Having read the reviews I was really looking forward to our 2 night stay. Staying at one of the world's oldest hotels with all the tradition - excellent!
However the reality was that the ryokan was in desperate need of an upgrade, the room was enormous but it was tired and had big cracks in the sink, water stains in the bath and just not great.
We didn't book dinner and therefore were not offered dinner on our first night. All the catering facilities were closed (the on site pub never opened whilst we were there). The ryokan had the feeling of a once very popular and grand venue, but had fallen on hard times.
Also despite free wifi being advertised in all rooms, there was none. Only in reception area. Annoying.
Despite all this the staff were friendly and the spa facilities very, very nice.
On checking out despite asking for help, none was given with our bags and despite about 8 staff all bowing and saying good bye, not one of them helped with our luggage.
All in all, I won't be returning nor recommending it.