Sozankyo — Hotel in Aso

Of all the Ryokans we stayed, this was the prettiest according to my family. The bar had a very pretty view of the garden and there is coffee machine that you can make your own free coffee. The dining room and service staff overall were good. The Sake set was yummy.||||My mistake, I did not read / understand when I booked the rooms, that there were no bathing facilities in the room. Hence everyone had to use the onsen (which it was kinda of a problem for some of the people in my group who do not like to use the onsen) ||||My main problem, was the room (per se), as pretty as it was. Sozankyo had actually written to me to advise that the rooms I chose were on different levels, and if I had wanted to change rooms. Of which I replied immeditately (Nov 2018) that I was alright with the higher price and please proceed to change rooms. Upon arriving, I was informed that they overlooked my reply with little to no apology. And because it was the golden week they were fully-booked. Thinking that I should not make a fuss, we agreed to overlook the matter. But little did I know, that this ryokan does not have an elevator and the steps were very steep. Hence being the 3rd floor and having all the facilities on the 1st floor (meals, public baths, etc). So unfortunately, I had to complain to the front desk and they gave us a room on the 2nd level. While I admit the matter was resolved, it did leave me with a bad taste (maybe because I had an EXCELLENT experience the day before at the a different place). Anyway, that is my experience...

Overall, we had an amazing night here, with several onsen sessions, an amazing dinner experience, and a delicious (and very fulfilling) breakfast!||We went for a night at Sozankyo in the FURUSATO room, which included a private onsen outdoors on the balcony. During the evening, we booked sessions for the two other private baths that were available, but we must say that the private bath in the room was definitely the best. In fact, when it started raining in the evening, the experience became even better as we could sit in the bath (under a roof) listening to the rain pouring down.||The dinner experience (we went for the full course) was amazing, and the host was very kind and helpful. The dinner room had a great view of the garden outdoor, which added to the mood of the meal.||When we checked out the next day, it rained so much that the train down to Kumamoto had been canceled... However, as we had to make our train from Kumamoto around noon, the staff helped us book a taxi. Outside the rainy season, departing is probably much easier!||Would recommend this to everyone, however try to not go in the rainy season unless you can pay...

room: spacious, the beds are not comfortable, so perhaps the tatami option would be more comfortable than the "western" beds. the shower is really good unlike other hotels in Japan. very clean toilet.

hot baths: the public ones are good, the private ones (for a fee) disappointed us, they were not very well maintained (wood is rotten everywhere). we appreciated having access to hot baths but could have been much better (like the public ones).

Place: the sky bar gives an exceptional view of the village. the service is good.

Food: Food was good, but a lot of oysters and we're not a fan, so...

Services : impeccable, that's why I put a 4 star and not a 3, the services is really something, people are so helpful and they makes sure to make your stay easy.

Conclusion : I have the impression that for the price you can find better. I expected more luxury with the price paid. overall I recommend but I would probably have tried...