Ryokan Wakaba

Ryokan Wakaba had everything I was looking for in a Ryokan. I stayed at Kurokawa Onsen with the idea of getting a two nights halt during my trip in Japan while enjoying hot spring and I could do that. The staff made me feel very welcomed and are able to speak english which was very convenient. The food was fantastic for Breakfast and Dinner, which local products and they took into account my dietary restrictions that I informed them of via Booking prior to my arrival. Someone was there to pick me up at the bus top to bring me to the hotel and I could leave my bag there while waiting for check in which gave me the opportunity to explore Kurokawa Onsen. And the onsen, they were fantastic. Even during the day it was never busy so I could always enjoy a peaceful soak at any time. The room was huge for one person, but very comfy and everything was so peaceful, I spent really lovely nights. This is a must place to stay at if you're visiting Kurokawa Onsen ! Also, one nice discovery is that they take debit card (visa and mastercard for sure) which was very practical as I did not have much cash with me as usually in Japan I mostly use Suica. This was perfect for me to get myself a little souvenir from the hotel but also enjoy drinks from there without restraining myself due to limited amount of cash. I cannot talk about the alcohol as I don't drink but they seemed to have a large choice, but in terms of soft drinks I really appreciated their freshness. I had a smoothie once and an amazake that were both lovely.

Lovely rustic ryokan in kurokawa onsen. We stayed for one night and greatly enjoyed the dinner and breakfast there. The staff is friendly and helpful. We used the onsen once while we were there and it was similar to other ones we tried in the area. We got the onsen pass which allowed us to try out three other onsens in the area but actually would not recommend getting it if you’re also staying only for one night as you can just pay for individual onsen visits. Dinner was at 6 or 6:30pm (you can choose) and breakfast was at 8 or 8:30am. The room was clean and we were provided yukata sets and slippers to roam around.

I really appreciated that the staff came to pick me up from the bus stop. It made the start of the journey really enjoyable. They were also able to provide recommendations on where things were and how to move around. Checking in was extremely smooth and I was able to book the private bath. That was definitely a highlight for the stay. The private bath was comfortable and it was great to be able to relax by myself. The dinner was fantastic! I was served by Hiroyi-san in my room. She took great care to explain each dish to me and to have conversations in between. I really appreciated that service! The onsen was also very inviting and a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature! I was so glad that I got the chance to soak in it. Chef Imamura made absolutely delicious and nourishing meals for dinner and breakfast! It was great to be pampered in that manner.

Excellent Ryokan, a perfect stay… Rooms spacious (northern annex), and wondefully appointed, with all the comforts (japanese style futons, but extremely comfortable). Personal onsen was an adequate size (it is possible to reserve other private onsen at the ryokan). Fantastic, cozy closed verandah by the river…. All was immaculately clean, and futons are removed/laid during breakfast/dinner. All meals in Kaiseki style were excellent and in a two night stay there was a different menu on the second day. All personnel was extremely nice, polite and attentive. Star of the show was the rotemburo, perfectly set in a secluded part of a “valley”, protected by trees, at the same time private and airy (compared to other rotemburo we visited on our onsen hop, much better). Location is great, near the main road but totally silent at all times, and about 5 mins walk to the centre of the village (a bit of a climb on the way back) Would return again tomorrow and two days stay was absolutely not too much….

The staff were very helpful and English wasn't an issue. They ensured we were comfortable and happily picked up from the bus station. The service was the best we received in Kurokawa. The room was also very well fitted and comfortable, and the private dining rooms were great.