In this ever changing, chaotic and even crazy world, I admire a well-run family business (small or large) which passes on from generation to generation, like the Tanakaya (since 1911). My wife and I have one of the five larger rooms with superb views of the Japanese garden with architectural and water features (charming with the new snow cover). The included Kaiseki dinner (delicious, sumptuous, but not too elaborate or overly filling) and breakfast are served not in our room but in a separate and private dinner room, which we like. The clear-water onsen is not huge and indoor only, but has full glass panels facing a small bamboo grove in the garden. Old-fashioned warm and attentive service attitudes prevailed. A mature lady of the 4th generation greeted us when we arrived, another of the 5th generation briefed us, and a third lady was assigned to take us to our room, serve us dinner and breakfast and prepare our beddings. All three of them waited for us when we checked out, and followed our small shuttle bus as it drove out to the parking lot and onto the road to wave us goodbye despite the snow and cold weather. We saw members of the 6th generation chatting and playing in the lounge just before dinner the evening before, while we were viewing the manuscripts and books of a poet (also a member of the family) in a display room near the reception, I wish the traditions of excellence and service of this small ryokan (and many others) will continue to be passed on to the next generations.

The staff Yulley is so sweet and friendly. She served us all the time. Dinner and breakfast both are perfect. Classical Japanese style.