I had an enjoyable stay at Hotel Shikisai, and what stood out the most was the exceptional kindness and hospitality of the staff. They were always welcoming and helpful throughout my visit.
The Superior Room was beautifully designed in a minimalist Japanese style, with tatami flooring throughout and a semi-open bathroom that created a very relaxing atmosphere. Having a private onsen overlooking the garden was a wonderful experience in theory, although I unfortunately found a very large spider nearby, which made it difficult to fully enjoy it.
The location itself is excellent, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. However, it can be difficult to reach, especially for guests arriving in the evening or at night. Although the hotel provides a shuttle service to and from the station, I only learned from the hotel's website and at reception that it operates just once a day, around 3:00 PM. Outside those hours, the only practical options are the Tobu railway line or a taxi. It would be helpful if this limitation were made more visible during the booking process.
The only aspect that disappointed me was the breakfast. It simply wasn't to my taste, and I would have preferred a different style of breakfast. I also found it unusual that breakfast was served at a single fixed time rather than within a time window, as is common in many hotels.
Overall, despite a few minor drawbacks, the beautiful room, peaceful atmosphere, private onsen, and outstanding hospitality made my stay a memorable one.
