Yanagiya
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 117 reviews
Yanagiya is a traditional kura-style ryokan set around a carefully tended Japanese garden in Kōfu’s Yumura onsen district. The property presents white-walled architecture and a courtyard pond, with guest rooms arranged to look onto the greenery; some room types include an in-room open-air bath. Bath facilities are a central feature: the ryokan operates two principal public bathing houses with outdoor rotenburo and a sauna, a wheelchair-accessible hinoki bath, and a reservable open-air private bath. This layout makes Yanagiya a well-appointed ryokan with private onsen in Yamanashi for visitors seeking both shared and secluded hot-spring experiences.
Accommodation ranges from tatami-style rooms with futons to family layouts that accommodate multiple guests, and room supplies follow a full ryokan standard—yukata, toiletries, tea set and basic electric amenities. Meals are prepared as seasonal kaiseki and regional dishes that highlight local produce, served in communal dining/banquet spaces rather than in-room in most plans; a small lounge and bar complement evening time, and on-site services include massage and luggage assistance. Practical facilities include complimentary parking and public Wi‑Fi, and the property supports events with multiple banquet rooms for groups and ceremonies.
Located in the Yumura hot-spring neighbourhood of Kōfu, Yanagiya places guests within reach of the Mount Fuji lake and highland attractions while remaining quietly sheltered by its garden and pond. The ryokan is frequently chosen by families and travellers who value a mix of traditional ambiance, accessible bathing options and straightforward road access; its combination of public baths, reservable outdoor baths and garden-facing rooms positions it as a reliable ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi Prefecture for a regional onsen stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yanagiya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many guests highlighted the helpful and welcoming staff who went out of their way to make stays comfortable despite language barriers; service was described as fantastic and attentive.
Delicious meals
Multiple reviews praised the food as excellent and plentiful for both dinner and breakfast, with staff accommodating dietary requests and even preparing extra items (eg. onigiri) when needed.
High-quality onsen experience
Visitors enjoyed the hot springs—clean, well-maintained baths, rotating male/female baths, 24-hour access, and an outdoor bath with sky views were frequently mentioned as highlights.
Traditional, clean and comfortable ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers appreciated the authentic ryokan setting: spacious tatami rooms, Japanese garden/pond views, and overall cleanliness and comfort in most areas.
Family-friendly amenities and extras
Several guests noted the ryokan is good for families: staff were kind to children, meals could be adapted, rooms were spacious for families, and extras like massage chairs were enjoyed.
Negative Reviews
Inconvenient location for public transport
Several guests warned the ryokan is not within easy walking distance of Kofu Station or local attractions; a car or taxi is recommended to reach the property and explore the area.
Language and information barriers
Some visitors experienced difficulty communicating because few staff spoke English and there was little English information in the rooms or materials, which caused misunderstandings (for example about room features).
Aging facilities and occasional cleanliness issues
A number of reviews mentioned the building and some equipment felt old, with sporadic cleanliness problems such as dust in changing areas or lingering odors associated with an older property.
Faulty or outdated in-room electronics
Guests reported issues with particular items like hairdryers, washlet remote controls and other electronics that appeared worn or unresponsive and could benefit from replacement.
Meal portion/children's meal concerns
While food quality was praised, some found portions too large, and several parents felt the children’s meals were disappointing in quality or composition compared with adult portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include family-style rooms that can sleep up to five people (futons), and there are rooms suitable for couples and small families; children are welcome but extra beds are not provided.
Yes — the property offers hot spring bathing including indoor public baths and outdoor (open-air) baths, plus a sauna.
Some room types and packages may include a private or in-room open-air bath; private-use options vary by room so confirm availability with the property before arrival.
No scheduled airport shuttle is advertised; the nearest major airport listed is about 90 km away, and most guests reach the ryokan by train plus taxi or by car.
The ryokan is approximately a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Kōfu Station; the property also offers free on-site parking for guests arriving by car.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English is spoken at times but level may be limited, so plan accordingly or ask the property in advance about language needs.
Meals focus on seasonal, local cuisine (kaiseki-style) using regional ingredients; dinner can often be served in-room and breakfast is provided.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is between 08:00 and 10:00; guests are asked to provide an estimated arrival time in advance.
The ryokan is well placed for Yamanashi highlights such as Mount Fuji views, Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji-Q Highland, plus local temples and museums; the exact attractions depend on the Yanagiya location you booked, so check locally for day-trip options.
Pets are not permitted on the property; convenience stores and supermarkets are available within the city area, and the front desk can give directions or recommend nearby shopping options.