beautiful gardens everywhere, well maintained, room well kept, gorgeous garden view.

a little remote but doable.

I booked this ryokan to celebrate my partner's 30th birthday. This is the first time we have stayed at a ryokan, and the stay has exceeded our expectations! The ryokan itself is a national cultural asset, indeed the interior is absolutely stunning, with lots of nature and a pond where you can feed the koi. Our room was Japanese style with a river view, the view is impressive. The onsens inside the ryokan are very comforting, as well as the kaiseki dinner and the hearty breakfast. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Staying at Arai Ryokan was like traveling back in time to a place where you can experience the true meaning of "omotenashi" (traditional Japanese hospitality). The service was absolutely outstanding and dinner and breakfast (served in our room) was just amazing and made with fresh ingredients from the local area. Our room faced the river and we enjoyed a foot onsen on our balcony while taking in the view. We also enjoyed trying the various onsen baths available in the ryokan complex. We are very much looking forward to staying again.

Its not really a complaint, but despite not being very thick the futon was so warm it was actually hot.

The room, ambience, baths (indoors and outside) personal in-room kaiseki meal service, staff, and fantastic walking right out the door make this an absolute favorite in all my travels in Japan. Old world charm, a world away, with a long history of visiting artists. Walked two different 15km loops each day, came home to soak and eat like royalty, with the stream running below my window. Plus wasabi ice cream cones are sold along the street !! Orchards, Temples.. look no further. With Gratitude.

The breakfast was delicious! The hot springs are comfortable. The staff and service of the hotel are perfect.

It's a pity that when we were booking on the website, we can't be sure what type of room living in. The pictures and description of the room read from the booking.com website are rough.

Kind service and excellent food. Various choice of hot springs and limited number of guests.

None.