🏨 Room Review of Sekizenkan Sanso — Click Here
The legendary Sekizenkan in Shima Onsen, Gunma, is known for its historic wooden architecture and tranquil mountain atmosphere.
During my stay, I had dinner and breakfast in a section of the Kasho-tei lobby, where I had checked in earlier in the day.
Dining is one of the great pleasures of a ryokan stay, but this time, the meals left me feeling a bit unsatisfied — particularly in terms of temperature and freshness. Here’s my honest impression.
🍽️ The Atmosphere and Dining Style
Dinner was served in a corner of the Kasho-tei lobby — the same area used for check-in.
The space was bright and open, with large windows overlooking the garden, giving a clear view of the entire room. In short, it felt like a large dining hall.
In recent years, I’ve grown used to enjoying meals in private or semi-private dining spaces at ryokans, so the communal setup was a bit surprising.
The tables were close together, and the sounds and movements of other guests naturally carried through the room.
Rather than a calm, intimate experience, it felt more like “having dinner in a banquet hall.”
The irony is that Sekizenkan itself is full of charm — the warm scent of wood, the soft lighting, the sense of history everywhere.
Perhaps because of that beauty, I found myself wishing the dining experience matched the serene quality of the architecture.
⬇️ The main hall at check-in.
⬇️ The entrance to the dining hall at night — the lighting changes the mood slightly.
🍱 Dinner — Taste, Temperature, and Composition
The strongest impression I had was that everything was served cold.
None of the dishes had that freshly cooked warmth. It was easy to imagine rows of pre-plated dishes sitting in the kitchen, waiting to be carried out one by one.
Honestly, it felt like someone had simply deconstructed a bento box and served its contents on separate plates.
For me, the temperature of food matters deeply. A dish served hot transforms the entire experience — both taste and emotion.
Unfortunately, none of that warmth came through this time. Every course carried a made-in-advance feeling.
⬇️ A cold soup with a broken piece of tofu — it left me speechless 😨
If I had to highlight one saving grace, it would be the sashimi. Despite being deep in the mountains, the sea bream was fresh and delicious.
Of course, it’s a cold dish — maybe that’s why it succeeded (laughs). Still, it was the one dish that felt genuinely satisfying.
To be honest, at Sekizenkan Sanso, it might be best to think of the meal as a bonus, not the main attraction.
If your focus is on the hot springs and the architecture rather than the food, your overall satisfaction will likely be much higher.
⬇️ A mysterious dish 😖 Fatty Japanese beef wrapped in deep-fried kadaif noodles. It was cold as well 😢
All I could taste was oil and grease. It was labeled “Joshu Wagyu,” but this preparation completely buried the flavor of the beef — and of course, it was cold.
🍳 Breakfast — Expectations vs. Reality
After a disappointing dinner, my expectations for breakfast were already low — and unfortunately, that intuition was right.
The meal consisted of the usual Japanese-style set: grilled fish, egg dishes, and small side plates.
While the quality of ingredients wasn’t bad, again there was no sense of freshness or “just-cooked” warmth.
In a ryokan, I always look forward to that little moment when the steam rises from a hot bowl of miso soup or rice — the quiet joy of a freshly prepared meal.
But this breakfast felt rather mechanical and subdued.
It reminded me how much temperature and timing can influence the entire dining experience.
🏨 Ryokan & Dining Information
Sekizenkan consists of three main buildings: Honkan (Main Building), Sanso, and Kasho-tei.
Guests staying at Sanso or Kasho-tei usually dine in a shared hall.
Some of the higher-grade rooms in Kasho-tei (special or deluxe suites) offer private or in-room dining, but depending on the plan or number of guests, meals may still be served in the large dining area.
If you prefer a private space for meals, it’s best to confirm this when making your reservation.
🌿 Summary — Who This Ryokan Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
💕 Recommended For
- Those who appreciate historic architecture and atmosphere
- Travelers who value the onsen and overall experience more than the cuisine
- Guests who prioritize quantity and variety over individual flavor or temperature
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those who care about food served hot and at the right timing
- Travelers who prefer quiet, private dining rooms
- Guests who see the meal as the highlight of their trip
🤝 Familiarity Index 🌏🌏 2 Globes
👉 Click [here] for a full explanation of the Familiarity Index.
🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍 (5 Globes)
Very Easy to Enjoy — Flavors and ingredients are globally familiar, often with Western influences or elements that international guests already love (such as beef, creamy textures, or fusion touches). Approachable and comforting, though from a Japanese perspective they may feel less “purely traditional.”
🌍🌍🌍🌍 (4 Globes)
Mostly Approachable — Primarily Japanese in style, but with gentle flavors or familiar ingredients that make them easy for non-Japanese diners to enjoy. Subtle adaptations or influences may make the dish feel slightly less traditional, but still well-balanced.
🌍🌍🌍 (3 Globes)
Moderately Familiar — A balance of traditional Japanese elements with flavors that remain accessible. Some aspects may feel unique or surprising, but the overall impression is understandable. Often seen as a good “bridge” between cultures.
🌍🌍 (2 Globes)
Challenging but Interesting — Deeply rooted in Japanese culinary culture. Flavors such as fermented notes, delicate broths, or unique textures may feel far from Western-style meals, but rewarding for those who enjoy culinary exploration.
🌍 (1 Globe)
Highly Unfamiliar — Very traditional and often perceived as mysterious or even difficult for non-Japanese palates. These dishes embody the essence of Japan’s food culture, even if they feel distant to global taste.
🔗 Related Article
🏨 Room Review of Sekizenkan Sanso — click here to read the detailed room review.
