Ryounkaku

What an amazing location. This was exactly what I wanted. A ryokan up in the mountains, freezing surroundings and warm waters. The location, the food, and the facilities were all amazing. I'll also add that even though the check-in time was 15:00, I was able to check in earlier when the bus arrived, which I've learned in Japan is not a given.

It's probably unfair to deduct points for the facility when it didn't really bother me, but if we are nitpicking, the facilities come across as a bit old and in need of maintenance.

The staff were very friendly and the whole Ryokan felt very homely. The dinner and breakfast was amazing and felt like Japanese home-cooked meals! The sunset view was breath-taking from this location.

Shared toilets were slightly inconvenient.but very clean and well maintained. One of the onsens was designed more poorly than the other side (they switch men and women sides at diff times every day) and was slightly difficult to navigate with a toddler; needed to caution when going to the outdoor onsen.

The building is very old and our room is too small for 4 people.

We had an amazing stay in Ryounkaku! The rather remote location is perfect to start your hike bright and early in the morning and discover the wonders of Mount Tokachi! The rooms were classic Japanese style, with tatami and futon beds. It was large and we had a nice view of the mountain. The onsen is great! Water flowing directly from the mountain, super hot! The outdoor bath is great. Finally, dinner was stunning! We didn’t expect something so nice, but it was plenty of fresh fish, prepared in many different ways, simply delicious! The owners were very nice!

Mountain views, the dinner was amazing. Lots of little courses so fresh and prepared with care. Staff were friendly. Very traditional Ryokan experience. The walk neat the trail head is Ansei crater was a great 1.5 hour walk with sulfur vents and volcanic rock.

I didnt use the onsen cause I have tattoos (out of respect, I didn't ask) but there was no where to shower unless you were by the onsen. Which is traditional Ryokan but just something to be aware of.

Superb quality of two different type of onsen, especially open-air bath and kindness of ryokan hosts were great pleasure during the stay.

Only the remoteness of its location is the deficit which is unfixable, but also a great attractiveness of its silent atmosphere.

Food and the onsen

Common toilet and no air conditioning

Completely recommend this place. Ok, it could use a remodel yes, but for the location and the price you get an amazing delicious dinner, access to an indoor/outdoor Onsen with a beautiful view and kind staff. They even fixed us a hiking breakfast of plum rice balls, bottled tea and a dessert instead of the breakfast buffet. We were able hit the trail early (right from the hotel) and summit Tocachidake. We hope to come back in the winter for skiing.

My husband wanted a sit-down toilet upstairs.

It was a great experience to stay at Ryounkaku for two nights. Wonderful and healthy breakfast served by the kind staff delivered a pleasant memory.

Even though we were aware of the public bathroom, it would have been better if we could have the same inside the room. But the public area was very clean and well managed.