We are a couple from Australia and stayed at Ashikari for two nights. The rooms were immaculate, comfortable and spacious. The outdoor onsen tub is amazing and the view over the mountains makes it unforgettable. The public onsen was also beautiful. The food is an experience in itself - exceptional with creative courses - even for a very big appetite such as myself. Staff were extremely helpful and friendly, even as we only speak English - especially the manager who went above and beyond for us. It is easily accessible from Yugawara station (we let them know our train arrival time and they came and picked us up) and close to Tokyo, as we were travelling through from Osaka. The town itself is pleasant enough but quiet - you don't really need to leave Ashikari in my opinion. It was a great contrast to the business of the major cities. Overall staying at a ryokan is a unique cultural experience. Ashikari delivered that with luxury in abundance. It was one of the highlights of our trip. I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.

I really do not have any criticisms for Ashikari, it exceeded my expectations. A very minor suggestion would be to have the guest guide on the Ipad in English - however I was able to google translate this so it was no problem.

My husband and I absolutely loved the staff, breakfast and dinner! The service was exceptional and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend this property.

everything is very decent. i like the outdoor public bath. food is ok. staff is helpful even though they could not speak English.

we booked the room with private onsen, unfortunately we saw a cockroach in our room and it sneaked into those tatami where we couldn’t find it anymore.

The meals were excellent and the service of the staff exceeded my expectations.

It was raining very hard when we arrived and the private outdoor bath that was part of the room was only partially covered so the rain was quite annoying when we took a bath. Also a very scary large centipede that is common in the area somehow entered our room.

The kaiseki ryori was a poem in tastes and a delightful eye candy. The bath with the rotemburo was nice and cozy. But I most enjoyed the love and passion brought to details like the different soaps in the bath, but also the little yakult served in a wooden taru with ice cube water to be enjoyed after the bath while relaxing watching the garden. Small traditional japanese touches that made the place even more endearing. Top it of with an Esalen massage!

There was no need for fake flowers in the bathroom of the room ;- )