Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura

“Hidden gem”

This exquisite boutique ryokan has only 10 suites, all with private onsen, which makes it well nigh impossible to book especially at peak seasons unless you do so more than a year in advance or exceptionally go through a well connected agency like Follow Me Japan (FMJ) in Singapore. We spent 2 glo… Mais

This exquisite boutique ryokan has only 10 suites, all with private onsen, which makes it well nigh impossible to book especially at peak seasons unless you do so more than a year in advance or exceptionally go through a well connected agency like Follow Me Japan (FMJ) in Singapore. We spent 2 glorious nights in this little getaway, part of which used to be the home of the local farming chief from way back when. The property has been artistically reconstructed in its current location in the middle of nowhere, which gives it a totally serene feel, but at the same time means you need a car if you are traveling on your own. This ryokan was a highlight stay of our Tohoku tour, with its unique character. Because we were traveling in a group, we had our meals in their public dining spaces (not in-room). Breakfast was in small dining spaces (2or 4 pax) and dinner was in a larger dining space that could accommodate our group of 12. (We were told that Wabizakura does not typically entertain group bookings except for the likes of FMJ). The ryokan has a modest on-site public bath, available through reservation, but with a private onsen at our disposal, the public onsen would likely appeal more to families. The thing to be mindful about with the in-room onsen is that access to it and the shower from the washbasin area is that there is little headroom and a couple of us have had incidences of knocking ourselves against the upper ledge. The one minor grumble is that meals are all traditionally Japanese. There was no western option for breakfast, and they could not even provide toast on request. If you stay one night, as most do, and come prepared, that’s fine. This unique ryokan Is one I can see ourselves coming back to.

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“Paradise on earth”

This Ryokan is in a fairly secluded location so do not expect to find any retail shops nearby - this is probably the beauty of it all. You will not be disturbed by anything except the serenity in the area! When we arrive, a team of staff came out to help us with the luggage and bowing along the wa… Mais

This Ryokan is in a fairly secluded location so do not expect to find any retail shops nearby - this is probably the beauty of it all. You will not be disturbed by anything except the serenity in the area! When we arrive, a team of staff came out to help us with the luggage and bowing along the way as we make our way to the "reception" area - which is more like a cozy lounge. Some drinks and dessert were served as the check-in process is taking place. Once you entered the room, you will be wowed by the classy layout and deco. The dining room is spacious enough to have up to 6 people dinning together. The living room is twice the size with a very spacious bed room area. The toilet is near the entrance separated from the washroom. from the washroom, you have a door access to the shower area and the in-room hot spring. The hot spring has window for you to open out to lookout to the autumn foliage. There is even a big verandah with sofa seats for you to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. All rooms are air conditioned and there are even under floor heating to ensure you have a comfortable stay. Water and juices are provided in the fridge with couple of beers thrown in with daily sweets made by the hotel. Not sure where else can you find paradise on earth. The owner spares no effort to ensure you the comfort, service and tranquil environment which is what most travelers are looking for. Dinner and breakfast are served in the room and food is great except that there are just too many things to eat. It is a little wasteful! As there are only 10 suits in this place, you really must book very well in advance if you want to travel to enjoy a few days of paradise living on earth!

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“peaceful place to relax”

everything about wabizakura was great, beautiful Japanese architecture, quiet surrounding in the middle of nowhere, wild garden, professional service, courteous staff, all great! the only thing i was slightly disappointed about this place was the food. i stayed at similar range hotels / ryokan duri… Mais

everything about wabizakura was great, beautiful Japanese architecture, quiet surrounding in the middle of nowhere, wild garden, professional service, courteous staff, all great! the only thing i was slightly disappointed about this place was the food. i stayed at similar range hotels / ryokan during my 1 week trip in Japan but food was much better in other places. the presentation was good but nothing left an impression. most places at this class usually give you a choice for main but not here, and the ingredients were nothing impressive. i wish they had put more effort in serving local dishes and giving the food a bit more character. it would have been a perfect stay otherwise!

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“We expected to be wowed but were merely satisfied.”

Service was excellent and the team was courteous and highly responsive to any requests. The room was mostly clean and comfortable (we were disappointed to find a hair inside our towel). We did enjoy the snowy natural setting in winter. It was not hard to get a reservation in January. We have s… Mais

Service was excellent and the team was courteous and highly responsive to any requests. The room was mostly clean and comfortable (we were disappointed to find a hair inside our towel). We did enjoy the snowy natural setting in winter. It was not hard to get a reservation in January. We have stayed at a number of luxury Japanese ryokan and dined at many kaiseki and other Japanese restaurants. I would say that Wabizakura's dinner was perhaps the single most disappointing kaiseki dinner I have ever had in my life. The crab course was small, difficult to eat, roasted dry rather than moist, and not particularly tasty. The rest of the food was mostly unimaginative and the portions were small. Perhaps our expectations were set too high, given the prior reviews. Breakfast was better than dinner --- portions were much more generous and quality was higher. Was the head chef simply out of town the previous night or just phoning it in? We will never know. The in-room onsen was nice and at a good temperature. The chartered open-air public bath provided a good change of scenery but the water was much hotter and there was no way to adjust the temperature down. The in-room minibar was not particularly generous (two bottles of water and two of cold green tea, not replenished). Would we return? Maybe, but we would consider other places in Japan first at this price point.

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