Yamaga Onsen Asahiya Ryokan

The room was roomy and comfortable, easily enough space for one person. There’s a shared fridge and a washing machine you can use for free in the hallway. The inn is on the edge of Yamaga Onsen, with a convenience store, YUME Town, Trial, and plenty of restaurants nearby, so it’s handy and affordable. I’d heard they take pride in their food, but my booking site didn’t have a meal plan, so I booked a room only. A sports group was staying that night with meals included, and the good smells drifting around seemed to have them excited. The small bath fits about three people, though you can reserve it for private use. The water has that slippery, alkaline feel Yamaga Onsen is known for and warmed me through. The one drawback is that bathing ends at 10 p.m. There’s no morning bath at the inn, but guests can use Kumairi Onsen Center across the street for free. I liked its water too, and it had a local feel.

The innkeeper divided up bath times by room, so I could enjoy the small bath on my own. The water felt very silky and left my skin moisturized afterward. We were also given tickets for Kumairi Onsen Center across the road, where I enjoyed the big bath and hearing the regulars speak Kumamoto dialect. The inn lent us shampoo and body wash, which was a real help. We stayed for two nights at this quiet place by the river. Our spacious Japanese-style room came with yukata, towels, a toothbrush, hair dryer, and kettle; the toilet and sink were shared. The cherry blossoms and hot spring outside the window, along with the innkeeper’s thoughtful service, were really soothing. The sign says it’s an inn with delicious meals, so next time I’d like to come with a meal plan.

The hot spring was wonderful, just what you’d hope for from Yamaga Onsen, and it really helped me unwind. The food was delicious too. My room was a simple Japanese-style one, very clean and pleasant, with Wi-Fi. There’s a big free parking lot that can even fit large trucks, which was a big help. The washing machine and detergent are free as well, great value. Nearby you’ll find a convenience store, Hotto Motto, a Yumemart supermarket, and an izakaya. I’ll come back.

I was here for work for one night and got the breakfast plan. It was healthy and tasty, just like other reviewers said. I liked it so much that I had four bowls of rice and finished what was left in the cooker. ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´D｀ﾟ)ﾟ｡