Pension Nanohanakan

The cottage was clean and comfortable, with a loft for two, a chair bed, and two folding beds. The couple who run the place are friendly, and the hot spring is great. Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and a body scrub are provided. On clear days Mount Kaimon is right there. The in-room bath lighting is dim, though, and the outdoor baths are divided by just one curtain, so opening it would put you face to face with the other side. I live nearby and stayed Sunday night with friends from out of town. The toilet has no roof and connects to the room above, so sounds carry everywhere. The owners' two dogs, who live in front of the cottage, began howling around 4am and woke all of us. Nearby places to visit include Flower Park, Nagasakibana Parking Garden, the southernmost station, Nishi-Oyama Station, Ryugu Shrine, and Tosenkyo Gorge.

The fish cakes made with minced fish from Yamakawa Port were the standout for me, and the rest of the food was delicious too. I visited on a weekday in June a few years ago, and the place was completely booked. Its open-air bath is an iron spring that turns brown when it meets the air, with a lovely view over the East China Sea.

The owner is welcoming, and the facilities are roomy, with good amenities and lovely hot spring water. Make time for the mixed-gender outdoor bath, where you can take in a wide view of Mount Kaimon.

We picked this guesthouse because pets are allowed. The hot spring water was lovely, as was the outdoor bath. The couple welcomed us so warmly, almost like family, and their cat made the night even nicer.