Helpful thread...and as a result I just booked a night at Kikokuso on our last night in Japan in May (on our first trip to Japan). You can book without meals if you want to save some money on that front--I booked with just Japanese breakfast. The train station proximity is nice to head to KIX and the resident shiba inu sealed the deal.

Our other stays in the area are at Kurama Onsen and the Westin (lame, I know--but after a late arrival on our first night in Japan it's practical. Plus Cash+Points is a decent deal!). I'll definitely follow up with a trip report afterwards...