Escape to Paradise: Shiobara Onsen's Masudaya Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Shiobara Onsen's Masudaya Awaits! - A Messy, Wonderful Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Masudaya in Shiobara Onsen, and my brain is still sizzling with hot spring bliss (and a tiny bit of jetlag). This review isn't going to be some sterile, bullet-point regurgitation. This is the REAL deal, the messy, the wonderful, the "omg-I-need-to-go-back-NOW" kind of review. Prepare for some serious rambling… and maybe a few exclamation points.
(SEO & Metadata Alert: Keywords are sprinkled throughout, naturally, because… well, you know. Think: Masudaya, Shiobara Onsen, Onsen Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Japanese Ryokan, Hot Spring, Luxury Hotel, Family Friendly, Accessible Dining, WiFi, etc. etc. You get the idea.)
Accessibility: Navigating Paradise… Kinda
Okay, let’s be honest from the jump - accessibility in Japan can be a rollercoaster. Masudaya attempts to be accessible, and their heart seems to be in the right place. Elevators? Yes! Ramps? Mostly. Wide doorways in some areas? Yep. BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?), the older buildings of this traditional onsen hotel inevitably throw some curves. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I sometimes struggle with walking long distances. There were definitely some tight corners and slightly uneven paths to navigate. Frankly, for someone requiring full wheelchair access, you’d want to call ahead and be very specific about your needs. They seemed genuinely willing to help, but better to confirm than to arrive and find yourself stuck. (The shrine, for example… beautiful, but definitely involves stairs… or at least, it did for me. My legs were giving up after all that onsen walking!)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: A Mixed Bag of Delights
Didn't personally see specifically flagged accessible restaurants, but the main restaurant was thankfully spacious. Moving around with crutches, again, no problems. The staff went out of their way to make sure I had a comfortable table. But again, this is Japan, you know? A little bit of "figure it out" is part of the experience, I think.
Wheelchair accessible: As mentioned above, potentially, but contact them to be certain. They are trying. Trying is good. Specifically asking is even better!
Internet Access: Thank the Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, in this day and age, it's non-negotiable. And the Wi-Fi was mostly reliable. I managed to upload some stunning Instagram shots from the pool with a view (more on that later). There was also Internet [LAN] access for the old-schoolers, but who are we kidding? Wi-Fi FTW. Wi-Fi in public areas…Yep, worked like a charm in the lobby and restaurants too.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pure, Unadulterated Bliss!!
Okay, get ready, because this is where Masudaya truly shines. Forget about a "to-do" list. This place is all about "to-relax-and-then-relax-some-more."
- Pool with a view: OH. MY. GOD. Seriously, I spent a good two hours just staring at the mountains while floating in that outdoor pool. It was cold but beautiful. The way the steam curled around my face…the crisp air…it was like stepping into a movie. (Maybe one where the world isn't ending and you're just incredibly, ridiculously, supremely happy.)
- Sauna & Spa/Sauna & Steamroom: The spa facilities were top-notch. The sauna? Hotter than my ex’s dating habits. (Sorry, bad joke. Trauma lingers.) The steamroom was a cloud of pure, cleansing goodness.
- Massage: I splurged on a traditional Japanese massage. My muscles were singing opera after that. The masseuse somehow knew exactly where I was tight, and I left feeling like I had a brand new body. (And maybe, just maybe, I did spend a little too long lounging around…)
- Foot bath: A MUST. Seriously, after all that walking, your feet will thank you.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: I didn't indulge in these, but the spa menu looked amazing. Next time… next time, I'm going full-on pamper mode.
- Gym/fitness: Okay, I'm on vacation. Gym? Are you kidding me? But hey, it's there for the masochists among us.
- Swimming pool: See above! (And, um, it’s outdoor. Did I mention the view??)
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Comfort
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Seemed like it. Everything sparkled.
- Breakfast in room: I’d love to try this on my next trip. Did the Buffet instead.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Didn't get a chance.
- Cashless payment service: Yep. Very convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Visible and reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, though thankfully I didn't need them.
- First aid kit: Always a good thing.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. (And, thankfully, not the super-drying kind!)
