Onyado Hishiya Torazo

The ryoken is exactly as you would expect for traditional, old building, and was what we wanted to get the most of the experience. The building is right in the heart of the old Shibu Onset town, next the the last of the nine public onsen baths, which form the onsen trail. The rooms were very spacious, but as advertised only have a private toilet and hand basin. Washing facilities comprise of the shared hot spring onsen rooms, with separate ones for men and women, and a separate shared one that is marked as in use for those that wish to experience the springs together. The shared spring baths are rotated each day between men and women as the water supplying each consists of different minerals to experience. Self-service coffee and tea facilities are available in the reception area, and as with all ryokens shoes must be left at the reception, but indoor slippers are provided. To add to the onsen experience we were provided with traditional Japanese robes to wear out, and a key which allows access to all nine of the public hot spring baths. A particular mention should be made of the manager/owner, who is such a sweet and friendly guy, and very helpful with suggestions and information, including ordering a taxi for our early morning travels from the town. He is also a master origami craftman and makes individual ones for each guest for when you leave.

A minor point, but some of the areas could have done with a dust :-) However, overall the facilities were very good, but you shouldn't expect the same as being in a modern hotel, which is the whole point of experiencing the ryoken. One thing to note is that since we went at the beginning of October, which is still low season, it was quite hit-and-miss whether restaurants would be open, and those that were did get busy quickly and often closed early.

Hishiya Torazo provides an exceptional experience in a historic village. The building is charming and traditional. The hosts were beyond caring and went above and beyond to make our stay feel comfortable. The onsen’s at the property were absolutely fabulous especially the private outdoor. And I couldn’t recommend the breakfast enough! There are toilets and sinks in the rooms and showers in the gendered onsen bath houses. This didn’t bother us. One gendered onsen is very hot, the other is more gentle but they switch each day so you can experience both for yourself. Thank you very much for having us.

This property could only benefit from a deep clean

Easily the nicest place we stayed in Japan. It’s a beautiful 300yr old Ryoken that has been exceptionally well looked after. We were made to feel very special by the owner and very lucky to have private access to all 3 of their onsens. Very memorable part of our trip

Comfortable ryokan with rotenburo. Good breakfast, friendly and attentive staff.

Unfortunately, the room wasn't cleaned properly. Dust and scratches are understandable given the building's age, but the bathroom and equipment should be cleaned to a higher standard when hosting guests. Our bathroom had stains, and we found a roach in the room.