Onyado Nono Matsue Hot Spring

Everything still looks shiny at this brand new hotel in Matsue, and our stay was pretty great. The room was very comfortable, and breakfast had a nice variety, but it gets busy. Signs warned us to come early, and when I arrived around 6:30am it was already filling up. By 7am, a few families were waiting for a table. Smaller groups seemed to have an easier time sitting together. The onsens were nice, with a good range of indoor and outdoor pools. One unusual detail: shoes aren’t allowed inside. You leave them in lobby lockers and walk around barefoot or in socks, with slippers mostly just for the bathrooms.

Lake Shinji and Matsue Castle are both an easy walk away, about 8 and 13 minutes respectively. We had a rental car from the airport, so the distance from the station wasn't an issue, and the hotel has parking for a small charge. We stayed two nights and used it to visit Matsue and Izumo. The room was pleasant, with subtle Japanese crafts and design around the hotel. We also really liked the generous breakfast, especially the tempura cooked to order. Taking our shoes off and putting them in a locker every time we entered or left was a bit of a hassle, even if the tatami may feel charming to some.

The rooms were quiet and comfortable, and I enjoyed the onsen, traditional room style, and breakfast. I did have two issues. It was helpful to have an English-speaking staff member at reception, but the strong, order-like tone felt unpleasant when I arrived. Maybe she was tired. Also, I found it odd that I couldn't enter the parking area because my friend, rather than me, was driving our car.

The onsen was the standout for me: a roomy, spotless public bath, a big sauna, and two kinds of cold plunge pools that left me feeling refreshed. The room was just as carefully kept, with lovely tatami floors, a relaxing seating area, and a yukata in the closet. Staff were welcoming and happy to answer questions, and the location worked well for getting to Matsue Station and nearby attractions. I had a great stay at Onyado Nono Matsue, with modern comforts alongside traditional touches, and would happily return.