Izumiso

This was our first Ryokan -it was for sure very authentic. Though the staff spoke almost no English, they used a pocket translator which worked well. We each had rooms on the first floor with in room onsets which we used instead of the public ones. The bed killed by back the first night as it's HARD but you can pile up the mattresses so the next night I put like 6 of them on top of each other and then it was comfortable. I'd give the food a high rating for effort but it was VERY Japanese. Dinner was an experience - not as good as other food we have had, but even with a vegetarian and pescatarian, we we able to find enough. The rooms are very cozy upstairs and service was GREAT - thank you for a great stay. Location wise it's a good 30 minute walk to downtown area. Lots of space though not all of it is usable (like the foot washing room). Didn't try the Japanese toilet but liked the Toto!

Just 15 minutes by bus to Matsumoto yet it is quiet and has a great village atmosphere. The rooms were warm and comfortable with tatami to sleep on and the food was great and well presented. The hot spring baths were relatively small but very inviting and hot and cosy. I would come again as Matsumoto has so much to offer for sightseeing.