Originally Posted by
dtremit
On this trip, we're tentatively planning to start in Osaka and explore the surrounding area, continue to Kyushu to see some highlights of the island, fly to Sapporo, and then finish up with a week in Tokyo.
It sounds like Kyushu will be the midpoint of your trip. If you plan to see some highlights of Kyushu, you'll likely be coming to Nagasaki. If that is the case, then I'd recommend visiting Unzen, which is in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Originally Posted by
dtremit
We'd love to find someplace to spend two or three relaxing nights in the middle of the trip that has a similar vibe to Hakone — something out in nature and with a decent number of relaxing things to do. A small city with nature nearby might be a decent alternative.
Unzen is in the middle of a national park, so it is out in nature. There is lots of history here and plenty of hiking, as well as an abundance of geothermal springs to explore. KI-NRT's suggestion of hiking to the summit of Fugendake is a good one.
Originally Posted by
dtremit
Our only major requirement is a nice hotel with Western-style rooms — my cranky knees sadly do not do well on tatami. (Very open to Japanese-style service, so long as there's beds and a comfy chair!) Sadly that rules out a lot of the properties on
KI-NRT 's excellent thread. We're willing to splurge a bit, but we don't have Amanemu money.
There are also many onsen hotels you could stay at for a relaxing two or three nights. Some of them have Western-style rooms and beds with chairs. That said, I would caution against his suggestion of staying at Hanzuiryo as its room rates are consistently in the $800-$1,000 range per night, and sometimes higher. Also, I have never seen occupancy available whenever I have checked it. However, his suggestion of the Kyushu Hotel is a good one as the room rates there are 50% lower and it has comfortable lounges with complimentary beverages that you can relax in with wonderful natural views. In addition, the rooms at the Kyushu Hotel (
https://kyushuhtl.co.jp/en) have Western-style beds with chairs and in-room onsen baths, which is convenient if you are not into communal bathing The Kyushu Hotel also has a higher perceived customer value of 4.6 vs. 3.3 for Hanzuiryo on Tripadvisor.com. Of course, there are numerous other hotels but many of them are mainly Japanese-style and may not meet your comfort needs.