07,Feb 2015 Reviews
The Wall Street Journal movie critic, Joe Morgenstern, stayed with us last Autumn. This is what he had to say about us!
“… the ryokan was extraordinary, a level of unadorned luxury and expertise that’s new in my experience.”
Authentic Iai and Kendo martial activities with Trevor Jones
13,Jun 2014 Reviews
We had a very nice stay at Kifu No Sato Ryokan during the Easter holidays. The ryokan is amazing – super relaxing atmosphere with hot springs, great traditional food and fantastic hospitality. As part of our stay, Hiromi arranged for us to visit Musashi’s hometown in Miyamoto and spend time with Trevor Jones in a ‘hands-on kendo and iaido experience’.
The Musashi hometown was a great place to visit. As someone interested in samurai culture, I was keen to explore the sites of Musashi’s birthplace. It was fascinating to see such a historical site. But the essence of the place is the Japanese way of the sword and the hands on Kendo/Iaido session we had booked with Trevor Jones offered the opportunity to not only visit but truly immerse myself in its spirit and participate in this.
Having practiced martial arts since childhood, I was a bit skeptical. These types of activities can sometimes be very commercial or mediocre. Instead, I met in Trevor a true martial artist of the finest caliber, someone who has dedicated a big part of his life to the Japanese way of the sword. Most importantly, someone who showed true passion for the art and was passionate in sharing it with others.
One does not need prior experience in martial arts to enjoy the session with Trevor. He breaks down a complex art into simple concepts, he communicates clearly and is very engaging throwing in his good sense of humor. Besides having an authentic learning experience, I had a lot of fun!
Flo & Nancy
25 May 2014
13,Jun 2014 Reviews
Thank you for a VERY enjoyable stay at your ryokan. Kaori-san really touched our hearts with her lovely manner and fantastic service. She is to be commended for her personal, yet professional manner and I would like it if you were able to pass on our appreciation to the head of the ryokan.
Thanks again and I look forward to visiting Kifu no Sato again in the future.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year also.
Cheers
Mark & Charlene
22 December 2013
19,Jan 2014 Reviews
Your ryokan is very interesting. ?You can’t find it in any other country. ?It’s very clean and new.
Our favourite food was Ise lobster and Chiya beef and the coffee and tea were enjoyable, too. ?
The most memorable part of the stay is the hot spring baths and the peal pillow!
I love the coffee/tea spoon,,,wish I could buy them for my own home. (Two family group from USA)
19,Jan 2014 Reviews
I was floored, quite literally! After a hectic week in Kyoto we arrived somewhat frazzled and just impatient to get to our room. But the moment I walked into the lobby sans shoes(!) on the tatami floor, I felt really relieved. The peaceful atmosphere with all the gorgeous artwork and flower arrangements, the outdoor hot spring bath, delicious sushi, and kind staff all made for one of our most memorable stays at a Japanese ryokan. I could have been dreaming when I sat in the sunshine streaming though large windows overlooking the beautiful garden, then looked up to see a pair of hawks circling gracefully in the sky – but I wasn’t. I was living the dream. Highly recommend, hands down.? AND, be sure to go to the “hobbit” restaurant (aka Mitaki-En) hidden away in the mountains for the most enchanting lunch and authentic countryside experience ever. Indoor fireplaces/hearths sunken into the floor, massive tables made from a single slice of tree trunk, moss and flower covered thatched roofs, persimmons strung up in long rows set out to dry… Need I say more? ?(One female traveler from USA)
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