A mixed bag of a hotel. On the one hand, the location is excellent, close to Takachiho Gorge. On the other hand, it's a 15-20 minute walk uphill along a winding road, and about 20-25 minutes uphill to the bus center.
Pros:
- Price
- Shochu tasting
- Hot springs available
- Close proximity to the main attraction
- Kids' area available
- There's a smoking area inside the hotel, but it's not covered (you'll get wet if it rains)
Cons:
- The hotel is old, and it shows
- There are many spiders in the hotel, which is understandable given its location. Bed bugs might also fly in.
- The tatami mats are old, with huge gaps between them.
- No convenience stores or supermarkets nearby.
- Tattoos are not allowed in the public baths.
Magnificent ryokan! One of my best experiences in Japan, however, we unfortunately couldn't have either dinner or breakfast. Otherwise, the place, the onsen, and the room were all top-notch!