Hakkoda Hotel

This classical hotel, one of Japan's largest Western-style log buildings, is a place I've always wanted to stay at. It's managed by the same company as Sukayu Onsen Ryokan, and a shuttle bus to Sukayu makes about 10 round trips per day. While the source of the hot spring is different from Sukayu, it feels very similarly acidic. Its pH is 1.66, and it stings the eyes. The building, with its warmth of wood, is divided into six buildings along a natural slope, but all are easily accessible. The connecting corridors are fully air-conditioned. The rooms are equipped with underfloor heating, perhaps a measure against the recent heatwaves. While air conditioning is provided, it's so comfortable that it's unnecessary in winter. There's a wooden deck with lighting. There's an audio selector on the nightstand, allowing you to enjoy USEN channels. "Hakkoda underground water" is served in a stainless steel pot with ice, and a cooler jug is also available in the large public bath. The large public bath does not have an open-air bath, but it does have a sauna and a cold bath, but those looking to relax may find it lacking as they are unable to get in touch with the outside air. You can go to the bath empty-handed, and towels of all sizes are provided. The interior of the bathtub is also made of cypress, giving it a warm feeling. The spring temperature is adjusted by adding water, and it was a comfortable temperature. It overflows when someone gets in. There is a washing machine in the changing room. Detergent appears to be available for purchase at the front desk. After your bath, they offer complimentary popsicles. For dinner, I chose Western food, and it was a satisfying full French course meal. You can have as much French bread as you want. It's a resort hotel deep in the mountains, so it's a bit pricey, but I think the satisfaction level is high.

I stayed here for one night on February 24th. Transportation was covered by JR East's Kyunpasu and the free shuttle bus from Shin-Aomori Station. With shuttles to Sukayu Onsen and the Hakkoda Ropeway, it was a very affordable and satisfying trip. The staff were very friendly, and I chose Japanese cuisine for both dinner and breakfast, which was delicious, featuring local ingredients. The only disappointment was that the rice at breakfast stuck together in the rice container. The bath water wasn't as strong as Sukayu's, and it was nice that it included a sauna and a cold bath. Personally, I would have gotten 100 points if it had been an open-air bath with a view of the snow. The room had a large bed and no major drawbacks, but the underfloor heating (probably) couldn't be adjusted, so it was hot after the bath and when I slept under the covers. I later regretted not adjusting the air conditioning. The next day, I went for a walk before breakfast to take some photos, and a staff member was removing the snow that had fallen the night before from each of the guests' cars. Next time, I'd like to visit in the fall, via the Oirase Gorge.

In short, the quality of the restaurant is low.