Hey FromDC,

These are the ones we've visited.

On our first trip our first one was in Takayama. The building and host were lovely, very charming, but the meal wasn't what we expected, though tasty, as the entirety of the meal was served at once, kind of like breakfast. I suspect a staffing / timing thing. Lovely location etc though.

Next was one of my all time favourites, Kankaso in Nara. Here's my post about it: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2013/01/kai...o-in-nara.html

We also loved Shiraume in Kyoto, very different in feel: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2013/03/her...n-me-into.html

On the second trip we stayed at Sanga in Kurakawa Onsen. We loved the accommodation there, it was stunning, but the meal was far too too too rushed, not at all the usual kaiseki experience, they'd not only bring the next course while we were still eating the previous, sometimes we'd end up stacked two behind. That's never happened to us anywhere else, we aren't slow eaters. Oh and it was central dining area, not in rooms.

Kavey, the link is missing for the Takayama ryokan, if you remember the name, I can look it up. I know it will be hard to beat (or even match) Hakone Ginyu as a ryokan experience. Have you made a decision yet about your stay in Hakone?

From DC, I never wrote that one up, so I have no link. I could probably find the name, we loved the elderly lady who hosted but I felt it was not as special or traditional an experience as the others, more of a cross between a ryokan and a western experience. That's why I don't refer to it by name. x

I'm leaning towards Hakone Ginyu but I suspect it will depend on my GETTING ON with my itinerary so I can get it booked before it's all booked up!!!

OK, thanks, I understand the reason for the blank.
Good luck with the planning. I think we booked HG about 5 months in advance and got the last room for our dates. It is one of those OMG places so I am a bit worried about our next ryokan being living up to that standard.

From DC, I would recommend getting in touch with Japanese Guest Houses and letting them know you're looking for places that can match up to that experience, I'm sure they could guide you towards the ones that should?

HT, I don't know if I'm permitted to share contact information here, but I'd love to touch base on the weather topic, would you be willing to email me? I'm at kaveyf @ hotmail com
Thanks!

Just heard back from Japanese Guest Houses, they advised that I won't be able to book Hakone Ginyu through them till October, and that Hakone Ginyu only ever give them Sora room type, no others. They also advised that they cannot guarantee that they will be given any availability, it's not an absolute given. So I may try again via the Ryokan Collection's flaky online booking option.
Kavita

My recollection about using the Ryokan Collection is that after I signed up as a 'member' and sent in my request, I received a "we will let you know as soon as we hear from HG" reply. I had to follow up with another email when I didn't hear back after a few days. I'm guessing that because of its popularity, HG doesn't feel any urgency in responding to requests. However, once you get there, the service is great. Worth the hassle.

Fantastic, thanks FromDC. x

SO gutted. Ryokan Collection just got back to me. Apparently Hakone Ginyu is already full for my dates in April! I've asked them to check adjacent dates but GUTTED.

So sorry! Ask to be put on the wait list, you never know.

Try again in a few weeks you never know! Fingers crossed.

Thanks From DC, good idea.