Kamei no Yu

We had a delightful stay at this well appointed ryokan. Our family of 4 who usually stay at 5-star hotels with adjoining rooms were concerned that space would be an issue with only one room available when we booked very late. We booked the one room for all 4 of us and took our chances. We are so glad we did. When we arrived the ryokan seemed quaint but basic. With each moment, we kept coming across reasons to love this establishment more and more and by the end of our stay, we wished we had planned a longer stay.1. Room size. We were in one of the more spacious rooms which would be large for a couple but for a family with 2 teenagers and luggage for a week in Japan, it was tight. However, the extra sitting area that could be separated with sliding shoji panel doors and overlooking a beautiful garden, offered a place to read or surf online separated from a sleeping family. There was a full bathroom though we really only used the toilet because of all bathing done at the onsen. The extra sink and vanity in the separated part of the room and the extra hallway toilets were godsends with a one teenager who took a long time primping and the other who was on the toilet long stretches on his smart phone. Those extras kept the room feeling more spacious than we had expected!2. Amenities. At the end of the night, we came back to 4 futons fitted with fluffy comforters and a buckwheat pillow which were so clean and comfortable. All the showers and sinks had high-end toiletries which my daughter and I appreciated, being skincare aficionados. And the welcome snacks were very extensive and thoughtful with cute mini sausages and cheeses, Japanese snacks. We ordered the sake and kids got juice. All delicious.3. The Proprietor. Tomo, was so patient and explained logistics of the public and private bath usage with beautiful English. He offered history which made the visit to the famous public spaces so much more meaningful. He even helped our family with some teenage conflict. One of kids was inconsolable angry that we brought him to the onsen because he was so uncomfortable with his body. He locked himself in the bathroom and we were sure our stay was ruined. Tomo convince we to head into dinner — I was resolute in skipping — and when we were on our 2nd course, in walks our son with Tomo. Tomo had got him out of the bathroom and walked him down the block to our dinner! I don’t know what Tomo whispered to bring my son out but we were so thankful. There were other moments that Tomo’s calm and sage advice helped us manage our surly teenagers and made our stay enjoyable with them.4. Dinner. We had booked the package with the beef dinner. Sashimi was fresh locally caught fish and the beef was phenomenal. Everything was delicious.5. Onsen. The onsen onsite has an indoor and outdoor bath. We loved the sit down showers with luxury products — serums, lotions, cleansers. The outdoor bath was a nice high temperature with cedar balls. So relaxing.6. Breakfast. This meal was so special. So many options. Beverages included local apple and grape juices and green tea. The meal included small dishes of prepared foods like grilled chicken, butterflied sardine, pickled vegetables, an eggplant wrapped pork meatball (like a Japanese version of a Polish golumpki), miso soup and rice (so delicious).7. Public Spaces. The Momoyama and Shinonome public baths are amazing and worth the 3 min walk up the street. Such deep history and beautiful stone and wood. The water is a nice hot temperature. We went at night well after dinner which was so relaxing right before bed.When we walked into this space I was admittedly underwhelmed by the accommodations and overwhelmed by the complexity of the schedules and multiple baths and offsite dinner and public bath locations. But as I was experiencing each part, I was converted by high quality, thoughtfulness and richness of the experiences. We are already talking about what we will do differently the next time we come to take full advantage of offerings with a longer stay. We highly recommend Kamei no yu!

We had an incredible stay at Kamei no Yu. The whole experience has been the absolute highlight of our three week holiday in Japan.The staff eamlessly modified breakfast and dinner to cater to my dietary needs (coeliac, gluten free). This meant I had the most enjoyable seven course dinner - with private dining too! Such a romantic treat for any couple.Not only were we treated with such kindness throughout our stay, but the staff also went the extra mile (snacks, lift to the station, advice on transport to our next destination). My partner left a sentimental necklace in the room and they arranged next day delivery to our next hotel in Gunma without any hesitation. Thank you so much.Kamei no Yu has two great onsens on site, but also offers access to others around town. This includes the most impressive, historic onsens in its sister hotel Yorozuya (only a minute or so walk away). These were extremely grand, tranquil and boasted excellent amenities. I highly recommend spending time in Yorozuya - the lobby feels like a movie set. Just wow.

This is a traditional Ryoken which is very comfortable, friendly and welcoming. It has Onsen on site, and other baths are a short distance away. …

We stayed 4 weeks ago and I still remember staying at the Kamei No Yu as one of the best experiences of our trip to Japan. The ryokan is very quiet, it only has 6 rooms, and it is very well maintained, but the best thing is the service and personal attention of the owner. He speaks excellent English and his recommendations and help were very helpful. It is full of details, both in the decoration and in the personalized reception with tea and sweets or the delicious homemade rice balls that are left in your room at night.