After arriving in Japan and staying in bustling Tokyo, this hotel was a refreshing rustic getaway. The surrounding scenery is fabulous, world class views along the small river that flows by the hotel. There is a very long hiking trail literally 200 yards down the road that goes for miles and miles. Be aware that this is a traditional Japanese hotel, there are no beds, just padded mats on the floor and a short table with leg-less chairs, so be ready for some together time with the family. Shoes must be removed at the front door, traded for slippers they provide, and the slippers are then removed in the dining hall used for meals, and those slippers are removed for the bathroom slippers when needed. Meals must be ordered in advance so it takes a bit of planning to fully enjoy, the food seemed quite authentic, be ready for fish for breakfast, and all manner of cool little flame powered mini grills that cook, boil, or roast your items right at the table. Robes are provided to wear to dinner, which makes it a fun experience. The staff speaks functional English for the typical hotel duties they are responsible for, and they are very friendly. This is not the Four Seasons, but you've come up the hill out of town for a reason, embrace the local experience, its very cool as long as you have the right mindset and expectations. We rented a car to get here, first time with a right-hand drive on the left side of the road, it was a trial by fire, but awesome to have a car.