This info came from a Japanese friend after the Kagaya stay. He asked me whether I tipped or not. It makes sense. It makes sure you get a super treatment. The service at these ryokans put all western style hotels in Japan to shame.

I was starting to think the hostess Masako san never sleeps. When we were in the room, even asleep, the door was never locked so she can slip in and out. You only lock the room when you are out. Our stay was in winter time and the snow was coming down as I sat in the outdoor pool. We also visited the Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa to see the famous snow scene.

At the JR Wakura Onsen station, the hotel vans were waiting for their guests to arrive. I missed my station and the hotel sent an unscheduled van.