Kayotei

Staying at the Kayotei in Yamanaka was an experience we will never forget. The quaint inn is so charming- every corner has an antique or special flower arrangement. Breakfast and dinner was served to us in a lovely small private room that looked out on one of the gardens. We had both the traditional and western breakfasts and they are both excellent and filling. You will not need lunch. Dinner is an 8 or 9 course meal, elegantly served, presented and delicious. The staff was ever helpful and kind- we felt so well taken care of. There are two onsens here- one has an outdoor pool. We were here during the winter and sitting in the outside onsen with the snow falling and looking at the stream coming down from the mountain was so calming- one cold morning a fox appeared for us. The Inn had us booked for one of our dinners at a local restaurant , a short walk from the Inn. The Enuma Station is the name of the restaurant. It is a French Japanese fusion restaurant run by a young couple- another outstanding meal. The town of Yamanaka is small and fairly quiet during the winter but the public baths are worth a visit as is the theater next door where we watched a traditional Japanese dance. We hiked the trail that runs along the gorge twice, once in the snow. This hike would be nice anytime of year. At the end of the trail just below Kayotei, we stopped into Higashiyama Bonheur for coffee and a piece of cake. We are so happy we found this area and The Kayotei.

Kayotei is a lovely Ryokan with onsen en-suite as well as segregated by gender. The suites are large with nice decks and outdoor onsen. The level of service is superior, and breakfast and dinner are delicious. Kayotei partners with local suppliers, restaurants and artisans to deliver a very nice and somewhat bespoke experience. We spend a morning with Mika Horie and her husband learning papermaking and making some. Dinner at Enuma Station was superior. The chef owner and his wife could give any James Beard or Michelin star restaurant a run for their money. Get to know Jiro-san, the manager and prepare for a terrific stay.

We’ve just spent two terrific days here. I stayed at a ryokan several years ago and my experience at Kayotai was far superior. Every detail is thought through , from comfort, to warm hospitality, to food, to setting. They arranged a wonderful day trip for us (paper making and ikabana) and directed us to a French/Japanese fusion restaurant that was delicious. A perfect way to chill and recover from jet lag.

Excellent in every way. The staff was attentive and friendly. The food was extraordinary -- attention paid to every detail. Our hot tub was perfect -- used before breakfast, lunch and dinner! The best of our trip to Japan.