This is not the freshest establishment in the hotel business but it is good value for the money. The reception staff was very friendly and welcoming. I was given a very large tatami room that showed its age but it was spotless and again, this is good value for such a large room. The restaurant was remodelled recently, it is large, lots of space to sit, and a lots of choice at the breakfast buffet. There are 2 onsens, one sort of overlooking Mount Aso, the other with and outside bath with a nice garden. BONUS : you exit (almost) right into Route 111 that brings you to the main volcano observatory. No other hotel/ryokan is closer.

Nothing bad to report!

Everything. From the Room to the public separated onsen. Room was fantastic. With a very good Japanese style tatami in one side and a side with a bit more western style. You can choose where to sleep and I highly suggest to sleep on the tatami. Fantastic experience. The Onsen provided by the hotel were so clean. The touch that made us fall in love was the availability of various yukata that you can choose and wear around the hotel. The buffet was delicious. From the fresh cuts of sashimi, to the various kind of meat or yakitori cooked in front of you. Nothing else to say. 10/10

The breakfasts were absolutely fantastic. The onsen was very good. The swimming pool did not allow too much swimming but was attractive other ways. And the hotel was not far from the railway station from where the bus up to Mount Aso was leaving.

We came by train (10 people) a bit later than the last scheduled time for the shuttle bus, I phoned to the hotel if the shuttle could pick up but was informed that it was not possible. There was no taxi at the station so we had to wlalk with all luggage from the railway station 1 km along the busy road to the hotel. When leaving we needed to catch the train to Beppu at the morning but the shuttle had a schedule which was so tight that we could miss it and in spite we were relatively big group - and there was nobody else to use the shuttle which was standing there, we had again to walk with the luggage all the way to the station. I thing it is a shame if otherwise such good hotel is not able to arrange the transport of the guests.

- Great value for money. Buffet breakfast and dinner both offered a great variety of food (both Japanese and western cuisine.) All food refilled in a speedy manner. - Three onsens (I recall there were more when I visited five years ago, some probably under renovation?) The largest one operates till midnight. - Very large hotel. Did not feel crowded at all despite having several tours around when we stayed. - Reception and restaurant staff mostly well trained. Able to communicate with fluent English. We had a minor lighting issue in the room, it was fixed within our dinner time, impressive. - Walkable distance from Aso JR station (~15mins without suitcase); but if possible, driving would be a much better way to visit the area. - Complimentary toilet amentities available at the lobby. - I thought I pressed the elevator button but apparently didn't, stood there for five seconds without noticing. A staff who walked passed was very attentive, she pressed the button for me immediately. Great service. - Really nice view from the room (north wing) - Can tell that the hotel is relatively old, but still well maintained and cleaned. Several renovations done, air-con was comfortable. Pillows, beds and tatami (futon beds) all pretty nice. Multiple toilets everywhere in the hotel. - Convenient store opposite the hotel and souvenir shop within the premise. - Lots of free parking spots.

- Probably a norm in Japan, but as foreigners I don't particularly appreciate the practice of having female staff entering the male onsen all the time for cleaning, especially when there are male staff available. - No complimentary bottled water and no water machine available in the hotel (you are not allowed to use the one in the onsen area to fill your water bottle.) They probably expect guests to drink from the tap, which some people may be hesitant about. - 70mins for dinner buffet is a bit too short, would be better if it can be 90mins. No time limit for breakfast buffet.

The facilities were great - the private bath, the indoor heated pool, and the arcade/games. The food at breakfast and dinner were great too, although it would have been better if there were some changes to the options each day. We stayed at the north wing, which is furthest from the reception, but the walk is not as bad as some claimed.

The laundry room had some machines not working well, ended up wasted a few dollars and time.

We loved the traditional Japanese room. Our kids said it was their favourite hotel out of all places we stayed in Japan! The swimming pool and games areas were a lot of fun, and the buffet dinner and breakfast were amazing.

We thought the traditional room would have been a bit more modern, but we soon realised the charm of it was special. It felt like we were transported to a different time, which was great.

Facilities, prices is reasonable, great Japanese baths including private family bath for Yen 2,000. Great environment. Lots of kids. Family place with views of Mount Aso. 1 mile to train station. Free shuttle from hotel. Try the outdoor bath.

Breakfast is crowded on weekend and quality is okay but not exceptional. Lots of Japanese dishes and Western. Wish they had well cooked scrambled eggs, they are runny.

Quite nice surroundings. Staff was nice and very courteous.

The onsen was confusing to use. The room was pretty warm and the air conditioning wasn’t working because they had it turned off. I called the front desk and they told me to open the window. I was afraid that the mosquito would come in and I think it did because I could hear the buzzing but I didn’t get bitten. I wouldn’t stay there again.

Comfortable hotel in a good location. The onsen baths were very nice. The buffet breakfast and dinner were outstanding.

The room was quite tired as were some of the common areas, but everything was still fully functional and comfortable.

-Private onsen -Had a great time at the pool (if you do not book directly with the hotel, you need to pay 750 yen each, but definitely worth it). Went at night and had the whole pool to ourselves. Several different jet pools and a massive sauna with a tv inside! -Beautiful views of the national park outside our window -Huge room with western style beds and a lovely area with tatami mats