Yuruino Yado Keizan

The room was really nice, and I loved the hot spring too!

I was very happy with both the amount and quality of the kaiseki meal. The room had a large, empty fridge, and there was a Family Mart right in front of the inn, so it was easy to arrive without bringing anything. The in-room WiFi was fast too. The open-air bath and steam sauna are especially worth trying, but they run at set times, so I’d check in early. The room air conditioning is centrally controlled, which means you can only change the fan strength and direction. They do provide a humidifier and air purifier. There were quite a few stink bugs on the window screen, though none inside the room, so I wouldn’t open the window even if it feels hot after a bath. It was a lovely inn and well worth the price. As I drove out of the parking lot, I felt sad watching the staff wave enthusiastically until I was out of sight. I booked a plan that included a night tour, but a local told me that guests at official Hirugami Onsen tour inns can sign up on the spot if a tour is running that day. Many people book a regular inn plan and decide about the tour depending on the weather.

Dinner was served early, at 5:30 pm, because of the night tour, and it would have gone well with sake. Both dinner and breakfast were surprisingly delicious, especially the seafood given how remote the area is. I was disappointed that the tour didn’t include dining by the hearth. The trainee who showed me to my room was enthusiastic and made a good impression. The dining trainee seemed casual and didn’t know much about the food. I never learned where the wagyu came from, and the bowl had a thick sauce on top, so a spoon would have helped. The building isn’t new, but it was cared for and comfortable, with plenty of amenities and a great view from my room. Stink bugs were hard to avoid. My main room complaints were the awkwardly placed outlets and the polyester futon. On a cold, rainy day, we were greeted at the outdoor entrance, and the welcome drink and hot tea were soothing. The hotel has eight floors, and some elevators don’t reach the baths, which was inconvenient. I also found it odd that the indoor baths stay open while the outdoor ones close at midnight. The rock around the open-air baths can be tricky underfoot. The water is thick and smooth, so it makes sense that people call it a beauty bath.

The room was clean and the location was excellent. I only wish there had been more private baths, so guests could use one after the stargazing tour. It also would’ve been nice to have a checkout service like taking a commemorative photo in front of the hotel.