Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 79 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:00 PM
Forest Surroundings Riverside Location Valley Scenery Hot Spring Town National Park Public Onsen
Staff 9,4/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,2/10
Comfort 9,3/10
Value for money 8,6/10
Location 9,1/10

Ryokan highlights

A long-established art-focused onsen ryokan in the quiet Itamuro hot spring area of Nasushiobara.

Historic RyokanA long-running inn with deep roots, giving the stay a genuine traditional feel.
Artful AtmosphereKnown for its art-centered concept, adding a distinctive cultural layer to the stay.
Quiet Onsen SettingSet in the calm Itamuro hot spring district, away from busy resort crowds.
Nature-Surrounded RetreatPositioned amid Nasu area greenery, suited to travelers seeking a peaceful reset.
Hot Spring BathsTraveler appeal centers on soaking in the property's established onsen bath experience.
Good From KuroisoCommon access is via Kuroiso Station, then a bus or car into Itamuro.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-and-dining rhythm is the strongest reason to stay: arrive for the afternoon bath, enjoy in-room dinner, soak again after breakfast, and use one extra day only if you want a slow nearby nature outing around Itamuro/Nasu before moving on.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a quiet 1-2 night onsen retreat near Nasu rather than a long sightseeing base; choose it for baths, meals, art, and a slow mountain setting.

Know before booking

Limited transit easeStation access depends on bus timing or reserved shuttle taxi, so same-day hopping is inefficient without planning.
Quiet area onlyItamuro is peaceful and sparse, not a lively onsen town with many shops, bars, or night strolling options.
Do not overbaseAround the ryokan, sightseeing density is modest; more than two nights can feel stretched unless you have a car.

Food & drinks

Verified ryokan at 856 Itamuro serves seasonal Japanese meals plus a garden cafe and salon drinks.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Seasonal ryokan meals with healthy Japanese ingredients; breakfast and dinner are available.

  • Seasonal kaiseki-style mealfoodMulti-course Japanese dinner style.
  • Nasu yuba dishesspecialtyLocal golden tofu skin, sometimes in hot pot or sashimi style.
  • Ayu sweetfishspecialtyNaka River ayu in season.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional breakfast with local ingredients.
Suikintei (on-site)
on-site

Garden cafe for light meals, sweets, tea, and coffee.

  • Wakame udon or sobafoodSimple noodle meal.
  • OnigirifoodRice balls for a light bite.
  • SandwichfoodEasy cafe lunch option.
  • Matcha with sweetsdrinkGreen tea served with wagashi.
  • Anmitsu or oshirukospecialtyClassic Japanese sweets.
Salon (on-site)
on-site

Relaxed lounge space for coffee, matcha, and light snacks.

  • MatchadrinkServed in the lounge.
  • CoffeedrinkCasual coffee service.
  • Light snacksfoodSmall cafe-style bites.
  • Free teadrinkTea is available in some common areas.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Itamuro Onsen area northeast of central Nasushiobara, with the most practical arrivals typically via Nasushiobara Station or Kuroiso Station followed by reserved shuttle taxi, taxi, or local bus.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A distinctive Tochigi ryokan that stands out for blending historic hot-spring tradition with contemporary art, serene nature, and thoughtful in-room dining. It is especially appealing for travelers seeking a quiet, design-conscious retreat, but less ideal if you want easy access, big bath facilities, or strong nightlife nearby.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Art-filled ryokan atmosphereThis is not a standard countryside inn: contemporary art is integrated into the guest experience, with exhibitions, ceramics, gardens, and the Kishio Suga Souko Museum on site. It feels more curated and memorable than a purely conventional ryokan stay.
  • Beautiful rooms with ravine viewsAll rooms face south toward the river and wooded ravine, so the setting is built around natural light and greenery. The mix of tatami style and modern comfort makes the stay feel traditional without being too austere.
  • Excellent in-room Japanese mealsBreakfast and dinner are served in the room, which makes the experience calmer and more private than a shared dining hall. Meals are presented on handmade Japanese ceramics and focus on seasonal, preservative-free ingredients.
  • Several baths with different moodsThe property offers an open-air bath, a stone bath, and a hinoki cypress bath, each giving a different feel rather than one generic bathing area. The baths are available nearly all day apart from cleaning time, which adds flexibility to your schedule.
  • Deep sense of historyFounded in 1551, Daikokuya has genuine historical depth rather than a newly styled retro look. That long lineage adds character for travelers who value heritage and a strong sense of place.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Remote for casual sightseeingThe ryokan is in Itamuro, a quiet hot-spring area of Nasushiobara, so it suits retreat-style stays more than busy touring. Even from the Shinkansen station, you still need a reserved shared shuttle taxi or a drive to reach it.
  • Bath facilities may feel limitedAlthough the baths are attractive, some guest feedback suggests the bathing and relaxation areas can feel small for the size and popularity of the property. The warm relaxation room in particular may be hard to enjoy if timing is not on your side.
  • Some rooms may feel a bit datedPart of the charm is its long-established style, but that also means some rooms may feel plain or slightly older rather than sharply luxurious. Travelers expecting a sleek modern ryokan aesthetic may find it understated.
  • Not the best fit for nightlife seekersThis is a quiet, restorative ryokan built around onsen, art, food, and nature. If you want walkable bars, shopping streets, or a lively onsen town atmosphere, the experience may feel too subdued.
  • Premium feel can seem priceyThe property delivers a refined experience, but some travelers may still feel the rates are high relative to the scale of certain facilities. It makes more sense if you specifically value the art, atmosphere, and slower pace.

Ranking around this ryokan in Tochigi

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 12th out of 76 ryokans in Tochigi.

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12th Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya Current ryokan 9.1/10 79
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