This ryokan is run by the kindest family; they made me feel extremely welcome and were very helpful. They picked me up from the station and drove me to the monkey park which was a bonus. There are 3 Onsen here; one private, one indoors and one outdoors. The private one is extremely hot so enter with caution!! The outdoors one is beautiful. I would highly recommend staying here for all round atmosphere and value for money.

Rachel
From England
Apr.'10
Stayed at Seifu-so, Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano.

The staff and the quality of the building makes this a great ryokan to stay in. The staff made us feel like travelers and not tourists. They have obviously been trained effectively and have stayed with the ryokan for most of their working like, this makes them function effortlessly and often invisibly(from the guests). We traveled through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka before arriving at Ryokan Oishiya. We stayed at some fabulous places but Ryokan Oishiya was the best. The quality of the meals is amazing, so much so that I had to meet the chef to personally thank him. For what Oishiya delivers, this place is superb value. Experience of a lifetime.

Kenneth Yeh
From Sydney, Australia
Feb. '10
We stayed at Oishiya, Mie Prefecture

The food varied on a daily basis and was delicious. The staff in the dining room were very accommodating. All the staff was exceptionally polite and made additional effort to communicate in English with guests. I would like to compliment Mr Sato in particular for taking care of his guests. On one occasion, I went for my first snowboarding on the second day of my
stay and ended up stranded at end of the slopes of SunValley. I was obviously lost and did not know which direction to go other than the slopes to get back to the hotel. Just then, Mr Sato drove by and he saw me. He stopped and reversed his vehicle. He seemed to have recognized me as one of his hotel guests and that I am lost. He re-packed the boxes in his vehicle to make space for me in the back seat and gave me a lift back to the hotel. Thank you so much, Mr Sato for your help. If it wasn't for you, my parents might have gone to the police to send out a search-party that evening. We hope to be back in the next couple of years to enjoy great food, wonderful hospitality and the lovely weather.

Valerie Ke with parents Vincent and Mary
From Perth, Australia
Feb. '10
Stayed at Hotel Shirakabaso, Shiga Kogen, Nagano

A wonderful Japanese experience. Breakfast truly delicious. Would definitely recommend to other people. Felt very safe. Enjoyed walking around the area. Staff extremely polite, welcoming and helpful.

Derek and Susan Parker
From England
May '10
Stayed at Shibu Hotel, Shibu Onsen near Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park), Nagano Prefecture

The hostel is old but the staff was excellent. Discussed with us where we are going and gave us useful tips. Warning- next to Red Light district.

Chun Ni
From Australia
June '10
Stayed at Kaneyoshi Ryokan, Namba Dotombori, Osaka.

Very beautiful and authentic Japanese style thatched-roofed house, harking back to a lost era. Meals are extensive, tasty, and filling. Staff very helpful, sincerely kind, great English. Not disappointed.

Nathaniel
From U.S.A.
Apr. '10
Stayed at Hida-Gassho-en, Gifu Prefecture.

Here is the newly signed-up Japanese hotel with our review web site.

Yamamotoya in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture
http://www.kinosaki.com/en (English site launched in June 2010.)

-Site Administrator