Akan no Mori Tsuruga Resort Hanayuka

The hotel onsen was very nice, and breakfast and dinner had plenty of choices. But the bed let us down, and the room smelled. The heater kept blowing hot air into the room, so we had to switch on the air conditioning to counter it. Reception tried to fix the problem but couldn't. When we brought it up again in the morning, all we got was an apology. It was a pity.

The buffet could use more variety. It was exactly the same each evening, and although we enjoyed it the first night, by the third it felt repetitive. That was a minor flaw in a stay we otherwise found memorable and enjoyable. Staff were friendly and accommodating. We asked for a window-side table, and they made an effort to seat us at the same table, B-3, for most of our meals over three nights. We appreciated that. The location was very convenient too, with a back door leading straight to the lakeside walking trail along Lake Akan and the boat terminal just steps away. Thanks for the hospitality.

Dinner was sumptuous and delicious, and all nine of us were happy with it. I'm writing this on our first night, so breakfast is still to come. We walked to the nearby forest trail and mud volcanoes, and also along the lake. The weather was very good at the end of April. The hotel is new, and you can still smell the wood when you enter the main lobby. We arrived early and, following instructions from the hotel staff member guarding the entrance, parked about 100 metres away. Water pressure and supply on the sixth floor were very poor. We didn't try the onsen, but there is an outdoor foot bath opposite the main entrance, and you can visit the large onsen at the sister property about 800 metres away. A free shuttle runs on a fixed schedule. There's also a washing machine on the second floor. For anyone visiting Lake Akan, this hotel is worth considering.

The view is fantastic, and if you enjoy walking, you can make it on foot to the Ainu village. For the price, this is probably one of Japan's best value hotels, if not the best.