Aso Hot Springs Hotels

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.

It was very good. It was my first time staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan with tatami rooms, so I wasn't used to it at first, but I slept well and it was very quiet. The public and private onsen baths were both excellent, and the meals included with the stay were also well-arranged. 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.