Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su is an affordable inn located in the ancient hot-spring town of Tamatsukuri Onsen, a short bus ride away from Matsue.
Tamatsukuri Onsen offers a range of accommodation options for every kind of traveler. To save some yen without compromising on quality, we recommend Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su. Bonus: it’s English-friendly.
What’s the hotel like?
Aobata no Su is the sister hotel of Kaisuien Minami. While the former is designed to be a more affordable guesthouse with minimal frills, the latter is where to go for old-school luxury.
Still, Aobata no Su has everything you’d need for a comfortable stay — yukata, baskets to carry your belongings, indoor baths fed by the local hot spring, and amenities available to grab at the reception. There are also free water dispensers and for an extra charge, you can get coffee from the coffee machine.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The hotel has various types of rooms, including snug, dorm-like rooms that offer a place to rest your head for relatively cheap.
On the ground floor there is an ample lounge area where you can browse magazines, and a large, communal table perfect for co-working, catching up on messages, or taking calls.
Off to the side you’ll find baskets full of snacks like potato chips and instant ramen available for purchase, and a drawer of brightly colored yukata.
There are two small indoor baths, fed by a natural hot spring. You’ll be asked to check the number of slippers outside the bath before entering, so as to prevent overcrowding.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
The main lobby, where you’ll check in and out, offers sofa seating and a larger table with chairs.
What are the rooms like?
The guestrooms are not elaborately decorated, but they are styled in the traditional way that most onsen ryokan are. Furnishings are simple and tasteful. Expect tatami mat flooring and futon that you’ll have to lay out yourself.
How big are the rooms?
There are a few different kinds of rooms. These range from larger rooms designed for up to four futon to cozy, dormitory-style rooms.
Are the rooms comfortable?
On our visit, we stayed in a room that could accommodate up to three futon. It was large, with plenty of space to lounge about and put your belongings. There was sufficient natural light.
Also, to our surprise, the room included a toilet and sink. However, there’s no shower, so you’ll need to head down to the baths to wash up.
What’s the view like?
Our room did not offer much of a view. However, you’re located right in the middle of the onsen town, so simply step out and you’ll be right by the Tamayu River.
Should I order the breakfast?
Short answer: yes.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is a small onsen town with limited options for dining. For that reason, we decided to order the breakfast.
The breakfast was a bento box filled with a panoply of small bites: think egg, fish, pickles, fried chicken, salad and more. Rice and soup were refillable. Overall, while some bites felt fresher than others, we were satisfied and well-positioned to take on the rest of the day.
How is the location?
The location is convenient, just a short walk from Himegami Hiroba bus stop.
How is the access to trains and subway?
JR Tamatsukurionsen Station is a 25-minute walk away.
In our case, we actually took the bus from the Matsue Castle area. The bus took about 40 minutes and cost ¥570 per person.
How do I get there from Izumo Airport?
From Izumo Airport, simply take the limousine bus and alight at the first stop, Onsen Shimo. The ride should last no longer than 30 minutes and cost ¥950 per person.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
Despite its storied history, Tamatsukuri Onsen does not get especially crowded. During our visit, the atmosphere was serene, and we felt unhurried walking along the river and taking in the sights.
However, if you choose to visit during the Izumo Taisha Kamiari Festival, expect the area to be livelier.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
There are a few restaurants in the area. However, their hours may be limited.
As we didn’t book dinner, we opted to eat at a restaurant about a 7-minute walk away called Dragon’s Head. This was a standard izakaya with favorites like fried chicken, French fries, and grilled rice balls or yaki onigiri. In total, it was around ¥3,000 per head, with alcohol.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
The hotel is within walking distance of the footbaths along the Tamayu River and the Tamatsukuriyu Shrine.
Who should stay here?
Aobata no Su is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families who want a quiet, budget-friendly stay in Shimane’s Tamatsukuri Onsen, with simple rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s also a good choice for onsen-lovers looking to enjoy the local healing waters. Although the baths are quite compact, the hotel has an honor system and limits the number of people allowed to use the bath at one time. This means things don’t get too crowded. However, do note that tattoos are not allowed.
We appreciated subtle touches like the yukata and baskets available to borrow, and decorative accents inspired by regional history. Overall, it’s a solid base, and for the price, you honestly can’t do much better.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
During our stay we connected with staff member Ms. Aryal, who speaks English. In case you’re seeking assistance in English, we recommend getting in touch with her.
Similarly, if you are unsure about what to eat and haven’t booked dinner, ask the reception. We inquired, and we got a handy map with local restaurants and their opening and closing times listed. This was super helpful, as it saved us time and energy trying to do it ourselves with nothing but Google Maps and hope.
Make sure to also pick up any amenities you may need at the amenities bar near the reception desk. These include disposable toiletries like toothbrushes and hairbrushes, as well as the aforementioned yukata and baskets.