아소 노 야마보우시

This is my first experience of a Japanese style Inn (Ryokan), and I am so glad that I visited Ryokan Asono Yamaboushi! It was a rainy day during my visit, but with a rental car I arrived at the Ryokan without much trouble. The host greet us with a warm welcome, and gave us a detailed room tour. We picked a semi western-style room, meaning that the bed is western style, but everything else is pretty much Japanese style. We are amazed by the Japanese architecture, interior design, and the private baths (Onsen). There are an outdoor Onsen heated by wood (and hence closed at around 9pm), and an indoor Onsen to be used anytime. Outdoor onsen is quite hot as it is heated by wood, it can only fit one person. Indoor onsen is just the right temperature, and it can fit around two people comfortably. Dinner and breakfast are served in the main building's dining area. Their signature dinner is 炭火焼, which roughly translated to charcoal Barbecue. Ingredients are fresh, and food is amazingly delicious. They also serve (sold separately) their homemade Sake, and fresh fish (grilled). Breakfast is equally amazing Japanese style breakfast, also with fresh ingredient and beautifully arranged. The hosts (family) are very warm and friendly, they tried their best to chat with us despite the language barrier. They made sure that we had a wonderful experience in the Ryokan. Unfortunately it was so rainy that day, we did not get to explore the surrounding, but we look forward to another visit already! Overall, we highly recommended this Ryokan to anyone who would drive, and would like to experience an authentic Japanese Ryokan.