Hot Spring Hotels in Aso

I booked a stay that included breakfast. The owner was incredibly kind and helpful, explaining everything thoroughly when I had questions, which made my stay very smooth. The bedding was super cozy and plush. After a relaxing hot spring bath, I enjoyed a warm cup of tea using the in-room tea bags and kettle, then had a wonderful night's sleep in the comfortable futon. Breakfast was a delicious Japanese-style home-cooked meal. They even knocked on my door to let me know when breakfast was ready. The lounge facilities, including the smoking room and manga collection on the second floor, were also a great bonus.

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.

Great onsen ryokan experience! The private onsen was worth the extra cost. Places has free karaoke and ping pong, which need to be pre-booked, so get in early to book your spots. The buffet dinner and breakfast was sublime. I've never eaten so much and such good food before. No stomach is big enough. The private onsen is the highlight, but there are also different types of onsen's that can be tried. There is an indoor one, and a outdoor one, and family onsen's that can be booked. You'd never want to leave the place. Highly recommended.

The breakfast was delicious and substantial. The hot spring is private, but it's first-come, first-served. You have to shower outside the room, and it closes quite early. If you're going as a couple, remember you won't be able to shower after your intimate moments, so bring wet wipes for your partner.

This is our second year in a row staying here. It's surprisingly affordable for the New Year's holiday, offering great value for money. However, the facilities are a bit old; you have to lock the inner door for the main lock to work properly.😅 But the room itself is clean.