Shugetsu

The food, hot spring, and service were all excellent. I'd really recommend visiting here with family or friends!

The food was excellent and reflected the seasons. I stayed at Shugetsu for the first time after looking forward to it for a long time, and I'd love to come back with my wife for some quality time. It's on a hill above Sujiyu, tucked among the forest, so it's very quiet. From the main house, where reception and dining are, staff showed me to my detached room through the garden. The room had a bedroom, a guest room, and a big 50-inch TV that was great for relaxing. There was a massage chair too, very relaxing. The attached bath felt open when I pushed the windows wide, with a view of the well-kept garden, and I could bathe however I liked. There are two private family baths as well, open until 10pm and again from 6am. The shampoo and other amenities were quite high quality, which I think women would appreciate.

The room was huge, and having our own hot spring was wonderful and so comfortable. The place was just like the reservation pictures, with a very tranquil setting. We went at the end of August last year, and the weather up the mountain was perfect when we woke up, not hot at all, just a cool breeze. Staff were very helpful with our luggage. There seem to be lots of insects on the mountain, so take care when heading back to your room at night. A one-night stay with two meals is a great choice!

The room was bigger than at other inns, and the spacious rock bath was really relaxing. I came about an hour early for my first holiday stay here on October 13th, and the owner kindly accommodated me. I waited in the parking lot for a while until the baths opened. The spring water flowed freely, clear and odorless, and felt gentle on my skin. With the window open, I soaked while watching the camellias. It was the season for buds, with just two or three flowers starting to open. It was hot during the day, but at night there was a cool breeze at 980m altitude. Dinner was a proper kaiseki meal made with ingredients from nearby Oita and Kumamoto prefectures, and the service from the owner and staff felt wonderfully homey. I've lived in Oita for five years, but this was my first visit to Sujiyu. I became a fan of both Shugetsu and Sujiyu in a day. The price is reasonable too, and the inn was fully booked that night. If I can get a reservation, I'd like to stay here again.