Okuhida Onsengo Nakadaya

Nakadaya is a very nice traditional onsen resort hotel. Their rooms are Japanese-style tatami, with sleeping mats on the floor. Their outdoor bath (at least the men's one) was outstanding, with a natural grotto setting and abundant flow from a natural hot spring. (After long hikes during the day, it was great to relax in the hot water.) Meals (served in the restaurant, not the room) were "kaiseki" type with many small courses, and they were excellent. (Some of the Japanese flavors, such as the miso paste with rice, will not please everyone....but one should not go to this type of resort expecting anything other than a very Japanese experience.) The location was fine for us, because we had our own car -- the hotel is about 8 km down the road (literally down) from the Hirayu Onsen bus station. There are infrequent buses on the road, but in summer when the roads are clear this is really best for people who have their own transport. The hotel's owner advised they are open year-round, and I think the hot spring bath would be marvelous on a cold winter's day..... Note: like many small Japanese hotels, this hotel had wifi only in the lobby/public areas. There, the wife worked smoothly and fast.