竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen

The room, the food, the view, the staffs, the wild cat in the private onsen, and everything else… The ENTHUSIASM, KNOWLEDGE AND WARMTH of the friendly people working in the hotel - Especially Mr. Li Fan - because of his thoughtful arrangements, I delightedly experience the resort’s services and got to see what I wanted to see in the Zao area - with EASE and PEACE like a breeze!!! 🤩🙏 Oh, I must emphasize that - Mr. Li speaks English and Mandarin FLUENTLY - that’s… definitely NOT easy to run into in Japan!!! And Ms. 橫山道子 - She is SUPER FRIENDLY!!! 🙏 I am very happy and grateful for my 一期一會 in 竹泉莊！

I started grinning like a fool as soon as I entered the grounds of Chikusenso. It is everything the pictures show and so, so much more. I was genuinely too delighted to play it cool. A truly beautiful property complete with a river and at least two waterfalls (the grounds are huge, so I can't be sure there aren't more). Inside the premises are just elegant with unique touches like the enormous replica temple bell in the guest lounge. There are 'public'/shared onsen and for the bashful there are also two lovely private onsen to choose from, where the pools are outside so you can hear the river. But it is the staff who elevate this unique and beautiful place to 'exceptional'. Mr Rajan who welcomed me so warmly on arrival and explained the myriad of amenities and services so perfectly. Mr Li, who explained the property's long history and more recent impressive architectural upgrade with such enthusiasm and whose admiration for the local environment almost persuaded me to go hiking. Michiko, in the restaurant who was so warm and sweet she made me feel like I was staying in her own home and her charming colleague who made me a perfect little chair from a champagne wire. I wish I could name all the staff because without exception, they were all wonderful; kind and attentive without ever intruding. Speaking of the restaurant, make sure you have breakfast and dinner there. Over three days the variety and finesse shown by the chef was spectacular. Sitting at the 'chef's table' let me watch the man in action, and it was a masterclass in calm precision in the kitchen. I left this morning and I am already giving serious thought to coming back in January...what more can I say.

Breakfast was huge, healthy and very tasty, a solid foundation for a day full of attractions. Coffee very good, but thats obvious in Japan, perfectly composed with fresh food, light but caloric.

This is the best Japanese experience The surrounds are luxurious and subdued The staff are very friendly and helpful The food is excellent and a truly superb Japanese experience A place to really relax

Staff are nice. Facilities are great. Dinner and breakfast are delicious. We were given snacks as night food. Private onsen was available. Can see stars at night.