What kind of onsen ryokan is Honke Bankyu Hot Spring Ryokan?
This is like a countryside SAMURAI residence. If you are looking for a unique traditional ryokan adventure in Yunishigawa Onsen, I would recommend it. We were so excited to explore the property. Perhaps, if you are keen on Japanese history, architecture, interior, and decorations, etc., you should stay here. This wouldn’t be luxury, but this is like a culture museum. The ambiance is cozy, tranquil, and nostalgic. The ryokan would be great for family, couples, groups, or friends, but not solo travelers. Once we entered the building, we felt that we were being pulled into old Japan. It’s like another world.
Is the location easy to access?
No, it would be a bit hard. Refer to the info. You can take a Tobu Dial Bus at Yunishigawa Onsen Station for Yunishigawa Onsen. It takes around 20min. The bus fare is JPY880 per adult. Then get off at Honke Bankyu Bus Stop and a 1min walk to the property. If this is your first visit to Yunishigawa Onsen, you may be worried about where you should get off so you may want to show the below Japanese sentence to a bus driver when you get on a bus. Then you wouldn’t miss the bus stop even if you fall asleep.
Please let me know when you reach “Honke Bankyu Bus Stop”.
Please note that you need to prepare a 1,000JPY bill or less. You wouldn’t be able to use a five thousand JPY bill and a ten thousand JPY bill when you pay the bus fare. Then the free shuttle bus is not available. On top of that, I didn’t see any taxies waiting around the station so don’t miss a bus.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend rooms with private hot springs in the main building. Others wouldn’t be special. Facilities tend to be worn out. The rooms tend to be not user-friendly, but charming, quaint, and unique. Then the wooden building has no enough soundproofing and walls tend to be thin. Your ear may catch the sounds of daily life from next door. If you are a light sleeper, this could be an issue. Then there are only a few wall sockets in a room. It may be a bit inconvenient when you charge your iPhone, iPad, or PC, etc. Also, the free wifi reception is available in all rooms in the main building, the library, and the lobby only.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, and a green tea set, etc. Complimentary coffee, tea, rice juice, Japanese sweets, etc., are available in the lobby. Room service is not available. There is a vending machine in-house. There is no convenience store nearby. You might want to buy your necessities before coming here.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are wonderful indoor and outdoor large communal hot springs. The water temperature tends to be high. You can fully enjoy soaking in the baths while hearing white noise from the river. Also, there are three outdoor private family hot springs. It costs JPY1,080 for 40min. You need to book at the reception if you want to use them. You should try it. All of them are open from 15:00 to 9:30 the following morning. *Please note that if you have tattoos and want to use the communal baths, use reserved private family ones. Then Honke Bankyu Hot Spring Ryokan is not a universal design. There are many steps on-site. There is no lift. If you bring people with weak feet, I wouldn’t recommend it.
How about meals?
The local food experience for dinner and breakfast was wonderful. The portion tends to be very big. Don’t forget to bring your empty stomach. We sat around the fire called IRORI and enjoyed various cooking while keeping warm. That’s a great experience. Then when you go to a dining area for dinner, you need to cross a suspension bridge. That’s interesting. Dinner starts at 18:00. Then breakfast is a buffet-style local cuisine. All meals are served in a dining area. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day. Then, as far as I know, there is no nice restaurant around the property. You may want to book a room including meals. *You need to check in by 19:00 if you have dinner on the property.
My impressions
The staff tends to be not sophisticated, but they are friendly, helpful, and prompt. Overall, we had a lot of unique experiences during our stay. It’s well worth a visit. The best season to stay here would be except for the summer season. There would be many bugs around outdoor hot springs. If you are a metropolitan, you may feel uncomfortable. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Honke Bankyu Hot Spring Ryokan from the below space. *You need to inform the staff in advance if you check in after 17:00. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Honke Bankyu Hot Spring Ryokan
| Style | Traditional Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 39,500 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Fill the form in |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the main building only |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Honke Bankyu Ryokan’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the info |
| Address and TEL | 749 Yunishikawa, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-2601 Tel +81 288-98-0011 Open 8:00-20:30 |
| Official Homepage | Honke Bankyu Ryokan’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
Hello, my wife, her parents & I stayed at Honke Bankyu for a 2-night, 3 day stay about 10 years ago when Mamasan was running the place, she was very pleasant & when I said I wanted to live in Japan she offered me a job there!
As an Australian who’s spent a few years learning Shotokan, Judo etc. I was fascinated by the history of this wonderful hot spring, the photos, the memorabilia, the architecture, the rope bridge, the private Onsen… the entire experience will be cherished forever.
I’m 63 now, unfortunately no longer with my wife & now, I’m in a wheelchair so I doubt whether I’ll be able to fulfill my dream of living in Japan… but I’m so glad I managed to spend a few weeks in your amazing Country.
I would recommend this hotel extremely highly – don’t miss out on the “Tokugawa” historical places in close proximity eg; Ieyasu’s Shrine & Nikko Park, the Golden Palace & the Retirement home of Tokugawa clan member who had a TV Series made about him… Mito Kōmon… that was a very special place & my wife’s Uncle bought me a porcelain figurine of the man.
I’d love to come back & constantly think about my time in Japan & the generosity, kindness & happy times I spent with the Muto family from Saitama.