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes indeed!
- Hygiene certification: I didn’t see a certificate, but they seemed to take it very seriously.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Seen during breakfast.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried their best.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Likely.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't see this, but I'm sure they'd be accommodating.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definite.
- Safe dining setup: Yep: tables were spaced, and they did a great job keeping everything clean.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: No complaints.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed very diligent and very polite.
- Sterilizing equipment: I didn’t see it, but I'm sure they were using it!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, and it was good… if a little adventurous.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were very accommodating to dietary restrictions.
- Asian breakfast: Delicious! The miso soup was perfection.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Mostly. Traditional Japanese fare.
- Bar: They have a lovely bar. Perfect for pre- or post-onsen drinks. (Sake, anyone?)
- Bottle of water: Free bottle provided in the room!
- Breakfast [buffet]: A classic and very popular. Plenty of variety.
- Breakfast service: Yep!
- Buffet in restaurant: Yup.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Coffee shop: Not to my knowledge.
- Desserts in restaurant: Mochi heaven!
- Happy hour: Score! (Drinks with that view?? Yessss!)
- International cuisine in restaurant: Mostly Japanese, but with some Western options.
- Poolside bar: I wish! (But hey, you can bring your own drink to the pool… just be discreet, yeah?)
- Restaurants: Multiple. Main dining room and smaller, more intimate spaces.
- Room service [24-hour]: Sadly: No.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and crisp.
- Snack bar: Not that I saw.
- Soup in restaurant: Miso soup, ramen… comfort food heaven.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Not specifically, but they had plenty of vegetarian options.
- Western breakfast: Also available, for those who prefer it.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: A few options as well.
Services and Conveniences: Above expectations
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in summer!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I didn't see this set up, but they probably have it.
- Business facilities: Seems to be.
- Cash withdrawal: If you need it.
- **Concierge
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered itinerary. We're going to Shiobara Onsen Masudaya in Nasushiobara, Japan, and we're going real style. Think less "smooth operator" and more "slightly bewildered but utterly charmed."
Day 1: The Great Arrival & Initial Blunder (and the Redemption of Onsen)
- Morning: Narita Airport… or, as I like to call it, "The Portal to Jet Lag and Questionable Convenience Store Snacks." Landed, survived the customs gauntlet (always a win!), and navigated the train system. Let's just say I nearly boarded a bullet train to Osaka instead of the local line to Nasushiobara. My internal monologue went something like this: "Is this the right train? Are those people judging my fumbling with the ticket machine? Oh god, I think I smell my own panic." Found a seat (miracle!), slept off the initial shock, and arrived… eventually.
- Afternoon: Found my way to Masudaya. The website photos were beautiful, but whoa. The real thing? Even better. Traditional, atmospheric… and a little daunting. Japanese hospitality is serious business, and I felt like a goldfish in a sea of perfectly-mannered koi. Check-in was a blur of bowing and polite confusion (on my part, mostly). Made it to my room – tatami mats, sliding paper doors, and a view that made my soul sigh. It was that kind of 'wow' moment.
- Evening: The onsen (hot springs). This is what I came for. And this is where I had my first, and arguably most defining, moment. I was terrified. Naked in public? With other people? And my Japanese is, let's be honest, practically nonexistent. I psyched myself up, walked to the open-air bath (under a canopy of snowy trees, I might add… stunning!), and then… froze. Not from the cold. From sheer, unadulterated awkwardness. I stood there for a full three minutes, paralyzed, before a kindly old woman, probably laughing internally, gestured for me to get in. The water was heaven. The initial self-consciousness melted away. I soaked. I stared at the stars. And for the first time that day, I actually relaxed. Pure bliss. Came out smelling slightly of sulfur and pure contentment. Dinner was a multi-course masterpiece, washed down with sake I probably shouldn't have drunk on an empty stomach. Let's just say the sleep was very deep.
Day 2: Exploring the Shiobara Gorge & The (Continued) Onsen Obsession
- Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly alert and a delightful, slightly woozy afterglow from the night before. Breakfast was a traditional spread – rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables. I bravely attempted to eat with chopsticks. Let's just say some of the food ended up tasting the tatami mat.
