Itako Hotel

I came with a school group of 80 students. The room was very basic and quiet. It wasn't five-star, but I hadn't expected too much.

The traditional rooms and ofuro were nice, the breakfast was delicious, and the people were lovely. A great place.

The view from the banks of the Hitachi Tone River, which flows from Lake Kasumigaura, has me looking forward to tomorrow morning. Staying here on one of my few trips to the Kanto region will be a memorable experience. It's an older hotel, but well cared for, and the safe was sturdy. I came on a travel agency group tour. As soon as our bus arrived, all the staff helped bring our suitcases into the lobby. That kind of old-fashioned hospitality is hard to find in modern hotels. The dishes include carp washing and carp soup. Nakai-san was very kind, and the front desk staff were attentive, almost like a storekeeper. Many hotels provide body towels these days, but I personally find a thin bath towel more comfortable for washing.

The meals were a highlight: washed and simmered carp with local sake, plus the diced "mystery meat" steak I’d read about in reviews. The large public bath isn't a hot spring, but I still enjoyed it. I stayed in a Japanese-Western room in the main building. The place still has a strong Showa-era feel. Only the bathroom and shower areas have been renovated, and some people may not like the wear in the living area. For me, the view of the Kita Tone River, the water-town birds, and the sunset made up for that. The older staff seemed friendlier and very attentive. They kept asking if I wanted more rice or tea, to the point that I felt a little intimidated. I wouldn't expect the younger staff to be quite as attentive. I imagine the inn must have been busy back when express trains stopped at Itako Station. You can still get a glimpse of that time here. Thanks for the hospitality.