HOSHINOYA Guguan

Amazing spot for a quick family vacation. Lunch and snack options are lacking, especially compared to other Ryokans in Japan, but excellent breakfast and dinner quality.

impeccable service by warm and friendly staff who were attentive without being obtrusive. beautiful, tranquil grounds lower your blood pressure immediately upon entering and the gorgeous scenery only adds to the overall ambience. the bed was super comfy and the room was spacious and comfortable. it might be useful to have a safety gate on the stairs in case of children or folks who use the restroom in the middle of the night, though. facilities were serene and lovely. the outdoor soaking area (yes, you do have to be naked) is lovely and not to be missed. overall, it is very expensive but a wonderful, worthwhile splurge if your budget allows it. we enjoyed the private access to the trailhead for a bit of morning exercise - it's a short but blood-pumping hike to the rest pavilion. note that you can walk into town fairly readily, but if anyone in your group has creaky knees, the hills and steps may be a challenge for them. we ate one meal in town and two in the hotel. again, it's not cheap, but it was excellent food, presentation, and service. i also loved the soft pajamas they have for you to wear while there - a pair for in-room use and a pair for on-premises use. it added to my overall feeling of relaxation.