Gero Onsen Tsurutsuru no Yu Minorisou

I don't know if it was a special deal we reserved, but we stayed here for a little under 7000 yen per person including breakfast and dinner for a japanese style room (however, our room did not have a toilet). We found this an unbelievably good price for a ryokan. Unlike many hot springs (onsen), the hot springs here are not recirculated and are directly from the hot springs source. This is a very high quality onsen. The water really does make your skin feel slippery and smooth. We enjoyed the 5th floor bath more than the large 3rd floor bath. According to lodge personnel, even the showers of the 5th floor bath are hot spring water. The breakfast and dinner were both excellent with plenty of food. Our room was spacious and clean with a great view of Gero. The shuttle picked us up and dropped us off at the Gero station which was very nice since the lodge is up a steep hill. There is also a service that can take you to partner onsen/hotels at designated times during the day. We took the shuttle to the outside "observation deck" bath at ArmeriA (?) in the evening. This is a nice service but we found the hot springs at Minoriso superior in quality. I would absolutely stay here again for the reasonable price, great bath, great food, and good room. Note: I traveled with a Japanese friend so I did not have any trouble communicating. I do not know whether or not English is understood here. Also, breakfast is Japanese style (rice, miso soup, grilled fish etc). I personally love Japanese breakfast, but I know that is not the case with all.