then take the ryokan shuttle (if reserved), a local bus, or a taxi; by car the ryokan is about 20 minutes from the Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway and offers free on-site parking. Street addresses and directions are available on the ryokan’s official site if you need GPS guidance.
Check-in generally starts at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM; you should inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance. The property restricts entry late at night, so notify them if you expect to arrive after the stated front-desk hours.
Private onsen can be reserved through the ryokan—ask reception for times and availability; pets are not permitted. There are convenience stores and supermarkets a short drive from the ryokan and the staff can direct you to the nearest one.