Tucked away in rural Japan, next to the Nasu Goyotei Imperial Villa (a countryside escape for Japanese royalty), Sansuikaku Ryokan is an exclusive little luxury onsen (hot spring) retreat. Natural mountain spring water baths, exquisite Japanese cuisine made from local ingredients, and renovations that keep the spaces clean and comfortable (without destroying the old-fashioned atmosphere), it all comes together to make the 14-room guest house a favorite getaway for those in the know, since the 1930s!

Getting the True Ryokan Experience in Nasu

While new hotels are popping up all over Japan in preparation for the rush of new visitors to Japan's 2020 Olympics, the best way to get a feel for the country's famous "omotenashi" hospitality is to stay in a ryokan (旅館). Ryokan are traditional Japanese guests houses, meaning they're the perfect places to experience a little traditional culture, dine on local delicacies, and often explore some old-fashioned architecture. Of course, it doesn't get much better than a ryokan that's been around for almost 100 years. Sansuikaku has been enchanting guests over the ages with deliciously luxe onsen baths, feasts of Nasu's regional cuisine, and an unceasing commitment to both maintaining old traditions, and simultaneously slipping in subtle modern touches for comfort.

The Charms of Sansuikaku

When Japanese people look for the perfect ryokan, one of the first things they're searching for is excellent onsen baths. Sansuikaku's many tubs and pools are carefully sculpted for relaxation, and filled with Omaru Onsen (大丸温泉) water, which draws visitors from around the country. Soak away any tired muscles or stiff joints in the steamy baths, which they say will even improve your skin.

Sansuikaku has large communal baths, medium-sized "family baths" available for rental, and private baths attached to guest rooms, so even the shyest among us can bathe in comfort.

The staff at Sansuikaku take pride in making "Yamazato Kaiseki" cuisine, which follows Japanese traditions by utilizing and bringing out the flavor of local, seasonal ingredients.

The chefs' choosy palates mean some truly delectable ingredients make it onto the tables of Sansuikaku's dining room every day, during the many-coursed meals. Only 5 farms in the world raise Nasu Kuroge Wagyu, a rare, high-quality breed of wagyu Japanese beef cattle, and at Sansuikaku you can try it seared to perfection or delicately cooked in soy milk.

The chefs' choosy palates mean some truly delectable ingredients make it onto the tables of Sansuikaku's dining room every day, during the many-coursed meals. Only 5 farms in the world raise Nasu Kuroge Wagyu, a rare, high-quality breed of wagyu Japanese beef cattle, and at Sansuikaku you can try it seared to perfection or delicately cooked in soy milk.

On top of everything else, the Sansuikaku atmosphere is a unique mix, as traditional Japanese architecture interacts with a collection of distinct vintage furniture, all surrounded by the fresh, green nature of Japan's Tochigi Prefecture.

The Ryokan’s Newest Renovations

Sansuikaku's latest renovations have again succeeded in linking old-fashioned charm with fresh, new interiors.The clean lines of Nordic furniture and Scandinavian design blend nicely with the strong geometry of the beams that frame the traditional Japanese buildings. Everything works together to make for some extra-cozy spaces with splashes of style.

The blended theme of Sansuikaku continues through all the rooms, including their newly redesigned sleeping spaces. Japanese floor cushions compliment Western bedroom furniture placed low to the ground, or in other rooms standard European living room sets sit next to Japanese futon mattresses on tatami mats.

Take a moment to admire the view, from a comfy seat or even the spacious baths…

…or head out into the glorious surroundings, and breathe in the fresh Nasu air!

Have you ever been to Nasu? Stayed a night in Sansuikaku? Taken a bath in Omaru Onsen water, or another luxurious Japanese hot spring? Tell us all about your trip, and your future plans, on twitter, instagram, and facebook!