I had previously visited hot springs in Taiwan, and was excited to visit the oldest springs in Japan. While the staff was very attentive, friendly and proficient enough in English, I found the rooms and hot spring spa areas themselves to be less modern than I had expected based on the price and experience in Taiwan. The surrounding mountains are beautiful, but the town itself has relatively few options for shops or restaurants. Perhaps I inappropriately expected a more westernized experience, but as a westerners, I would favor Taiwan for the value and luxury.