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This hotel chain was my favourite. Everything was provided for a good stay and it's always conveniently located.

Dining mainly izakaya restaurants

We loved this place. Gorgeous views of the bay, delightful staff and fellow guests, elegant holiday atmosphere. The room is spacious and stylish; the breakfast option is really good. Local organic farms abound, and the train ride into Shimabara is like a step back in time. The hotel is a short walk from the train station, and a convenient city bus goes to the historic volcano site, which is very compelling and informative. An hourly ferry goes to Kumamoto for connection with high speed trains. Not to be missed.

All the rooms face the sea. Our Japanese-Western style room is very big with 2 beds and comes with an onsen. Onsen is natural spring water and reasonably big for 2 people. Onsen area not too hot as it is ventilated with outside air. We paid for 1/2 board and set dinner was very good. Very happy with our stay at Iseya.

Services were perfect. I got everything that I expected from Japanese Ryokan during the stay. Employees were passionate, and dedicated to their job. Highly recommended for your Onsen trip.

The Good: The hot spring baths on the 5th floor (inside and outside) are really worth the challenge in getting to the hotel. There is good hiking around the town although the info available from the tourist office is quite limited for those speaking English. The Not So Good: The room I had, although quite spacious, was not very practical. A single thin futon bed was in the middle of a otherwise largely empty space. There is a very low traditional Japanese table with pillows to sit on, but no desk. The bathroom I had was clean, but well... in need of updating. The room is not well insulated and definitely gets cold quickly in early December, without the heating on full blast. There was separate sitting area as a part of the suite, with faded and time discolored couches and chairs. With some investment, this place could be great.