2-Star Hotels in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

I have been staying in very special places in Japan: beautiful locations with lots of care and details but this one is my favorite so far! Yoshi and Myong made me feel super welcomed, comfy and happy in their guesthouse. I arrived with a BIG LUGAGGE which was right away taken up by Yoshi (thank you so much!!!) and when I left he reminded me I could ask for his help if I needed (which I did). I like to ”judge” a place by the comfiness of their sofas, and Aso Base delivered superb excellency! So many cozy corners, there's not even one futon that is not hyper soft! The bathrooms have some themes on the wall, one is the cat theme, another one jellyfish and the other is lizards, so I had fun time choosing what theme I would go to. The shower capsules have shampoo conditioner and soap and then an area to dry your hair with a great view! There's details that are just piece of art! A small corner with a table, cd player and CDs that are awesome- Japanese, international and relax music and audiobooks! I've searched many of them in Spotify and will keep listening. While you are listening there are some images, like a collage, and it's so well thought. Every image has a doll representing it live action as well, like dreams coming true. The kitchen is reeeeaallly equipped, drinking water at the tap and has lots of seasonings and teapots 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 There's extra blankets and pillows and some of the pillows are animal shaped 😺🐶🐷🐑 so during my four nights there I slept in the company of Mr Snuggles, a grey cat that smiled with his eyes closed - there was pinky pig and hairy sheep too! in the female dorm every bed has a blue sky wallpaper like in Toy Story!!!! 🥹 I was a bit worried because the comments say there's lots of rules and that they are strict and don't open the door for people in the rain. But the thing is: there are some rules, because they are two people (+ another lady who helps with cleaning) taking care of a big house. It needs some organization and routines. They provide storage and the area has great options to enjoy while waiting - if necessary. Is a small town, many great restaurants around - the shop right next to the station that sells local products is a must trying repeatedly, the best onsen in the region is 3 minutes away, a Lawson across the street. I greatly enjoyed my time in Aso and everyday was glad to be going back to Aso Base. It is a place to come with a light and warm heart and soul ( they will certainly retribute), where you can have great conversations, play games or read a book, cozily nested and drinking tea while the fireplace and many lighting create a whole vibe. I've booked 4 nights and wish they were 8! Kamsahamnida and Domo Arigato, Myong and Yoshi!!!

The location itself is practically impossible to get to without a car. Parking is conveniently provided, as it's exclusive to the ryokan. The surrounding atmosphere is very satisfying. However, you'll need to rent everything from towels to yukatas at the ryokan. Breakfast is simple. There's a nearby place offering free sulfur hell steaming, so you can just buy eggs and cook them yourself (50 yen). You can also make other sulfur-based dishes if you'd like! I was disappointed that there was only one hot spring, and the water wasn't particularly special. Overall... Spend more and go somewhere better.

Our 2 mattresses have contaminants so we put other blankets on them. There are no towels, etc., but the rest overall is good.

There is no toilet in the room for the economy bed! You have to go outside. The overall hygiene is OK. It is not a central air conditioner. The air from the air conditioner is a bit damp and there is dust on the air outlet. The hotel's bathhouse is quite comfortable, and the transportation is convenient. Almost all buses from the bus terminal can arrive at one stop. If you don't pursue comfort, the cost performance is quite high

I think it was the biggest disappointment so far. The hotel is fine if you stay for one night. But more — I doubt it. For example, it is mandatory to leave at 10:00 even if you stay for more than one night. You can pay 1500 yen, but it literally gives you nothing. You can’t use sauna and sento. You received no additional service or amenities. Even sleeping is hard — the staff changes sheets. Next, people actually live in this capsule hotel. It means they get up very early, loud, alarm clocks, etc. Finally, the locker room is super tiny. There is little space. No benches. Definitely will not stay again. Good sides — the staff is polite, and you can store your luggage at the counter. Actually, you must, but people still carry their luggage upstairs.

The hot spring hotel in Kurogawa was not booked, and Trip.com chose a holiday house in the nearby Tibetan hot spring. Arrive before 6 o'clock, otherwise the staff will get off work. The house is very old, the name is ”Mei”, and the other house is a very new one and should be much more comfortable. The kitchen is fully equipped; The indoor hot spring is very hot, you have to try the temperature before entering the water. The towels are small and you have to bring your own bath towels.

What a great experience! Very glad we spend one night at this unique place. The staff was extremely helpfull and kind. The rooms are very decent, considering it's an old sleeper train. Just keep in mind the rooms are quite narrow so there is not a lot of space to keep luggage in the room. And the other facilities (bathroom, common rooom) are not abundant, but clean and very much so sufficient for spending a night.

The man at the front desk was very polite and friendly, the room was very clean and nice! It was a pity that there were a little few amenities, but it was very convenient to walk to the city because the price was cheap.

何度も利用していますので、勝手知ってる我が家という感じです。しかし、いつもは素泊まりプランでしたが、今回は夕食＆朝食付きにして知ったことがあります。夕食食べる場所で先客の方のテーブルにタバコを吸った灰皿がありました。私がテーブルに着いた際に気を使ってくださり、私にタバコ大丈夫ですか？と尋ねてきたので、食事中はちょっとと伝えました。分かりましたとイヤな顔もせず答えて理解してくれました。私も以前は喫煙者で止めた者ですから吸いたい気持ちは理解出来るので、食事を終え席を立つ際に気遣いありがとうと伝え部屋に戻りました。部屋も館内でもタバコの臭いが気になったことは無かったので無警戒でした、今回初めて気づいたので。

The bed was very comfortable. The room was very clean and the equipment was substantial. The correspondence of the staff was also good.