Kannawa-Yunoka

This ryokan is affordable and very good, near the Hells. The room was clean and a little old, with all the amenities provided, including a basket to take to the onsen. The staff were friendly and accommodating. They showed us the hotel, rooms, and cats, and even saw us off when we left. There are cat hours in the public living room, which was a plus. Onsen, cleanliness, kind staff, and cats, all at a good price. What more do you need?

Yunoka is in kannawa, two minutes on foot from the bus station, and some 'hell onsen' are within walking distance. The location is very good, and the service was good even though I don’t speak Japanese well. I stayed one night in a room that was a good size, but I expected Nakai to make up the bed during dinner. The public bath area wasn’t clean. Also, the men’s and women’s baths switch in the morning. I accidentally walked into the women’s area because it had been the men’s side the day before. Breakfast didn’t meet my expectations, and getting an early morning phone call to say it was ready was strange. I’d choose another hotel if I visit kannawa again.

The onsen costs ¥500 to enter. Pay at reception, get your stamp, and they’ll give you a key for a free locker in the corridor before the bathing area. Shampoo is provided, but bring your own towel. It’s open 13:00-20:00, with parking available. There’s a sweet cat at reception who poses for photos 🙂. Four showerheads and mirrors are available for washing up. The indoor stone tub is large, and its temperature wasn’t super hot, but was warm enough to enjoy a fairly long soak. There are three outdoor tubs: a small rock one, a medium one out of order because of a pump problem, and another medium one with lukewarm water that you can sit in. The outdoor bathing area was open in the men’s section; the women’s had only the indoor tub, though they switch sides depending on the time of day. Free hair dryers are in the changing room. You can’t see your belongings while bathing, but the locker is free. Gensen kakenagashi.

The kittens at reception were adorable, the outdoor baths were amazing, and the dinner and breakfast portions were ridiculously generous. The rooms smell of straw, in the best way, and tourist attractions are within walking distance. Book this place now!