Gora Kansuiro

Staying here is an extraordinary experience, stepping back in time to a ryokan as it was in the 1950s (and almost as it was in 1920). The hospitality is exceptional, the staff attentive and capable, and the room spacious and evocative of an earlier era. Visitors must realize that this means very little in modern conveniences: some rooms don’t have showers and all the rooms are Japanese style with tatami floors and futon beds (set out during dinner and removed during breakfast). There are many stairs, no elevator, and the outdoor shared baths are quite a walk through the (marvelous) garden. The meals are extravagant but totally Japanese. It is an experience not to be missed, but you need to know what you are getting. (The Imperial family apparently stayed here in 1955, the first time the Emperor had ever stayed outside the royal compound.) There many wonderful indoor and outdoor museums around the area, and several fantastic gardens.

Incredibly attentive staff and a beautiful location. It feels like a hidden gem, and like you were transported into another world. It was such a stark contrast from Tokyo and was a real breath of fresh air. The food was excellent, the room was incredibly comfortable, and the outdoor hot spring was just delightful. This is also one of the few ryokans that is tattoo friendly, which was a big place for us.

Amazing experience! Beautiful grounds, perfect staff, meals were outstanding. Can't say enough good things about the Inn and the town.

The staff of Gora Kansuiro is a highlight of this ryokan. Everyone showed above and beyond hospitality, from the moment we even stepped into the parking lot! The location, tucked in the green woods with gardens and walking paths surrounding it, is perfect - just a short walk from Gora station (also note: the switchback train up the mountain to Gora station is a wonderful unique experience all on its own). We loved the expansive Sakura room up some stairs, with its beautiful sun porch looking out to the woods and ridgeline, and its private constant-recirc hot springs tub room. Every night the staff made up the futons for us while we feasted kanseki-style in the dining room (so. much. food. - unique all around, and some very tasty things though of course not every single dish/morsel is to everyone’s taste). Not very used to floor-sleeping anymore, so I did find that I needed some extra padding on my futon to get thru the night ok, and not have sore joints in the morning. Overall, Gora Konsuiro was comfortable and so memorable - we loved the sense of deep tradition and history throughout.