Pension Luminous

Fuku-chan the dog was adorable, and I enjoyed the homemade kabosu and blueberry jam. The blueberry was fruity and delicious, almost like compote. This inn is good value and comfortable, with a quiet forest setting and a view of Mount Aso. The owners have a calm, refined manner that makes it easy to unwind. It's been open since 1989, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic they were limiting guests to one or two a day. The rooms are plain, but the wallpaper and carpets were spotless, with no stains, dirt, or dust. Even the lampshades were free of dust and insects. Some rooms have a unit bath and some don't; there's also a family bath on the first floor, and the bathrooms were clean. The rooms had a slightly distinctive smell, perhaps because the building is old. The food isn't fancy, just simple and homey.

The building is old, but everything was immaculately clean, and the owners were lovely. I really liked the food the wife cooked, especially the blueberry tart, which was delicious. They care about the water they use, and the coffee was so good I wanted another cup, lol. Our room's bathroom was out of order because of a plumbing problem, so my sons went to a nearby hot spring and I used the one downstairs. I'd happily stay again. The stars are beautiful at night, and getting up early to see the sunrise at nearby Men-no-Ishi no Kozuka Park was worth it. We even caught a glimpse of the sea of clouds, and the sunrise was beautiful. It felt so refreshing. I bought blueberries on the way home and will try making a tart.

The blueberry jam is delicious, and the host couple are a delight. We sat with homemade cakes and listened to their wonderful stories. The pension is tucked into a quiet hilltop grove overlooking Minamiaso.

The homemade jam they sell was delicious. This guesthouse sits in the mountains of Minami Aso, and while the facilities feel a little dated, I was comfortable there. The bathtub is roomy enough for a nice, relaxing soak.