A wonderful place to stay, conveniently in town, however it's impossible to tell once you are inside the ryokan. The room is very comfortable and well maintained. Be aware if you are in the main building you can hear some activity from staff/other guests however only up until about 10pm. The staff were very courteous and welcoming and spoke fluent English. The meals were fantastic and of very high quality! I have stayed in other ryokan in Aso previously but this was by far the best quality (and bang for your buck!). It was my first time using an outdoor onsen, and tattoos are permitted. I was very grateful because many other ryokans forbid tattoos unless they are in private baths. The outdoor area was wonderful, I wish we had stayed an extra night simply to enjoy the other amenities at this ryokan.

I wanted my husband to experience a true ryokan and Shinwaen delivered the experience. The room was very roomy with a separate bed area and spacious living area, the onset was great with an option for outdoor or indoor spa options. The dinner and breakfast was a delicious traditional Japanese kaiseki menu.

This had to do with the location of the ryokan that there wasn't a regular taxi stand. I didn't realize how difficulty it would be to obtain a taxi until I decided to reserve a taxi the morning of our departure. There was no taxi (it was thought that I could explain it, the Shinkansen directive and

I was not fully sure what to expect and I was so happy I chose this lovely place. Magic place within the city that once you go in, you find a wonderful special place. The big wooden door are opened and you enter into the past. all is wood, Japanese style, very well decor and design. staff are amazing! they will do all they can to help, serve and welcome you. The room we had was in the main building, Japanese style, tatami area that was ready for teatime, heated, just perfect. There are public onsens and 2 privet ones. all seems very nice to enjoy them. we did not eat in house this time. We only had one night, and I would Easly be happy to stay more. we loved this wonderful place.

nothing!

This was a great ryokan at a good price! We really enjoyed our stay here, and the staff was very helpful. We even got welcome beans at check in. We had a big room with tatami mats and futons, and a low table with chairs. The room also had a toilet and washing room, but you had to use the public or private onsen to shower. That was more than fine for us, as we really enjoyed the private onsen. There is no booking system, you can just use it when it is available.

Lovely interiors and gardens and nice range of private / shared onsen. Very warm and comfortable room with views of the mountains around. Friendly and helpful staff, very nice breakfast. Convenient for walking into the town centre for izakayas etc.

Not a problem for us, but less a rural location and more edge of a small town, depending on what you are looking for.

We can only recommend this beautiful, authentic, traditional place to stay. I stayed here with my daughter on a road trip. You are so lovingly looked after here and the house gives off a relaxed and healthy atmosphere. You should have some curiosity for Japanese lifestyle and be able to communicate flexibly with Google Translator.

The Japanese-style room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The property has public hot springs for men and women as well as two private hot springs. Everything you need to enjoy them is provided. The staff is amazingly patient and hospitable. I was greeted warmly upon arrival and provided with a welcome drink and snack. The staff carried my luggage up the stairs to my room. I wish I had spent more than one night here and very much look forward to returning in the future.

"We had an exceptional stay. Gratitude to the entire staff for their generous and kind assistance. The outdoor onsen is fantastic, and the breakfast/dinner is truly delightful. While they primarily speak Japanese, Google Translate proved helpful.

You might have to use taxis to get there or you can take a bus. It’s worth!

Everything. Breakfast was great. Made me wish we had ordered dinner!

Staff asked us to put away our tatami mats and bedding in the closets before checkout. Seemed strange since the closet also contained all the unused bedding since the room is rated for 4 guests

The onsens at the adjacent building were really nice and usually empty so it feels like we had our own private onsens all the time. The kaiseiki dinner is a selection of dishes prepared with local ingredients and is highly recommended.