Aba Onsen Holidays from £2,610

There were public baths at the hotel, but we ran into get one last soak before check out and they were already closed forCleaning. We still had half an hour before our checkout so we would’ve loved to have a few minutes to relax our bodies after walking all day the day before.

We loved our stay in Kurashiki at Yoruya. It’s a small, intimate hotel located on the edge of the Bikan Historical Quarter, within quick walking distance yet slightly removed and quiet (at least when we were there). The service level and attention to detail were top notch. All the staff we encountered were courteous and helpful and made us immediately feel at home. Upon arrival, our bags were whisked from the taxi and we were offered a personal and attentive check-in. Our standard room was extremely comfortable, modern, clean and large. We were really impressed by the care and detail that went into the design of the hotel, from the conversion of a historic property to the layout, and the room amenities. It has a minimalist, clean design that didn’t feel cold, but calming and peaceful. Everything felt intentional. We were so glad that breakfast and dinner were included in our booking so we got to experience the exceptional multi-course dinner and delicious breakfast. Since it was a small open-concept kitchen, it was a pleasure watching the chefs and the pride they took in their craft. The dining experience was a highlight. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wished we could have stayed another night at Yoruya and in this charming historic town. If you go, make sure you check out the Ohara Museum. We were astonished by the number of renowned artists represented.

The Wifi was terrible, couldn’t get it most of the time. The breakfast was too expensive for what they offered. Hotel located very close to the train station and the port.

The staff at the ryokan were excellent, super kind and helpful. However, also a bit disorganized. We were asked three times to fill out the registration card after we had already checked in. Most disturbingly, a staff member entered our room after 9 PM without knocking and, for some reason, demanded to see our key. When we then complained at the front desk, we got a very Japanese too-embarrassed answer rather than addressing our complaint. The dinners were superbly presented, but uneven in quality. The sashimi course on the first night was barely edible, and we love sashimi. But most of the rest of the meals were excellent. And a suggestion, take a room on the second floor. The walls are paper thin, of course, but so is the ceiling it seems, and we were kept awake by the movement of the guests above us. The ryokan is in a stellar location, and we enjoyed our stay, but there is room for improvement, for sure.

Very large , beautifully decorated room and very helpful and friendly staff. Great location for exploring Kurashiki