Shinshiyo
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 136 reviews
Shinshiyo is a family-run ryokan located on the wooded slopes above a river in the Amagase area of Hita, offering a calm base for exploring nearby waterfalls and mountain scenery. Public spaces and guest rooms favor traditional materials — tatami floors, low wooden furnishings and large windows that frame valley views — and the property provides direct access to local hot-spring bathing, operating as a ryokan with onsen in Ōita for guests who want an authentic onsen-village atmosphere.
Guest accommodation includes classic Japanese-style rooms with futons as well as Japanese–Western layouts; some room types feature private open-air baths or larger terraces facing the valley, and every room has a private bathroom. Dining follows regional practice: multi-course kaiseki-style dinners prepared from local produce and a set Japanese breakfast, served in the dining area or offered as in-room service where available. Onsite bathing facilities comprise several public hot-spring pools and at least one open-air bath fed by local Amagase sources, with optional relaxation treatments and routine housekeeping to maintain cleanliness and comfort.
Practical amenities meet traveler needs: complimentary Wi‑Fi, free onsite parking (around 25 spaces) and a station pick-up service if contacted in advance; standard check-in is 15:00–20:00 with check-out in the morning. Staff are frequently noted for attentive, helpful service, and the ryokan’s riverside setting is well suited to couples and families seeking relaxation rather than urban sightseeing. For visitors prioritizing natural baths and regional cuisine, Shinshiyo presents a straightforward, nature-oriented ryokan with onsen in Kyushu.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shinshiyo
Positive Reviews
Very attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviewers praised the owner and staff for warm, patient, and helpful service — small gestures (walking guests to cars, gifts at checkout), language assistance, and station pickup/drop-off were highlighted.
Excellent, plentiful kaiseki meals
Guests frequently commented that the multi-course dinners and breakfasts were delicious, high quality and generous in portion size, often a highlight of the stay.
Relaxing hot springs with beautiful views
The onsen offerings (open-air forest bath and regular outdoor baths) were described as tranquil, relaxing and scenic — guests enjoyed river and mountain views and sometimes had baths to themselves.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience and comfortable rooms
Many reviewers valued the traditional atmosphere, large tatami rooms, comfortable futons and thoughtful Japanese touches (kimono service, art-filled interiors), calling the stay a memorable, authentic experience.
Helpful extras and family-friendly atmosphere
Guests appreciated practical support (hotel pick-up arranged via station tourist office), family-friendly service (attention to children and infants), and overall hospitality that made stays easy and welcoming.
Negative Reviews
Remote location / limited nearby shops
Several guests noted the property is some distance from town and convenience stores; visitors without a car should plan ahead as there’s no nearby Lawson/FamilyMart and buying basics may be inconvenient.
Limited English and lack of translated information
A few reviewers requested more English information or menu translations for the onsen, gift shop, and meals — while staff could help, printed/clear English materials were lacking.
Occasional cleanliness and pest issues reported
Isolated reports mentioned bathroom cleanliness concerns, algae in a wooden in-room tub, and a small cockroach found on the bed — these appear to be occasional but notable to affected guests.
Towel replacement / extra-charge complaint
One guest reported a policy/charge (around ¥400) to change a dirty towel and felt this was poor handling; this appears to be an isolated negative experience.
Some areas or elements slightly dated / minor administrative confusion
A couple of reviews mentioned parts of the property felt a bit dated and one party noted the hotel name differed from their booking, which caused brief confusion on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: standard Japanese-style rooms list up to 5 futons, superior rooms up to 7 futons, and there is a queen-bed room option; check the room’s max occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property offers onsen facilities with multiple public baths, and guest reports note both indoor and outdoor baths on site.
Some room types include private bathtubs or open-air bath features; availability depends on the room you select, so check the room description when booking.
The ryokan can arrange pick-up from nearby Amagase Station if contacted (tourist information staff often call the hotel to request pickup); there is no regular airport shuttle service.
The nearest listed airport is Kumamoto Airport, approximately 73 km away; most guests travel by train or car to Amagase Station and transfer from there.
Japanese is the primary language; many international guests report that staff provide helpful English assistance — request language support ahead of arrival if needed.
Expect a traditional, family-run ryokan with tatami rooms and futon bedding, kaiseki-style meals, attentive service, and scenic river-and-mountain views typical of an onsen village.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check-out is from 08:00 to 10:00; inform the ryokan in advance if your arrival falls outside those hours.
Children of all ages are welcome and the property offers family rooms; pets are not permitted.
The ryokan serves breakfast and dinner and several small restaurants and shops are in the village; nearby attractions include Amagase Onsen village, riverside walks, Hita sightseeing spots and Lake Kinrinko within driving distance.