Minshuku Sekiso

For the price, this is one of the best value stays in Unzen for solo travelers and families. The facilities aren’t new, but they’re very clean and well maintained, including the room and shared toilets. The spacious room has a superb lake view, and the traditional Japanese homestay was an unforgettable part of my trip. The ryokan serves a very nice dinner and breakfast, all prepared by the woman who runs the place. Her cooking reminded me of the wonderful meals my mother used to make for our family. Highly recommend trying it.

The photos of the scenery made me want to book a stay here. The building is old, but it had Wi-Fi, a TV, toothbrushes, towels, bath towels, and yukatas, so I didn’t need to worry about those basics. The fluffy futons, water server by the entrance, and other thoughtful touches made it easy to relax. If you prefer the newest hotels, this may not be your place, but I found it really nice and restful.

The window view of the lake was the standout for me. I woke to a sunny morning and the scenery reminded me of a famous European town. Not every room looks out over the lake, but the guesthouse is right beside it. It’s a traditional Japanese place, with tatami rooms and shared bathrooms and toilets, which should be fine if you’re used to Japanese accommodations. The meals are plentiful and the service is attentive. It’s a little far from the bus stop, and the hilly road could be tiring with lots of luggage. For the price, though, I really can’t complain.

The facilities are a little old, but I’d still highly recommend this place. The location was fantastic, and the food was incredibly satisfying for the price. I even made my next reservation before leaving.