The ryokan [traditional Japanese-style inn] in Akita Prefecture called Miyakowasure (都わすれ; “forget the city”), also known as Natsuse Onsen, is unquestionably the best in all of Japan–at least according to our Japanese correspondent Yoshio. Out of all of the ryokan that he has ever visited, he can confidently say that this is his number-one pick.
Yoshio has stayed at literally hundreds of hotels and ryokan across the country for both business and pleasure, but he recently experienced an unparalleled level of hospitality and overall quality during his stay at this particular inn. He even thinks that hotel managers from across Japan and the world should spend a night there to learn a thing or two! That’s how enthusiastically he praises his most recent visit.
Join Yoshio for an in-depth look at this spectacular ryokan in northern Japan after the jump!

Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
War in Iran causing dark development for potato chip packages in Japan
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Akira creator opens his own anime studio, is recruiting artists even without Japanese fluency
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Pokémon retro black-and-white Game Boy art T-shirts are on the way from Uniqlo[Photos]
Pizza Hut now sells curry pizza in Japan
Japan’s largest online resale site banning scalper sales of McDonald’s new anime Happy Meal toys
Dr Pepper knockoff Mr Popper is a cult drink in Japan, but does it taste like the real thing?
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Pokémon retro black-and-white Game Boy art T-shirts are on the way from Uniqlo[Photos]
Pizza Hut now sells curry pizza in Japan
Japan’s largest online resale site banning scalper sales of McDonald’s new anime Happy Meal toys
Dr Pepper knockoff Mr Popper is a cult drink in Japan, but does it taste like the real thing?
The 3 best secret places to eat a cheap One Coin lunch in Shinjuku
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Criminals of Japan’s Edo Period Were Often Punished by Getting Face Tattoos
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world