Unzen Obama Onsen Juraku

For just over 10,000 yen for two people on a weekday, with breakfast excluded, we thought this was very good value. The building and room have a historic feel, but the room had been renovated, with a newer area around the bed. It wasn't too cramped and felt clean. The large public bath is a little small, but it's a natural hot spring and has a sauna, which you don't usually get at this price. There was no shower in the room, though you can use a private bath for free for an hour, which women can use with peace of mind. It's a bit far from the main street, but that's no problem if you're driving. We'd like to stay again if we're in the area.

The ocean view from the room is beautiful, and the view from this hillside spot is spectacular. Getting to Obama town on foot is a little inconvenient, though. The building isn't new, but it's been renovated and the rooms were very clean. The ryokan is in Unzen Obama Onsen, and during the stay you can have unlimited free drinks in the lounge and on the terrace, including beer, soft drinks, and ice cream.

The staff were friendly and relaxed rather than overly formal, and the price was a little lower than at other Obama Onsen hotels. The spacious lobby has a play area for small children, and families would probably appreciate it. There are several private baths, plus a quite spacious public bath, so the hot spring facilities were satisfactory. The spring was very warming and chloride-based. It's less than a two-minute drive up a steep hill from the coastal hot spring town, so having a car is best. Obama Onsen has steam rising everywhere and feels like a classic hot spring town, which makes it a shame that this inn sits a bit high up the hill. The water seems to come from the hot Obama springs, so adding water to bring the temperature down is probably unavoidable. The building is a little old but well maintained. Some details, like the interior, shoe locker key number plates, and room locks, feel dated, though maybe they're newer? I can't help thinking the atmosphere could be even better if a designer oversaw the whole experience.

The sunset over Tachibana Bay from the guest room window was breathtaking, just as you'd expect from a place called a "Sunset Inn." The meals made with local ingredients were delicious, and the accommodation was reasonably priced. Most drinks were included, apart from some beverages, and the all-you-can-drink beer and certain alcoholic drinks were especially welcome for someone like me who enjoys a drink. I stayed once and would love to come back. The facility is a renovated former sanatorium for atomic bomb survivors, so some areas, including the guest rooms, show their age.