Ryokan Suigou

The gourd-shaped bath was unusual and fun, and the whole inn felt quiet and relaxing. I was especially glad to have covered parking. Taking off my shoes at the entrance brought back a nostalgic feeling, and I liked the cozy atmosphere in the lobby, rooms, and other areas. The signs around the inn stood out too. Their font and wording reminded me of childhood, though that might not be true for everyone. I thought the price was especially good for what you get. When I asked the owner about a building I'd noticed on the way there, he kindly explained that it was the "Hawaii Folklore Museum" and told me how to find it. I went the next day and really enjoyed it. Without his advice, I might have left without knowing about it. Thank you for that. A lovely place for anyone wanting a peaceful stay.

I came hoping to relax, but couldn't find anything restful about the stay. The hot spring was so hot I couldn't even put my feet in, and getting the shower temperature right was difficult. It also seems you're expected to take your own trash out, including plastic drink bottles, to the bin beside the front desk. There aren't any drink vending machines in the hotel, and there are no nearby restaurants or places to eat or drink. The nearest convenience store is more than 3 km away. Why do people rate this place so highly?

The rooms were spacious and clean, and I found the hot spring temperature comfortable, not too hot, so it seems suitable for families with children. The inn is old and shows some wear, though. I booked the Onsen Musume plan. Dinner was a chef's choice kaiseki meal, with Tottori Wagyu beef teppanyaki as the main. It was prepared more like sukiyaki, with sweet soy sauce, green onions, and mushrooms, and went really well with rice. Crab and boiled fish were served too, and either could have been a main dish. It all felt luxurious. The rice, grown by someone the young owner knows, was delicious. There was enough for two or three bowls, which impressed me given how precious rice is these days. Breakfast was healthy and filling as well, with salad and onsen eggs.

A quiet, homey place where you can take it easy. The family-run inn has baths on the first floor, with Hawai Onsen water fed directly from the source. There's a display panel of Onsen Musume Hawai Togo Ukino, along with an impressive corner for offerings. You can pay with Rula Coins too.