Ryokans in Ishigami

a great family hotel in a terrific central location for a family vacation in Maebashi & Gunma prefecture

Located halfway up a hill overlooking magnificent mountains

Excellent room with comfortable blankets which were perfect for the winter cold. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout, giving great advice regarding transport and offering a shuttle service for 1500 yen per person for both ways. The location is a little out the way, but you'll probably be staying here for the tranquility rather than what it offers nearby. In terms of the food, both the dinner and breakfast were great. The dinner offered sukiraki beef with tofu and vegetable tempura. There was plenty to eat and enough for a big eater like myself to feel full. Breakfast was similarly well made with enough to feel like lunch should be a bit later then usual. There was also complimentary snacks, tea, coffee as well as a small setup with a mini PS1 and famicom. We didn't end up using that, but it was nice that it was there. The area around is quiet, with a bit more time I think the rental bikes would have allowed us to go further afield but its winter and it's cold. We walked about around the area, had some really nice views of takasaki especially in the evening as the lights of the city come on. Beds provided were exceptional. The duvet cover was smooth on the skin and the duvet was extremely fluffy. Perfect for winter. Bathroom was clean, well maintained with good water temperature and excellent water pressure. Oh, and the koi in the pond were spectacular.

Walking around the parks: The paths were clearly marked and well-troddened , so there's less risks of getting lost if you followed the trails. Lots of fungi and we found snake skins around, there must be snakes. We didn't see any during our 4-hr walk. The birds started chirping happily when it started to snow. There was breeze.. it's so quiet you'd hear the rustling of leaves. Our meals: Fine Japanese dining. Each dish was perfectly cooked, the chef was very skilled and meticulous with his dishes. Each meal included a wide array of dishes ranging from appetizers, soups, proteins and starches. Each meal was very filling and satisfying. The service was also top notch with the waiters explaining dishes with limited English. There's a menu for drinks, the meals come with water and ocha. Overall a superb dining experience. The onsen: The renovations were onsite , the male section was closed, we had to rotate , men get certain hours and ladies get some slots. As it was off season when we were there, we managed to book a private session to ourselves- my son and I. There's a large hot pool, a very good sauna- the shower area: shampoo, conditioner and body wash provided for. The usual good onsen practice applies here, wash yourself before entering the pool. Once you dried yourself, in the dressing area, there are seats with hair dryer, body lotion, etc. very pampering. If you're familiar with ryokans this is similar.