Ryokan Satsumanosato

The onsen was great, and breakfast was very good too.

Good service. You can also buy souvenirs here.

The baths were a highlight for me. There’s a rock bath and a small outdoor bath, and the water felt pleasantly silky. The halls have tatami mats and carpets, with no slippers or other footwear allowed. I didn’t mind that, but keep it in mind if you’re particular about it. I traveled alone and was told by the landlady that I had the smallest room. It was inexpensive and more than enough for me, though it had the feel of an old inn. Everything was clean and tidy. The location is well away from the city center, with no convenience stores or other facilities nearby. Satsumasendai City is about a 15-minute drive, and Google Navigation got me there easily.

We came with small children, and they provided a diaper bucket when we mentioned it, which really helped. The food was delicious, with each dish carefully prepared. We also ordered fried chicken and sashimi as extras, and both were great. We even enjoyed a drink for the first time in a while. The hot springs were well maintained, and we had a lovely stay. We’d like to come back to this ryokan as a family.