Asobe

For the price and location, this is a very good hotel. It’s in Otohime, close to Aso station, about two bus stops away. The onsen on site are nice after a long day. The air conditioning works well, the futons are comfortable, and there’s a TV and table in the room. The shared facilities are clean and washed every day. Soundproofing is basically nonexistent, though, so light sleepers should bring earplugs.

The food was delicious, and the traditional building is very spacious. The owner was patient with us even though we didn’t speak Japanese. It’s a great authentic onsen experience. Mt. Aso is close by bus, just up the road, and the forest nearby makes for a very scenic hike.

The staff weren’t kind, and some were openly rude. That felt even more frustrating given how exceptionally kind people in Japan are usually expected to be. The room does give you the traditional house experience, with yukatas, tatamis, and bathing rooms you can use, though they aren’t thermal baths. The toilet is outside the room, along the nearby corridor. The room isn’t heated unless you leave the AC on all night. When it dropped to 5* outside last night, it was just as cold inside.

There are lots of Gundam and manga on display in the second building, so I guess the owner is a fan of Gundam. The staff were friendly, and dinner was delicious. It’s a very good hotel with hot springs. If I travel to Aso again, I’ll come back.