Emi-san and her family looked after us so well. The food was fantastic! Emi-san picked us up and dropped us off from the train station, she and her sister Junko-san welcomed us with a Matcha tea ceremony, taught me how to fold an origami crane while I was waiting for my boyfriend, taught us how to write our names in Katakana and we loved the onigiri making session. We also were lucky enough to come at a time when the Zazen morning meditation at the local Buddhist temple was offered. The rooms were so generous. We really had a wonderful time and were sad to leave. Thank you for everything Junko, Emi and your wonderful family.

Stayed in April 2025

My room was a bit noisy.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Fine cooking.

Stayed in April 2025

Totaro is such an absolute delight - from start to finish the hospitality and helpfulness of the staff, along with the quality of the food, was outstanding. The room is huge and sleeping on the a futon on the tatami mats was more comfy than I’d expected! Emi, her mum and her sisters do an amazing job running the place and I so enjoyed the dinner they prepared on both nights. The quality was excellent and it tasted delicious. Emi was also very happy to drop me at the railway station in Ena and pick me up after a day out. The onsen is small but perfect for a hotel of this size and was so relaxing after long days’ walking. There is masses to do in the area from walking the old Samurai trail to visiting beautiful old towns and villages. The small railway in Ena is also a highlight. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in this area, you’ve found it!

Stayed in March 2025

We enjoyed everything.

This traditional inn is a little jewel. We were blown away by the kindness and hospitality of the ladies who run the place. It’s located a bit outside of town, but Emi and Junko were always happy to give us a ride. The meals are gorgeously prepared feasts - good luck if you can finish! The hotel also arranged a “Zazen experience” at a historic temple nearby, which was very interesting. We will treasure our memories of the Totoro and its wonderful staff!

Stayed in November 2024

The social bathrooms

Japanese. Very good

Stayed in November 2024

Authenticity, staff, food

Stayed in November 2024

There was nothing I didn’t like

My first experience of a traditional Ryokan and Onsen- sleeping on futon on tatami mats and eating in a private dining room exquisitely prepared and presented food- a delight everywhere I looked

Stayed in November 2024

A great place to stay before commencing Nakasendo trail.. beds very comfortable and fabulous dinner and breakfast..lovely hosts

Stayed in October 2024

The food was outstanding and the staff were soooo friendly and helpful!’

Stayed in August 2024

Bathrooms are Japanese style and smell of cypress, but are shared. Large men may find them small.

For dinner, you can enjoy dishes carefully served on crockery. It is nice to be able to choose a local sake to match the dish and your taste. Of course, the breakfast is also varied and delicious. You will be hosted as a traditional Japanese hotel.

Stayed in June 2024

Nothing, that hotel is better than expected

Amazing dinner, and spacious Japanese room, very friendly service.

Stayed in April 2024

Nicest staff, adorable place with amazing food. Only great things to say.

Stayed in April 2024

Friendly helpful team. Beautiful property. Wide selection of dishes both meals.

Stayed in February 2024

The men’s bathroom was a bit old and not to the same standard as the rest of the hotel.

Beautiful place and location. Very comfortable although the rest room was not en-suite. The rooms were wonderful tatami style, the onsen just right and very good food. Most importantly the host was very helpful and kind. I highly recommend this hotel.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing to don’t like about the place, expected of a ryokan the toilet are separated so a little inconvenient

Cosy and friendly staffs. Dinner is absolutely fantastic and serve differently every night

Stayed in July 2023

Nothing!

Free shuttle service if you call them (within reasonable hours) Breakfast is delicious and filling, staff is very amicable Rooms are airconditioned and comfortable Showers and toilets are common but very clean

Stayed in July 2023

There was a very slight cigarette smell in the hallways. It is a 50 year old property and hard to wash that out…. It isn’t really in easy walking distance from the train or the Nakasendo way but they will come and get you from Ena station!

Totaro is a lovely ryokan with wonderful staff who were more than happy to pick us up at the Ena station, help ship our luggage further up our walking route, and even gave us an umbrella when it was raining on the day we left! The manager Emi spoke good English and is also a great cook, the dinner was very good. We had two ten tatami rooms for the two of us as we were visiting mid-week and had the onsens to ourselves as it was a bit empty. Family mart a 5 min walk away.

Stayed in June 2023

Nice Ryokan in a quiet area. Staff is incredible, nothing else to add.

Stayed in May 2023

Too old ,hot spring is too small. There is no bath in the room, it is only in the public

nice quiet place for staying,it is traditional Japanese style. It is good that is not too many guests, and we have been served special meal in the dinner.

Stayed in April 2023

The staff were super friendly and helpful. The rooms had a lot of space and comfortable futon. Nice little onsen as well. Everything was so neat and tidy.

Stayed in April 2023

Not having a bathroom in our room is unusual for us.

The staff were very helpful and friendly. The dinner was excellent and the bedding comfortable.

Stayed in April 2023

Friendly staff Amazing food Onsen Quite location

Stayed in April 2023

NA.

The friendly staffs. Warm welcome and brief clearly. Guide you to the room with patiently. The Japanese style breakfast prepared by owner is delicious. Room clean and quiet. Nice view.

Stayed in November 2022

The resort is located in a quiet residential area. It was great for a tranquil evening stroll around the neighbourhood, away from city. Our room was huge ... lovely.

Stayed in April 2023