Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan — Hotel in Minamioguni

On the positive side, the hotel was located in a beautiful and picturesque area overlooking the river. The sound of the river roaring at night was very peaceful. The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and the dinner and breakfast was artfully prepared and of high quality. They were very attentive to dietary preferences . The toiletries were of top quality and the toilet was very nice with high tech features. We also enjoyed the private onsen which we were able to reserve in the evening.

However, there were some problems that made our stay a negative experience. First, when we arrived at the hotel and saw our room, we were surprised to find that it only had a sink and toilet, no bath or shower. We were informed that if we wanted to take a shower, we would have to go down two flights of floors and shower in the public area. Unfortunately, the public area had no curtains for privacy, and I felt very uncomfortable showering there as well as unsafe as it was unlocked and anyone potentially could have walked in.

Another downside was that the robes that were available were only in a very small size, which didn’t fit us. This made us feel uncomfortable as we couldn’t wear our robes, despite everyone in the village and throughout the hotel and at dinner wearing theirs. The slippers offered were also only a very small size and didn’t fit us, which made walking around feel like a slipping hazard, especially with the many uneven stairs we had to take to and from our room.

For dinner, we had to sit on the floor without any back support for about two hours, which was physically uncomfortable as an older person.

Another downside was the treacherous road leading to the hotel. It was very narrow and steep, with just enough room for the car and there were people everywhere walking in the road. When we arrived at the hotel, we had to back in and parallel park into a very tight space near a cliff. Originally we planned to take the car out for a day trip in the area but we decided to not do this due to safety issues on the road.

The staff made up the tea table and bed twice a day but didn’t empty trash or otherwise...

My family stayed in the Sinmeikan for two nights in late November. It locates at the centre of the small charming Kurokawa town. The staff warmly welcomed us at the carpark, and they were very friendly to my young kids. Some of the Ryokan staff could command good English and courteously introduce the Ryokan facilities to us. Thanks to Mr. Sung, a Chinese-speaking staff, who upgraded my room booking for free. Our room gave a good view over the picture-some town centre. Sounds of the running river was constant all the time, and I could adjust to them soon. The only problem to us was that, there was no showering facility at our room, and our young kids had to shower in the common bathing room.||The Ryokan has several onsens, and I had tried some of them. The open mixed bath was big and offered a good view over the river, though a bit “exposed” (as other reviewers have said). I liked the “Onsen of Wind” that gave sense of privacy and surrounded by woodland. It requires booking and each session lasts for 40 minutes only. The “Cave Onsen” was unique and most interesting, though appeared to be muggy.||We had the first dinner at our room. The breakfasts were served in the common room. We had barbeque food in our second dinner in another common room, where the atmosphere was really great! All meals were served with numerous dishes of interesting local cuisines.||I recommend Sinmeikan to onsen lovers, who are seeking for a Kurokawa ryokan with an ideal location, as well as perfect hospitality and...

Kurosawa Onsen has been one of the destinations where loads of Japanese people adore to stay over nights but it is known to be expensive and inaccessible. We decided finally to give it a go and chose Shinmeikan: for its amazing historical establishment and reputable Onsen areas. ||From arrival to departure, we could not fault them a thing. We already have received some favour from the manager prior to our arrival so we did not want to make any further fuss. When meal time, they noticed that my husband has food allergy and from that point, they have been even more careful for him. We could not thank them enough. ||Our room faced the river and the river sound as well as the ozone from the water made us sleep nicely without an AC overnight although it was one of the hottest days. ||Their Onsen areas, the caves and Roten (open air, mixed spa) are all fantastic. I tried mixed Roten, which was an unforgettable experience. Nobody would stare at you because you also do not. So be brave and try mixed Roten here. ||Shinmeikan has an associate Onsen via a bus ride, which we did not have time for on this occasion. At Kurokawa Onsen, you can buy a Tegata, a pass, to experience several Onsen within the town. If you are on a tight budget and can just stay for the day then move onto next town etc. you can do this instead. We wanted to enjoy Shinmeikan as fully as possible and...