Pension KEYAKI

We had a great time chatting with the friendly owner during our summer mountain stay. Dinner and breakfast were plentiful, and even the milk was rich and tasty. They topped up our coffee too. One friend had accidentally left breakfast on our bill and we panicked, but the owner sorted it out quickly, which we really appreciated. It was great that the bath was private while we used it. Our group was three men and one woman, which would have cost more, but they kindly gave us a good deal. I'd like to return when they have the fireplace going.

The garden was beautiful, full of flowers in bloom, and it felt like spring everywhere. I'd recommend visiting in spring. A cat wandered around too, though I later learned it was shy. The building itself was lovely, with the dining and baths in the main building and guest rooms in a separate accommodation building. Shoes come off at that building's entrance. Refrigerators and hair dryers are shared, and toothbrush sets are in the bathroom. Bathrooms and toilets are shared but assigned by room. The facility is barrier-free and can accommodate wheelchair users. Our triple room had a mini-kitchen and a bath that seems to be out of use now. The main building's family bath provided bath and hand towels. The washing area fits two people, so two at a time seems best. There was plenty of room and a nice selection of shampoos and conditioners. Dinner began at 6 PM, and we had to check in by then. We were aiming for 5:30 but arrived at 5:40 after some delays, and I was panicking. I called after 5:30, and they were very kind. The last stretch of road is narrow, so you find yourself hoping no one comes the other way, but the parking area was easy to find. We were there for the Sakura AACR cycling event, a group of five asking for double and triple rooms, but we ended up having the place to ourselves. I'd read that they take only two groups a day, so a group about our size might sometimes get the whole place. Dinner had lots of vegetables and mushrooms, plus meat cooked on a teppanyaki platter. I hurried to eat while the solid fuel lasted, but they brought more when it ran out. It was delicious. Dessert was chiffon cake and the season's first watermelon and strawberries. We moved to another table to relax after dinner, with a black cat keeping us company. Madame was charming and chatty, and the cat seemed to keep asking us to hurry up and play. The dining room also has a fireplace, which they'd lit the night before our visit. It was so warm the day we arrived that even a little movement made us sweat. We planned to leave early the next morning without breakfast, but Madame came by and that was a big help. It's a really nice inn, and I'd stay again if I return to Azumino. It could be great for a group, too.

The owner clearly loves animals, and we enjoyed chatting with them while staying with our dog. The welcome was superb. Meals were healthy, tasty, varied, and filling, and our dog was delighted to get a massage from the owner. The bath was spacious, with smooth, relaxing water. Rain unfortunately followed us, but the flowers and herbs sparkling with dew were soothing in their own way (*^^*).

I had a last-minute booking with my dog because my work makes it hard to plan ahead, and they welcomed us warmly. The owner's suggested blueberry and herb gardens made the trip feel especially full. Around the inn there are trees, greenery, herbs, flowers, and a dog run, while houseplants fill many of the shared indoor areas. The homemade jams and herbal teas were delicious, as were the vegetable-focused dishes and unusual local ingredients. I left feeling satisfied in both body and soul. I'd love to visit again with my dog. Thank you so much.