Inawashiro Shikinosato

Great value for the price, better than expected, and recommended!

We spent one Friday night here in October and were glad the inn offered a shuttle from Inawashiro Station, since it’s too far to walk. Pick-up was only at 3 or 4 PM, which made our schedule a little rushed, but having the ride helped. Before ski season, the place was quiet and not crowded. Our room was a long way from reception and the baths, with quite a few stairs, but we’d booked such a cheap plan that we felt we couldn’t complain too much. The indoor hot spring was a pleasant temperature, and the water seemed reasonably good. The meals weren’t fancy, but there was plenty of variety and care in the dishes, so we were satisfied. I thought the stay was excellent value. Bear sightings were frequent around the country at the time, which made us nervous, and the walking paths around the inn were closed. The leaves were beginning to change, so we would have enjoyed a walk, but it couldn’t be helped. It’s a difficult period, and I hope things go well for you.

The hot spring was just the right temperature and felt fantastic. The building is old, but seems well cared for. Staff were friendly, and the food was so good I wanted another bowl of rice. Since it isn’t a buffet, we could take our time eating, and coffee afterward was a nice touch. They even came out to take family photos, and we got some great shots. I’ll definitely come back.

We had a spacious, comfortable room in a clean, if somewhat old, building, and the staff were very friendly. There’s a drying room downstairs for ski gear, plus lockers for skis and boots. A scheduled shuttle runs to the ski resort and Inawashiro Station, but you need to tell the hotel staff in advance. The large public bath felt a little small. Breakfast and dinner were different on the two consecutive nights we stayed.