Yamanoyu — Hotel in Minamioguni

If you're lucky to visit Kurokawa Onsen, your lodging will likely be in one of the many Ryokans dotting the area. In the USA, nothing like this mode of accommodation exists, so it was an amazing experience to stay at Yamanoyu for two nights. It was like staying with a large, hospitable family, yet you have the extreme comfort of your own room, as well as a private dining compartment in the downstairs restaurant. The kaiseki meal served to us at Yamanoyu was simply exquisite, and I was able to try local cuisine I would have never ordered on my own, including horse and chicken sashimi. I know it sounds strange or dangerous, but these delicacies were neither, instead offering me an understanding of the chef's precision and knowledge of his region. I'll never forget that meal, nor the perfect service offered by Wada, who also served us at the elaborate and incredibly delicious breakfasts, healthy meals that kept us full all day long.|While you dine, the Ryokan staff is busy cleaning your room, laying out the traditional futons and comforters. While small, our room had everything we needed, with the bonus of being directly above the river, whose gentle sounds added to the relaxation you encounter in this magical town.|As comfortable clothing is provided by the Ryokan, we didn't even open our suitcases while staying at Yamanoyu, nor did we turn on the television. Instead, we took advantage of the dozens of hot spring pools spread out over the town, each one slightly different than the next. Yamanoyu offered fantastic onsens for both men and women. On the mountainside, accessible by a cool covered wooden bridge, the pools were very clean, and the water a perfect temperature. You have the option to reserve the private family pool for 40 minutes at a time, which was perfect.|Everyone at Yamanoyu was extremely polite, helpful and genuine, especially Kanta, Shizuka and Wada. I will never forget the incredible hospitality at Yamanoyu, and if you want a quiet, non-commercial Ryokan with exceptional food and service, book here.||Shizuka,...

If you're lucky to visit Kurokawa Onsen, your lodging will likely be in one of the many Ryokans dotting the area. In the USA, nothing like this mode of accommodation exists, so it was an amazing experience to stay at Yamanoyu for two nights. It was like staying with a large, hospitable family, yet you have the extreme comfort of your own room, as well as a private dining compartment in the downstairs restaurant. The kaiseki meal served to us at Yamanoyu was simply exquisite, and I was able to try local cuisine I would have never ordered on my own, including horse and chicken sashimi. I know it sounds strange or dangerous, but these delicacies were neither, instead offering me an understanding of the chef's precision and knowledge of his region. I'll never forget that meal, nor the perfect service offered by Wada, who also served us at the elaborate and incredibly delicious breakfasts, healthy meals that kept us full all day long.|While you dine, the Ryokan staff is busy cleaning your room, laying out the traditional futons and comforters. While small, our room had everything we needed, with the bonus of being directly above the river, whose gentle sounds added to the relaxation you encounter in this magical town.|As comfortable clothing is provided by the Ryokan, we didn't even open our suitcases while staying at Yamanoyu, nor did we turn on the television. Instead, we took advantage of the dozens of hot spring pools spread out over the town, each one slightly different than the next. Yamanoyu offered fantastic onsens for both men and women. On the mountainside, accessible by a cool covered wooden bridge, the pools were very clean, and the water a perfect temperature. You have the option to reserve the private family pool for 40 minutes at a time, which was perfect.|Everyone at Yamanoyu was extremely polite, helpful and genuine, especially Kanta, Shizuka and Wada. I will never forget the incredible hospitality at Yamanoyu, and if you want a quiet, non-commercial Ryokan with exceptional food and service, book here.||Shizuka,...

Yamanoyu was very responsive when I booked through booking.com. Within 24 hours, they wrote an e-mail asking how many adults there would be, how I would be arriving, and my meal preference.||On the day I arrived (which was by bus from Fukuoka Airport), they picked me up from the bus stop, which is not at all far from the ryokan, but with luggage it can be bulky to manage the walk.||The front desk staff was very helpful and tried best to communicate in English - so don't worry about that part because they are happy and willing to assist.||My room was on the 3rd floor and it was the only floor with guest rooms only, which was nice and quiet. (The dining room was on the 2nd floor, and the indoor baths on the 4th floor). Although the room was a basic ryokan layout: tatami mat floor with bedding and living area, plus some closet space, it was comfortable and cozy. I enjoyed having a balcony in particular, even when I didn't actually hang out there, yet having the sliding doors (with insect screens) meant I could open the doors for fresh air and some breeze to flow.||The outdoor baths are on the top floor, which offer a different change of view from other ryokans' baths that are by the river. The private bath can be booked once a day for guests, and is nice, although not many amenities are provided. (No facial cleanser, body lotion, hair dryer, etc.) - so BYO.||I stayed 2 nights at Yamanoyu and they arranged for the dinner to be different on both nights: the first night was a traditional kaiseiki style and the second night was a Japanese barbecue. I was happy with both the taste and the quality of the food.||Yamanoyu is centrally located in Kurokawa Onsen, which makes onsen hopping really convenient. Actually the town is so compact that I visited every shop in the area.||I would recommend staying at least two nights in this town, so you wouldn't feel too rushed to get around and...