Funaya

I would rate Funaya an 11 if I could. I have stayed in some nice onsen ryokans before but this place is next level in every aspect. Everything about my stay here made me say "wow". The visual aesthetic and atmosphere of the building is super charming, a bit dated some might say but to me it just spoke to the long history of the place. The staff are friendly, helpful, and the service was impeccable. I found that their manner was a little more human than other high end ryokans I've stayed at where the staff can be a bit robotic sticking to their script all the time. Our room was massive, literally the biggest ryokan room I've ever seen. 12 tatami mats for the main room, another 8 off to the side in another room - plus the sitting alcove by the window, meditation/writing room, not to mention the bathroom with double sink, separate adjoining washroom with wooden Japanese bathtub, a separate toilet, and a substantial hallway linking it all up. Oh, that was just the "standard Japanese style room" too. We also had a nice little balcony with a view of the garden and the castle in the distance. The garden is a real highlight, beautiful, tranquil, there's even a foot bath. I really wish we'd been able to spend more time in it but it rained the day we were there. Meals were fantastic. Set kaiseki for dinner, which I don't normally like, but my partner and I just swapped things we didn't like and we were able to really enjoy it. Breakfast we had the choice of western or Japanese style - we had one of each and both were great. Nice not to have to deal with cold food at the buffet for a change. The actual baths are top notch, probably equal best I've used. Lots of space to wash, a couple of separate baths for soaking, and outdoor baths as well to cool off on the night air. Water temperature was perfect. We were able to leave our car with them for a bit after checking out to go for one last wander in Dogo.

The location was walking distance to the Dougo Onsen area with its numerous shopping arcades and restaurants. The room was spacious and clean. The public baths were amazing. The breakfast spread (you can choose between Japanese or Western) was bountiful and delicious.

The service is amazing, really. Great staff at the hotel. The breakfast was excellent, both the western as the japanese option. Location can not be better and the room is a great combination of traditional and modern. Would love to visit again.

The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the room was spacious and comfortable. Enjoyed the welcome snack and hot green tea, as well as the Japanese breakfast. The public onsen was comfortable and not very crowded despite the size of the hotel.

Wonderful & pleasant staff. Loved their service & bkfast & dinner. Thanks for serving us our French dinner even when we r an hour late.