Accommodation near Shitajima Onsen

A cozy homey ryokan just 3-minute walk from the Gero train station, the location is excellent. The meals were delicious and the service was impeccable. The room, however, was a little dated. The insulation wasn’t good so it could be a little chilly at night when it was snowing outside. The outdoor onsen was enjoyable. I will definitely come back next time I visit Gero.

This facility is a disgrace and should be condemned. Everything about it screams neglect, incompetence, and utter disregard for basic hospitality standards. The building is in an appalling state of disrepair, with strange odors permeating every corner. Public toilets reek of rancid urine, and the multiple dirty elevators required to navigate the labyrinthine layout are an exercise in frustration and disgust. To reach your room, you must endure numerous flights of stairs and poorly lit, shabby hallways that feel like a set from a horror movie. Adding insult to injury, I feel I was grossly overcharged simply because I booked through a foreign booking agent. I paid over $500 USD for two nights at this crumbling, health-hazardous property, and it feels like nothing short of a rug pull. This is price gouging at its most unethical. Taking advantage of foreign travelers in this way is disgraceful and shows that the management company not only lacks competence but also lacks any semblance of ethical business practices. It’s clear their priority isn’t providing a quality experience—it’s exploiting guests for every penny they can. Let’s start with the dining. The dinner buffet, to its credit, was decent, offering a variety of options that seemed tailored to domestic and regional tastes. However, the breakfast was a complete letdown. I noticed other diners being served steamed crab, but no one approached me or offered the

The hotel is big and could cater to big crowds without having the guests feeling overcrowding. The 3 onsens are spread over 3 different blocks of building but very walkable within indoor (hence no concern about rain or cold weather). Buffet breakfast was excellent with good spread of western and Japanese cuisine. Parking onsite is complimentary and the hotel is walkable to small town with eateries, shops and cafes. The option to have western and Japanese beddings in the room is good especially when travelling with elderly. The young ones can experience sleeping on tatami while the western bedding provides comfort for the elderly.

The staff speak English or Mandarin hence communication was a breeze for me. They were very friendly, helpful and polite. The location of the ryokan is within walking distance to the town and close to the train station. Hotel provides a bus shuttle to the train station. From the train station to the hotel, there is also a complimentary ride. I had a very pleasant stay at the ryokan and highly recommend it.

Plus: (1) The onsen quality is really good. (2) The service is excellent. (3) The meals are excellent. (4) Rooms are spacious. Shortcoming: The room we got is either a smoking room or used to be smoking room, so there's the smell that gets on your clothes.

If you see this review. Just book it if is within your budget. They take care of everything once you stepped into Gero station. Jus hopped into any Taxi waiting at the station and your retreat begins. We stepped into the inn and didnt think of going any where until our check out time.