Yamatoya Besso

Before you go: it is good to speak some Japanese. I tried to book it directly with the ryokan so I could choose a menu plan but the English version of the website was not showing available dates and the Japanese version was not allowing to enter a non-Japanese phone number. I emailed them (in Japanese) and was able to get a reservation with the meal plan of my choice (breakfast and dinner and some special side dishes). We stayed at what I think is called superior Japanese room. It was very spacious. Besides the onsen on the first floor, the room itself has a large ofuro. Meals were served in our room. I liked this for breakfast but missed seeing people around dinner time. The onsen dowstairs has two large baths, one is closed and the other is open with rocks and vegetation around. A glass window separates them. After the onsen, there is self-service beer and/or ice-cream. The food was amazing! But I think I went overboard in ordering the special sea bream sashimi. We stayed two days there, relaxing at the onsen after climbing the Matsuyama castle ramp/steps or after cycling the Shimanamikaido in Imabari (about 40 minutes from Matsuyama) felt like heaven. The staff was extremely warmth and professional. In this place you will see the true Japanese hospitality "omotenashi".