Shukubo Aso

We loved the homemade prune wine, though it’s a shame they don’t sell it. The family prepared and served delicious meals, and they grow many of the ingredients themselves as farmers. Between the onsens, warm service, and traditional room in the old samurai house, everything felt perfect and authentic. This was one of the best experiences of our trip, and we’d absolutely recommend coming here.

It really does feel like staying with someone in a beautiful old samurai house. The family farm supplies the rice and much of the produce, so the meals are truly farm to table. They’re delicious, if almost too generous in size. My one suggestion would be to leave the sugar out of the vegetables, since it takes away from their fresh taste. There are two small private onsens with healing water.

The handmade dishes were all delicious, and I’d definitely recommend eating at the hotel to try the local Aso ingredients. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, and make the place feel like home. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and Syukubo Aso has both public and private hot springs. I’d happily come back.

We especially appreciated how easy it was to arrange the private bath. My husband has tattoos, and I’d been a little nervous about ryokan stays since they don’t all say whether private baths are available or tattooed guests are allowed. At check-in, Syukubo Aso simply asked when we wanted to use the bath, so booking a time was straightforward. Nobody commented on his tattoos or seemed bothered by them. The whole stay was lovely. The staff were sweet and friendly, the food was amazing, and our room was spacious and nice. The atmosphere was calm and quaint.