Village Azumino

The Alpine-style building gives the feeling of being on a trip, which I liked during my business stay. There’s a wasabi farm and a delicious soba restaurant nearby, so it’s convenient, especially if you have a car.

We stayed as a group of five. The room was spacious, with five beds lined up side by side. There was a kotatsu, and I ended up dozing off while watching TV. The room also had its own bath, where Grandma could take a nice, relaxing soak. There’s a larger bath too. Hotel guests can use it until 11 p.m., while day visitors leave at 10, so maybe 10-11 p.m. is best if you want a quiet bath. The garden had winter illuminations, so we walked around after dinner. Lots of places were closed at year-end, so there wasn’t much to do, but it seems like a lovely place to spend a relaxed New Year. The food was tasty, too.

The sauna itself is fine, but it’s really frustrating when people who seem to be local regulars save places. It’s small, with room for about six, so seeing people leave mats and towels to hold the good spots and take them over was pretty unpleasant. I hope the facility makes sure to explain the rules and remind people about sauna etiquette, so everyone can use it comfortably.

I came for a day trip to the baths. It isn’t a hot spring, but the groundwater feels really refreshing. There’s a spring in front of the shop next door, and lots of people come to collect water. The bathing area has an indoor bath, sauna and cold bath. The sauna fits about six adults, and there are benches outside to cool off. I do wish they had built an open-air bath. They have a points card, and I’d like to go again.