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.
The location was good, close to Takachiho Gorge. The room was clean and comfortable, but there were many small insects. The food was just okay. I had requested special dietary accommodations in advance, but they weren't reflected at all. People with allergies should be cautious. When I contacted them about possibly being late for check-in due to a flight delay, the owner's response was a blunt 'that's not possible.' As someone in the service industry, I found that reply questionable. I believe there could have been a more polite way to say it. It was unpleasant. Many of the staff are foreign, and while I appreciate their effort, communication in Japanese was difficult. The amenities, like toothbrushes, were plentiful. There was also a drink bar with bottled tea and alcohol. They even provided chairs and cushions specifically for Kagura performances. The hairdryer and iron were from ReFa, but the hairdryer was small and noisy, hurting my ears. The iron was too small to be useful. However, some might find the amenities and facilities satisfactory. I didn't use the public bath, but apparently, it's not a hot spring and isn't very large. My friend who went with me said it was just right for about three people.