Aoshima Grand Hotel

The rooftop onsen was so good, and I really recommend trying it. We had a spacious Japanese-style room with two twin beds. Open the windows and you can hear the waves and feel the breeze. The hotel is quiet and nice, right by the beach and Aoshima Island, with free parking for guests. Still, I'd rent a car from the start. The train and bus services are very slow and unreliable. I picked up a car at Miyazaki Airport, where all the major brands are available. Food takes some planning. If you haven't reserved dinner or breakfast, you can't walk in. It rained lightly when I arrived, then poured all night. Luckily, a restaurant across the street was open. Otherwise I'd have been eating instant noodles. I understand that set meals need preparation and they may not be able to take many walk-ins, but I wish they'd been a little flexible. Even with an umbrella, my pants were completely soaked by the time I got to the restaurant right across the street. The stay was satisfactory and I'd come back, better prepared next time. It's a small surfing and onsen town, so restaurant choices are limited and spread out, and many places close on weekdays. That's understandable, just set your expectations accordingly. It's not like a typical trip to Osaka or Tokyo. The room could use a little touch-up here and there, but it's no big deal. Internet was fast and reliable. Their internet doesn't require a login, so keep a VPN on your devices.