Yunoyado Irifune

The food was fantastic, all made with fresh ingredients. You can tell the chef puts care into the presentation and details, and the staff gave great service too. It felt like very good value for money. It’s a cozy inn, with spacious, well equipped rooms and an ensuite toilet and sink. The shower is at the onsen. Overnight guests can use any of the five private baths without a time limit.

I come from Kumamoto now and then for a day trip and a soak. It’s a very good hot spring. The local customers can sometimes be so loud that it becomes a bit of a problem. There’s a communication center nearby, and I think buses run from Aso Station.

The water is really good, and the price is reasonable. The family bath rooms are small, though, and there’s no mirror or hair dryer. You have to do all of that outside, which felt a little embarrassing.

The staff are good and very friendly, and I love that I can use the hot spring privately. I was able to get vegetarian food at breakfast too. Just let them know when you make the reservation.