Arakikanko Hotel

Still on the renovation?

I honestly do not know where to start, I booked the hotel without really knowing much about Kumamoto Prefecture. After arriving in Kumamoto City and then realising Ueki Onsen is another 40 minute bus ride I was thinking oh dear where am I staying. After arriving at the hotel I was greeted by the manager of the hotel who showed me to my room and gave me a tour of the facilities. Once settled in I realised there isn't great public transport around and I primarily wanted to see Beppu and Yufuin during my stay, I enquired with the manager on where I might be able to rent a car, with little to no Japanese language under my belt he took it upon himself to reserve a vehicle for me and offered to drive me himself to collect it. He then also said he would take me back to return it a few days later. After my trips to Beppu and Yufui village (Not to be missed) and not to miss the outstanding and beautiful surroundings in Uekimachi and the Aso region. The manager and I set off to return my hire car, on the way back he took me to Kikuchi shrine to pray and also gifted me coffee and cake. They also accommodated me with use of the on site onsen (amazing) after hours as I'm heavily tattooed. I feel truly grateful to have found this hidden gem of rural Japan and if you are thinking of traveling this great country I emplore you to go off the beaten path. I experienced untold kindness during my stay and have memories of a life time. Thank you so much guys