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What kind of onsen ryokan is Okyakuya?
This is an authentic onsen ryokan in the Japanese countryside. If you are looking for a traditional onsen ryokan adventure in Kurokawa Onsen, I would recommend it. We were so impressed with their warm hospitality, ambiance, architecture, hot springs, and food, etc. On the other hand, if this is your first time staying at onsen ryokans, I wouldn’t recommend it as facilities tend to be outdated. Also, there is no room with western beds. On top of that, there is no room with a private hot spring. Okyakuya would be great for family, couples, groups, or solo travelers. *Small children cannot be accommodated at the property but it depends on your negotiation. The ambiance would be cozy, serene, and tranquil. There are only 13 rooms.
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Is the location easy to access?
Free shuttle service is available from Kurokawa Onsen Bus Stop. You need to book it in advance. It takes 5min on foot, though.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, you might want to stay in spacious rooms as much as possible. Because most of the rooms tend to be cramped. They are very clean, well-maintained, and Japanese minimalistic. Then if you are a light sleeper, you might want to request rooms on 2F as my ear sometimes caught footsteps from the upstairs when we stayed on 1F. The traditional wooden building has no latest soundproofing system.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, a humidifier, and a green tea set, etc. A coffee machine was placed in the lobby only. It costs 200JPY for a cup of coffee. Also, free WiFi reception was available in the lobby only. Then if you bring children, you might want to inform the staff in advance as they prepare some items, such as yukatas, meals, and tableware, etc.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are wonderful large indoor and outdoor communal hot springs. You should try all of them. Also, there is a small indoor private family hot spring for free. You need to book in advance if you want to use the private one. It’s cramped without views. I wouldn’t recommend using it. All of them are open from 6:00 to 23:00. The spring quality including the water temperature was simply perfect. We hardly met other guests when we soaked in the communal baths during the low season. *Please note that if you have tattoos and want to use the communal hot springs, use the private family one instead. Then Okyakuya is not a universal design. There are many steps and there is no lift. There is no room with western beds on tatami mats. I wouldn’t recommend it if you bring people with weak feet. You may want to find others.
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How about meals?
The local cuisine experience with a lot of local ingredients for dinner and breakfast was just divine. The portion tends to be small, though. All meals were served in a private room in a dining area. Dinner starts from 18:00 or 18:30. You need to check-in by 17:00 if you have dinner on the property. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day. Then there are few restaurants for dinner around the property. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals.
My impressions
All staff was so welcoming, helpful, and proactive. It was good without any comparison. Overall, Okyakuya has good value for money. We would come back again. The location is perfect. If you want to enjoy going on a hot spring hopping in Yukata whenever you like, you should stay here. You must be excited! Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Okyakuya from the below space. *You need to inform the staff of your expected arrival time in advance. **The payment is cash only. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Booking.com or Agoda
Info about Okyakuya
| Style | Traditional Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 40,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Call at +81 967 44 0454 from overseas Call at 0967 44 0454 from domestic Japan |
| Internet Connection | Free WiFi at the lobby only |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Okyakuya’s MAP |
| Access | Free pick up service from Kurokawa Onsen bus stop |
| Address and TEL | 6546, Manganji, Minamioguni-machi Aso-gun Kumamoto 869-2402 Tel +81 460-85-5541 |
| Official Homepage | Okyakuya’s HP |
All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.