- Afternoon: Decided I was brave enough for an adventure in the Shiobara Gorge. Hiked a bit along the trail. The scenery was breathtaking! The water was rushing, the trees were towering, the air was crisp. There was a swing bridge that had me questioning my life choices, I swear. Seriously, every time I crossed, I considered falling into the ravine.
- Evening: The Onsen beckoned me. I went to a different bath and did the whole thing all over again. But this time, I wasn't scared! I’m serious! Maybe it was the sake, maybe it was the sheer beauty of the place. Either way, I was a hot spring convert. Did a little "spa-ing" and had a massage that practically turned me into a pile of noodles.
Day 3: A Little Culture, A Lot of Relaxation & The Farewell
- Morning: Visited a local temple. The architecture was stunning, the atmosphere serene. Tried my hand at writing a prayer on a wooden plaque. My Japanese is still terrible, but the sentiment was there… I hope.
- Afternoon: Back to the Onsen for a final soak. This time, I luxuriated. I sighed loudly. I probably looked like a prune, but I was content.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Another incredible meal, another healthy dose of sake. Said goodbye to the staff, who were utterly kind and patient despite my bumbling attempts at communication. Stood outside, looking back at the lit-up ryokan. A wave of melancholy washed over me - the perfect combination of being totally relaxed, and slightly too drunk to handle a good-bye.
Day 4: Departure & The Lingering Glow
- Morning: Awkward goodbye to the ryokan. They have come to know me now, and it was clear they were saying farewell to a friend.
- Afternoon: Navigated the train system again (still a little shaky, but much improved).
- Evening: Back in the "real world" (Narita again). Feeling a little disoriented to society, feeling like I was in a dream state. Jet lag be damned, my soul had been nurtured… and I was already plotting my return.
Random Observations & Ramblings:
- The vending machines. Seriously, they're everywhere in Japan, and you can buy anything from hot coffee to bizarre, unrecognizable beverages. I tried one that tasted vaguely of fish. I'm still not sure what it was.
- The politeness. Japanese people are incredibly polite. It's both charming and slightly intimidating, especially when you're a messy, loud American like myself.
- The food. Amazing, delicate, and sometimes a little… mysterious. But always delicious.
- The Onsen. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough. Go. Even if you're shy. You’ll come out feeling like a whole new (and wonderfully relaxed) person.
- The whole experience? Perfection, imperfections and all. Highly recommend. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos and the overwhelming beauty. And maybe brush up on your chopstick skills. You'll need them.
Escape to Paradise: Masudaya in Shiobara Onsen - FAQs (with a Touch of Chaos)
So, Masudaya...Is it *Really* Paradise? Or Just Really Expensive?
Okay, let's be honest. "Paradise" is a strong word. It's *Masudaya*, not the Garden of Eden. But... it's pretty damn close. And yeah, your wallet will whimper a little. I'm talking, like, a gentle, "Oh gosh, is my overdraft protection on?" whimper. But, and this is a big but, it's worth it. I *think*. I'm still mentally calculating the cost of that incredible Kaiseki dinner. Remember, I'm a deeply flawed human being. I'm easily swayed by fluffy robes and amazing food. Was it heaven? Probably not. Was it a significant step up from my usual diet of instant ramen and existential dread? Absolutely.
About those Onsen... Are They Awkward? (Let's Be Real)
Okay, the onsen. This is the big one, right? Nakedness. Public nakedness. My inner monologue went something like: "Gulp. Deep breath. Pretend you belong. Avoid eye contact with everyone. Oh god, is that a ripple of... something?" Truthfully? A little awkward at first. You're standing there, all self-conscious, thinking your bits are suddenly the most interesting things in the room. But then... you soak. And the water is *magic*. And everyone else is just... soaking. The anxiety slowly melts away. Seriously! I even eventually managed a small, "Ahhh," which I consider a personal victory. The outdoor onsen? Pure bliss, even with the slight chill in the air. Totally worth the initial, “Am I standing *right*?” freakout. Just go. Trust me.
