Amagawaso

The location of hotel is quite away from central area but the hotel is nice. I have trouble with my booking because they cannot find my booking. I have to wait and solve the problem for 2 hrs. with call center myself because the owner cannot speak English but they also try to help. They have good Onsen both for in door and outdoor. The ryokan feels like you stay with your friends home. Another thing you need to prepare is food because it’s hard to find food around here from 6pm. I don’t have any problem because I prepare food myself it in advance.

We had a wonderful one-night stay in January. Amagawaso is a traditional, family-run ryokan with thoughtful hospitality and a calm atmosphere. Check-in was smooth, with clear English explanations of the onsen, including guidance on etiquette and access. Dinner and breakfast were both served in a private tatami dining room, and the kaiseki-style dinner was genuinely good and well paced. The indoor onsen is open 24/7, and the reservable private outdoor bath was a great bonus. Although slightly outside the main street, it’s only about a 7-minute walk to Shibu Onsen’s public baths, and the wooden key confirms full access. Excellent value for the price and a great choice for couples or first-time onsen visitors.

Great location for onsen tour and Jigokudani, very kind owners, excellent food

Booked into Amagawaso based on the good reviews we read and the fact that we booked late so there wasn't too many options left. To be fair, the hotel was OK but there were some discrepancies vs what was advertised. Positives:- + Very friendly staff who was helpful. + Rooms are clean. + Complimentary use of private onsen that you can book (40 mins slots). + Public onsen that you can use. + Large family room.. Negatives: - No private bathroom. The room does come with a toilet and sink but not a sitting toilet and there is no hot water in the sink so you get ice cold water in the winter. - The description said free wifi offered but it was not available in our room. - Futon offered was incredibly thin and you are almost sleeping on the floor. - Staff speaks almost 0 English making communications hard (only 1 person - a young lady speaks English. We believe she is the daughter of the owners and is probably only there on weekends or public holidays). - Location is a little away from the train station and Shibu Onsen. Can he challenging on peak or bad weather days as we struggled to get a taxi on peak times on a rainy day. - As above, room has no bathroom so only place to shower is at the public onsen.