Ryokan Matsuyama

The thin walls mean your stay can depend a lot on who else is there. A noisy group could easily spoil the quiet. My room was spacious and the futon was comfortable enough, though, and I could use the bath whenever I wanted. There's a convenience store nearby. Laundry costs 200 yen, with drying at 100 yen for 40 minutes, which was handy. Oita Station is about a 10-minute bus ride away, so it could work well for a business trip. There aren't any hot springs nearby.

For the price, it's reasonable, and the internet is free. If capsule hotels don't bother you, this might be an option. To me it felt more like a Showa-era boarding house than an inn. The hallways creak underfoot, the floor at the room entrance seems as if it might give way, the futon can get dirty, and the toilet and bath are shared. Probably not a good fit if you're sensitive to that sort of thing.

This is a no-meal, budget inn in an older building, and it can be a simple, straightforward place to stay. For the price, the service is surprisingly good. There's a gravel parking lot nearby, so it may suit people looking for a cheap stay with easy transport access. I definitely wouldn't recommend it to women, for several reasons. The room is Japanese style, around six tatami mats, with only a TV, small desk, and bedding, which should be enough for a room-only stay. One towel and a disposable toothbrush were on the desk. Wi-Fi is free and has no password. The push-button lock is easy to use, but be careful not to lock yourself out. If you've paid ahead, you can leave the key in the lockbox by the entrance when you go. The owner happened to be there when I left and saw me off. The owner greets you after you press the intercom and shows you around. The toilet and washroom are upstairs at the back left. The bath is downstairs, also toward the back left from the entrance. There are two shower bathrooms like the ones in a typical home. A simple curtain is the only divider in the hallway, so turn over the bathing sign on the door or hallway wall before using the bath. Each person can use up to two or three small, regular-sized towels. I think I saw bath towels for sale separately at 600 yen, though you can generally manage without one. There are no keys for the bathrooms, so don't bring valuables, and it may be wise to take your room key in with you.

The room had been cleaned well, but I was disappointed by how noisy the place was. People walking at night could be heard clearly through the thin walls, and the hallways, stairs, and rooms all creaked underfoot. It's a retro Showa-era inn. The toilets and bath are shared, and the bathtub is small. There are two washing machines, 200 yen to use them. Since I was in Oita, I took a dip in the hot springs.