It was nice to get away from the tourist areas for a time. Might be a challenge for non-English speakers but the staff was super-friendly and the outdoor onsen with a view of the ocean is worth it. Not really near anything but the staff drove us to a restaurant and we took a cab back. We visited Himeji before we arrived but didn't want to stay anyplace there so used a locker and then stayed the night in Ako. It is away from the Shinkansen line but not too far, take a taxi from the station. 2 outdoor baths, 1 open air and the other inside with a window. they swap access for male and female in the AM and PM so you can see both if even there for a day.