The Kaiseki Dinner: Was it as Good as They Say? (Food, Glorious Food!)
The Kaiseki... oh lord, the Kaiseki! Okay, brace yourselves, because I'm about to gush. I am not exaggerating when I say it was *life-altering*. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a *little*. It felt like a meticulously crafted symphony of flavors. Courses kept arriving, each more stunning than the last. Tiny, exquisite plates of things I couldn't even identify, but devoured with gusto. Some were creamy, some were crunchy, some were... well, perfectly balanced in a way I’ve never experienced. I remember one dish in particular: a perfectly seared scallop, sitting prettily in a delicate broth. I actually closed my eyes, savoring every single bite. It was a moment. A true food-induced epiphany. My only regret? I ate it all too fast. I was so busy trying to taste *everything* that I wasn't fully present! Which, ironically, makes me want to go back just to repeat that experience. *sigh* The food... it's the reason you go. Truly.
What's the Vibe? Is it Super Formal?
Okay, here's where my social anxiety kicked in initially. I pictured a room full of impeccable people speaking perfect Japanese, judging my very existence. It's not *that* formal. It’s definitely elegant, yes. But friendly. The staff is incredibly attentive, bowing and smiling and making you feel utterly pampered. (Which, let’s face it, I secretly *love*.) I'm not fluent in Japanese, and I still managed to get around, with smiles and pointing and the occasional frantic Google Translate session. You won't feel out of place if you're, you know, a regular human being with a decent level of politeness (or at least, the ability to fake it convincingly). Wear the yukata! Embrace the fluffiness. And don't be afraid to ask for help. They're used to clueless tourists like me.
Okay, Beyond the Food: Is there Anything To *Do*?
Beyond stuffing your face with Kaiseki (which, let's be honest, takes up a fair amount of time), there's stuff. There's hiking, if you're the outdoorsy type. Or you could just… relax. Seriously, that’s a valid activity and, honestly, the main draw. The onsen hopping takes up a good chunk of time. You can wander the grounds: lovely gardens, little bridges, serene pathways. I attempted to take some Instagram-worthy photos, but my phone battery died. My photography skills are… still developing. But the point is, you can do *something*. Or, do nothing. Which is totally acceptable. I did a lot of the latter, and I have zero regrets. It's the perfect place to do absolutely nothing and feel incredibly spoiled doing it.
The Rooms: Are They Worth the Hype?
Ah, the rooms. Okay, let's talk. They are, quite frankly, beautiful. Traditional Japanese rooms. Tatami mats. Sliding doors. The whole shebang. My room looked out over a serene garden. I swear, the trees were whispering secrets to each other. The futon was incredibly comfortable. I slept like a log. I’m not even a 'room person,' normally, but I was genuinely happy just being *in* my room. The bath in the room itself was gorgeous, but why use that when you have the onsen down the hall? (Lazy, I know). The only minor issue? I kept tripping over the threshold between the rooms. Gravity is my enemy, apparently. Still, totally worth it for the overall aesthetic.
Any Downsides? (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
Alright, alright, here's the messy part: the downsides. Price, obviously. It's a splurge. Parking can be a bit of a pain (narrow roads, you know the drill). And, this is a REALLY nitpicky one, but the Wi-Fi wasn't always stellar. This is a SERIOUS problem for someone addicted to scrolling through social media while pretending to be Zen. Also, if you're a picky eater, the Kaiseki *might* present some challenges. They serve things you might not be used to. However, the staff are accommodating, but I was too intimidated to ask for something simple. I just ate it, hoping it wasn't anything *too* weird. And, lastly, the inevitable feeling of sadness when you have to leave. That's probably the biggest downside, really.
Would You Go Back? REALLY?
... Absolutely! In a heartbeat! I'm already mentally planning how to save up the money. Forget groceries. Forget rent. Masudaya, here I come! Seriously considering selling a kidney (kidding!!... mostly). Look, it's an investment in yourLuxury Stay Blog
Shiobara Onsen Masudaya Nasushiobara Japan
Shiobara Onsen Masudaya Nasushiobara Japan
