Sembon Vacations from $274

We only stayed one night. We had a large, modernized Edo-era two-story apartment (bedroom, dining and living; toilet and soaking tub/shower) with a private courtyard view in a building separate from our friends in Sasayama Castle Town. We could walk throughout the town with our friends and visit each other's full-sized apartments (complimentary shuttle also available with pre-arrangement). Yukata and jacket to meals and can be worn in town. Ours had Western beds and full private toilet/shower and private soaking tub with garden view. We stayed in early April and Sasayama Castle had a festival and the town was full of cherry trees in full bloom, especially along the river. We should have allowed more time to experience the many shops and tradesmen and Edo history and demonstrations throughout the Castle Town. It was a convenient train ride from Osaka with hotel shuttle, but accommodates driving very well. It worked well in combination with a side trip to Kinosaki Onsen between Osaka and Kyoto by train. The Ryokan meals (breakfast is included, we also bought the dinner) were fantastic and more than we could eat. Emphasis on creative uses of locally sourced in season meats and vegetables including rice and locally crafted pottery. Very creative delicious dishes. The chefs are top of the line! The alcohol and drink selection featured world class local and international options. Several of the staff speak English very well and foreigners and families are welcome.

Staff was friendly. I can tell they weren't accustome to seeing tattoos which was no surprise, but they treated me very kindly.