Beniya Mukayu

Beniya Mukaya offers a mixed experience that combines elegant aesthetics and high-quality dining with several service shortcomings that may leave seasoned ryokan enthusiasts wanting more. Pros: The ryokan excels in its traditional Japanese style and attention to detail in its physical offerings. The tatami rooms are beautifully designed, creating a serene and authentic ambiance. The dining experience showcases high-quality ingredients, delivering an exceptional taste of Japanese cuisine. Guests will also appreciate the comfortable beds, premium linens, and thoughtful touches like pajamas and yukata provided in the rooms. Cons: Unfortunately, Beniya Mukaya falls short of the service standard expected from a luxury ryokan, particularly one associated with accolades like Michelin and Relais & Chateaux. The absence of turndown service, room service, and a lack of complimentary snacks or beverages detracts from the overall experience. Personalized service is limited—an example being the awkward situation where a taxi driver had to request umbrellas from the front desk on behalf of the guests. The staff, while polite, appear inexperienced and have limited local knowledge, which makes exploring the area more challenging. The washroom and open-air bath area feel disproportionately small for the room size, and the lack of conveniences like an in-room coffee machine adds to the sense of missed potential. Even the “executive suite garden view” feels underwhelming in this context. Overall: Beniya Mukaya seems to trade on its Western accolades rather than delivering the warm, personalized experience that defines the best ryokan stays. The sterile vibe and lack of attention to service details are disappointing, especially given its price point. While the aesthetic appeal is undeniable, it ultimately fails to compensate for the absence of those personal touches that make a ryokan stay memorable. There are undoubtedly better options that provide more value and an authentic, welcoming atmosphere. For now, Beniya Mukaya feels like a missed opportunity, a shadow of what it may once have been.

Beniya Mukaya is an elegant, foreigner friendly ryokan. The staff are superb and the food excellent. Dinner is kaiseki style with local ingredients. We were there at the start of snow crab season and enjoyed fresh crab prepared several ways. Breakfast is a choice of Japanese or Western style. There are two onsen, alternating men and women. Both are squeaky clean and have inside and outdoor hot pools. The rooms look out on a beautiful forest garden. Can’t say enough about the accommodating and hard working staff! We took a day trip to the Eihei-ji Zen monastery, a long taxi ride away, and enjoyed it thoroughly.