This hotel has been a consistently running Ryokan for over 380 years, keeping that in mind when checking in and setting expectations around a 380 year old hotel is important. I think many of the people who rated and reviewed this hotel poorly have not stayed in traditional ryokans and/or are used to primarily western hotels with modern amenities and Western food. Yes, you will probably have a tatami room (wicker flooring) with traditional futon bed which...god forbid you have to rollout and setup yourself. It takes five minutes. The bed was comfortable, I'm not a small guy and weigh over 210lbs but slept comfortably. You can add extra padding by lying all the extra bedding and mats provided under the futon if you need to. The room I booked had a private bath which overlooked the river and it was amazing. The shower was and indoor/outdoor with open air window and a door connecting to the bath area. I loved it. When you check in they will give you an option to wear the Yakuta and you will have to remove shoes. Do it, it's great. The food is traditional Japanese style and it's amazing. Dinner each night for us was some various of shabu shabu (hot pot) always supplemented with a fresh grilled at table item (abalone, scallop). Lots of vegetables and a multi course kaiseki plate with a lot of interesting items. Be adventurous, this isn't your neighborhood sushi joint but the food is next level fresh and amazing. We opted in for the sashimi and poached sea bream one night and it was great. Pro-tip for 1,100 yen you can drink all you want for an hour and fifteen minutes. We took full advantage of this and everyone was feeling good by the time dinner was over. Breakfast was always a grilled fish of some sort with rice, a miso The onsens onsite are also traditional onsens. They are full nude and rotate them between the sexes daily. Many members of my party tried them and loved them. They do not permit tattoos which for me was a bit of a bummer but I booked a room with a private bath and river view so no hard feelings there. Later in the evening though when it's dead you can probably sneak in if you're covered in ink. There is a massage service in-room which I enjoyed, it's a shiatsu style though which is percussive. Not a traditional western massage but it still knocked me out. Give it a try. There's an old man who does it and he sometimes will go room to room to ask about massage if he's not busy. It's well worth it. The hotel itself is clearly old but has been kept up with wood work and care, that having been said it's on a river and has onsens which means constant moisture. Outside areas will have light moss or mold here and there. It is what it is and is unavoidable given the location. It's a stunning hotel ryokan and river side rooms have amazing views. The hotel staff is attentive but like many things in Japan, you have to ask for what you want. Needs aren't necessarily anticipated. Flag down servers at dinner if you want something and ask
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