Sozankyo

This onsen ryokan, right in the heart of Uchinomaki Onsen town, gets a perfect score from us! We encountered incredibly thoughtful staff and a warm taxi driver. Knowing we had to catch the JR train the next day, the front desk auntie went above and beyond to help us arrange a taxi, even standing outside anxiously waiting with us. Once the taxi arrived, she repeatedly urged the driver to speed up. The driver, a kind grandpa, even used a translator on the way to constantly reassure us that we would make it in time, and expressed his longing to visit China. This was truly the highlight of our trip. As for the hotel itself, it's a well-established ryokan. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, each featuring an indoor onsen with direct, free-flowing hot spring water that leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth. We loved the large, traditional Japanese-style decor. There are also two private onsen that require advance booking, as well as a large public onsen. We later discovered it was even a filming location for a racing manga! Additionally, there's an outdoor foot bath. Dining was a delightful surprise. We enjoyed Wagyu shabu-shabu, and the children's meal even included Wagyu yakiniku. Breakfast offered the famous local Mizunashi chicken dish, which completely won over my taste buds. On the first floor, there's also a preserved, old-fashioned Japanese-style reception room in the lobby, made with high-quality wood, which guests can visit.

My room this time came with a private onsen, and the hotel environment was excellent, making me feel very relaxed. Additionally, the hotel has a large public onsen, and you can also book a 40-minute private bath. Overall, I was very satisfied with the experience.

The hotel is great, close to the subway station, and the room is bright.