壁湯天然洞窟温泉 旅館 福元屋 — Hotel in Kokonoe

The ryokan owner can't speak English so it would be better to have AI instant translation for your check-in. There are two private onsen, one located inside the main building while the other one is next to the ramp which connects the car park and main building. You have to take the key first at the reception counter. The owner put a heart-shaped stone in one of the private onsens, see if you can locate it :)

The public onsen is warm but not hot so it's quite enjoyable in summer. It's for both male and female, for female customers the ryokan has provided towel dress. Still it can be embarrassing as male customers have to do it naked.

I didn't expect much for their dinner but I felt really amazed. It's really...

温泉のお湯で炊いた地元のコメ、近隣の湧水で作る豆腐など、地元の素材に徹底し、女将が自ら料理する小さな旅館だ。煌びやか華やかさではなく、一品一品全ての料理に地元の実りが号宿している感じがする。８部屋の小さな旅館だが、訪れるに足りるものが十分にある！

最近仕事がめまぐるしい食くらい忙しく、ストレス発散のため、阿蘇近隣へ旅立つことに！今回は嗜好を少し変え、福岡空港で降りて、そのまま大分県、九重方面へだらだらと運転していくことにしました。当日はあいにくの雨。途中うきはでランチ。そのまま目的地の旅館へ移動！普段は、小国の黒川温泉か、湧いた温泉に宿泊することが多いのですが、今回は十勝在住食べロガー”とりログ”さんのオススメの”壁湯天然洞窟温泉　旅館...

This place is tucked away in the hills about the town of Kusu. It is very traditional, and I'm not sure how they would deal with non-Japanese speaking guests. Having said that, the hosts were extremely welcoming and friendly. The ryokan is set right by a stream, and the sound of rushing water lulls you to sleep. My room is a bit quirky in that there is a toilet tucked in the corner, but a sink for washing up is in a common area in the hallway. Having said that, you come here for the baths and the food. I only used one of the two private baths. Next time I'll try the communal bath down by the river in a cave. The food is beyond amazing, and uses lots of local and seasonal...