Ulasan Wafu-No-Yado Masuya

We chose this place to stay for two nights after our daughter made it clear we should be going to visit the monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and we weren’t disappointed. The village itself might be a bit disappointing - don’t expect too much as it’s a little bit run down, with modern buildings, factories etc, and it’s only at the area containing the community hot springs that reflects ‘old’ Japan. Nevertheless, it’s a great base for the monkey park, and easily accessible by train or bus. They ryokan itself is also in a relatively modern 4 storey building, but in all other respects is a traditional inn. The rooms are comfortably furnished, with everything needed, although the bathroom was on the smaller side. The real pluses were the staff, the service and the food - all excellent. From being unexpectedly met at the station when we arrived (we told them we were arriving earlier than the 3.00 check in time) to when one of the staff found us on the platform when we were leaving to hand over a piece of jewellery my daughter had left in the room, the staff and their service were brilliant. We booked half board and the multiple course kaiseki dinners and breakfasts were a delight. I don’t think there are Western choices, but when in Japan… The public onsen at the ryokan are great, and we took a private one for an hour so we could soak together. If there were any downsides, even though it was mid January, the indoor temperatures seemed to be set at around 30 degrees - open windows were the relief. Lastly, it’s not cheap, but we thought it was value for money all things considered, and recommended.