Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan

Fantastic staff who despite prior to the trip pointing out they could not cater to coeliac, and we were happy to get by, went to an amazing amount of trouble. Great Japanese experience

I had scouted the location online, but I liked the location even more than I expected! It was between the Shinkansen station and the beach (a little closer to the station, which was the "uphill" direction; everything very walkable). The pedestrian-only, covered streets were the most direct way to reach the lodging from the station, each filled with many temptations. However, we initially used the regular street to get to the lodging. It was slightly longer, but it was less steep and less crowded; thus, the eaiser choice while bringing our luggage. The lodging is close to a public stair case (the town is somewhat vertical, being built into its hills). When we checked out, we realized that our arrival strategy of following the car-road actually extended all the way down to the lodging, so when we departed, we took that to avoid steps. When not checking in/out, I actually enjoyed the staircases a lot. I always appreciate stairs from a health/fitness perspective, but also they tend to offer nice views and photo spots. We were only about a 5 minute walk from the pedestrian shopping streets by the station, another 3 minutes from the station itself, and in the other direction, less than 10 minutes on foot from stepping on the sand of the beach. The Ryokan itself had a lovely lobby and traditional, landscaped entrance, despite being surrounded by more modern places. Meals were served in-room. We had a really nice view out of our window, albeit partially obstructed by another tall building. Interacting with the staff was a pleasure. A few had near-perfect English, others had serviceable English, and I possess some almost-serviceable Japanese, so all in all, we were ok for communication. They had both indoor and outdoor Onsen, nicely appointed. The meals were delicious, fresh, and appealing. That said, our western-ness was not prepared for the live abalone (presented live, but cooked before being eaten). It was very memorable!

One of the baths had a seam that was peeling (it was above the water line, so probably not a big deal, but aesthetically noticeable). The lodging consisted of multiple buildings, and our room was in what I'd describe as an annex(?). To exit the property, we had to ride our elevator down 3 floors, walk across the lower level (which had the bath entrances, that much was convenient), then take a different elevator up a floor to the lobby, in order to leave our key with the front desk before heading outside. It was never a problem, but it was a little unusual. I believe we could take a staircase to the lobby from the basement, but there were no non-emergency stairs from the basement to our room, which means I was dependent on the elvator. Elevator dependency makes me a little nervous, but only because I worry about potential problems and delays..none of which happened during our stay. I really enjoyed the accomodation and had a fantastic time in Atami.

This is the best place I've ever stayed! The staff is great, very helpful. A big kaiseki was served and after that I can enjoy onsen. Highly recommend place!

None.

The serene atmosphere. Friendly service. Japanese breakfast served was amazing!

Nothing!

The room we received was large with a normal seating area and a reed mat area for the bed and small table. The hot spring area was well maintained and lovely to use. Breakfast was amazing.

Some instruction on etiquette for the hot spring would have been nice, but a quick Google search worked fine.

Excellent breakfast and evening meal served with grace and style. Enjoyable onsen. Staff very helpful and hospitable. Appreciated lift to Atami station on check out.

Nothing