城崎温泉 深山 -Shinzan- — Hotel in Toyooka

My first stay at a Ryokan and first stay in an onsen town and I could not have chosen a better place to stay. I was initially hesitant about not knowing what to do but those fears were alleviated as soon as I checked in. The staff are polite and courteous and sit down with you to go over how everything works, from dinner to breakfast to the public onsen located in the ryokan to how to use the bathhouses throughout the town (which are also included during your stay for free). They then take you to your room and explain every inch (if you’re staying in the traditional room) and show you where everything is. There is a free shuttle from the train station and you get shuttle service back when you check out. They also have shuttles that go around town but it’s a relatively short and peaceful walk so that’s what I chose to do majority of the time. Can’t stress enough how easy and relaxing everything felt here. It’s one of the best stays I’ve had anywhere. The public baths within the ryokan are beautiful and relaxing as well, probably even more so than some of the bath houses in town to be honest. Highly highly...

I honestly don’t understand how this onsen is sitting at just 3 stars - did someone confuse it with a laundromat? From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, it was a 5-star experience all the way. The staff were warm and welcoming, the atmosphere instantly relaxing, and the whole place felt like the world outside hit the pause button. Everything was spotless, from the baths to the common areas. Even the kids were thrilled, their meals were so good we almost wanted to order from the kids’ menu ourselves.

Dinner was another highlight: beautifully prepared, flavorful, and truly memorable. My only minor quibble? I wouldn’t have minded if the beverage refills flowed a bit faster - because when you’re that relaxed, lifting a finger to flag someone down feels like too much effort. But honestly, that’s nitpicking. The reality is this onsen delivered on every front: relaxation, cleanliness, hospitality, and dining. Definitely not a 3-star spot - it deserves a glowing 5 stars...

Amazing place! Great food and big breakfast!

Be sure to check out the outdoor onsen that is upstairs and outside! It's extremely beautiful and peaceful. We almost missed it because it was through a very unassuming looking door. They change the onsens every day at midday so you'll be able to check out both Onsen (only one has that outdoor upstairs onsen thats beautiful but both have an outside onsen portion)

Very friendly and accommodating staff. They provide umbrellas and geta/boots/shoes for outdoors when you venture out to see the other onsens. The manager even greeted us at dinner and that really added a special touch in staying here! Highly recommend this place!

The only reason why I put 4 is that the location is a bit far from main city and all the onsens and there isn't much of a view around (at least not...