Hotel Tetora Yunokawaonsen

Free parking was handy, and the owners are lovely. It’s a very old Japanese place and could use a little updating, but it was nice to stay there.

I left feeling sick just thinking about the water. There was hair all through the hot spring, with even more sludge floating on top of it. A plastic container in the tub had what looked like scale on it, which added to the unsanitary feeling. The changing room didn’t look clean either, though that seemed tolerable next to the water. Maybe they’re short-staffed, but the areas where cleanliness matters aren’t being maintained. This was a day trip, and it was the dirtiest hot spring I’ve ever visited.

The hot spring itself was great, and I’ll definitely come back. But on my first day spa visit, I noticed dust from the air-conditioning fan and hair dryer, and the small things on top of the safe were dusty too. Some areas felt dirty, so I’d like them to give the place a thorough cleaning.

We couldn’t use the open-air bath, but the bath we did use was nice and hot, and warmed us up quickly. The tub is small, though, maybe five people at a time. The building and facilities feel dated but are well maintained, and the price made it feel like a very good deal. Above all, the front desk service was superb. Even though the three of us booked at the last minute when we decided to add another night in Hakodate, the staff were courteous. The rooms are smoking rooms only, but none of us non-smokers noticed a cigarette smell. At another smoking hotel I’d stayed in before, spraying air freshener over and over didn’t get rid of it. Of course, non-smokers could say we shouldn’t stay in smoking rooms in the first place. People who are especially sensitive to noise might want to avoid this place. I’d recommend it for a trip with male friends or for traveling solo.