Thanks everyone and KI-NRT in particular for this amazing thread, it has been very helpful in identifying ryokan stays.

What would be recommendations near Fukuoka in late December for a couple? We will go to Fukuoka for a few days and are looking to add a 1 or 2-night Ryokan stay that is well-connected via public transport as we don’t drive. We might also add Hiroshima to the trip should that expand options.

Preferences:

• Scenery: ocean view preferred, but also open to lush greenery/mountains (if that’s still feasible in late December)
• Dining: near fine-dining quality, in-room / private booths (if Ryokan's own restaurant is not the best, that's ok as long as there are great dining options nearby)
• Price: ~100K JPY / night incl. meals, but open to higher-priced ones
• Interior: leaning towards modern (e.g., Fufu Nikko), but also open to traditional if ‘minimalist/clean’ (e.g., Myoken Ishiharaso fits the aesthetic, but I dislike the black leather couches at Shinsen)
• Language: Japanese-only is not an issue
• Onsen: private

I saw KI-NRT’s post on Amane Resort Gahama which looked great, but was wondering if there were better options out there? As for Amane Resort itself, did anyone here stay at Seikai in rooms types A2 or D2 in the Harenoto building?