Hotel Itamuro

I have been to Japan more than 12 times and this is the best place. So I went with my parents, siblings and my son. In total 6 adults and 2 baby/toddler (ages 0-2). Part of the family got our own house 5 min walk from the hotel. (The house is also a part of the hotel). My parents stayed at the hotel. Everything was super nice and beautiful. This is the real japan experience, most of the other visitors are non-western. We really liked the food, probably the best authentic Japanese food that i have had on any of my trips, so that is a definite big plus. There is beautiful nature all around. The hot springs were also really nice. The hotel has two beautiful pools - one outside in a small garden. Again very Japanese (No showers in the room and men and women are separated). Since you are out in nature, it also means that it would probably be good to get a car if you want to go on day trips (maybe the hotel can arrange it, we rented a car by Nasushiobara Station). We spent one day just walking around the lakes and small bridges. My son collected a lot of rocks and we sat in their Japanese garden and had tea. The second day we went to a pottery shop and visited a childrens friendly farm. (The farm was really great for my 2 year old son. He rode a donkey and fed a cow) The third day we walked to the local gallery which is fantastic. (small but really great) and i heard there was a daily art walk, but we didn't go. We also drove to the Highland amusement part which was fantastic. A little old but really big and in the middle of nowhere in a forrest. Anyways the hotel is super nice. I would really recommend it above anything else that I have seen in Japan.