Chagokoro No Yado Warakuen

Service: excellent! Though it did felt like a hotel, whilst personally I enjoy home stay touch. Cleanliness: very clean, though the public bath area, I could smell chlorine. Onsen: there are 2 sides of the outdoor onsen (one for male, one for female, and 2 family rooms - pay extra if you wanted a more private area), which is switched at mid night each day, so guests could experience both sides Facilities: everything you need for an onsen experience will be provided. Though I do suggest to buy a carton of milk/ alcohol at the convenient store (a few streets away) if you prefer to have that after the soak, which Japanese culturally do! Food: we had breakfast and dinner there, both were delicious. Verdict: definitely!! Especially when you want a less crowded, relaxing trip.

The hotel is a little far from the town center, you need to drive there, or book for shuttle service before arriving. It is a big hotel,, shows some age, but everywhere is quite clean. The outdoor tea hot spring is the most famous selling point of the hotel, very relaxing. Dinner and breakfast were served in a private dining room. Food is delicious. The front desk can speak simple English. A girl from HongKong can speak Mandarin.

The private tub (kazoku buro) was awesome. It was outdoors and beautiful. The minerals in the water made my skin feel very soft. However, the food was average. It was a little expensive for the amount of food and quality.