Sakaeya (Ishikawa)

We had a relaxing vacation in this quiet inn, which doesn’t have many rooms. The food and hospitality especially deserve high marks. There was plenty of variety, and everything was delicious.

The waitresses were so friendly, and there was an amazing variety of food. I was full after both dinner and breakfast. It was nice to enjoy a quiet bath, too. It snowed a lot, but we made it there and back safely. This was my first stay here!

I was very disappointed, especially since I’d booked the most expensive plan. The food I’d been looking forward to was terrible, and I barely remember it. Both the open-air bath and the public bath were lukewarm, and it was cold enough that I worried I might catch a cold. I’d booked a room with a private open-air bath. It was described as a maisonette, but that turned out to be incredibly inconvenient. There’s a dining room, then a metal staircase in the hallway, like an apartment stairwell, up to the bedroom and open-air bath. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with children or elderly people. The word “maisonette” gives the wrong impression. The refrigerator is only in the bedroom, and the whole room is very dark. It was too dim to even put on makeup. What should have been a great trip was a real shame.

The food is fantastic, all delicious and served in huge portions. I leave completely full every time. If there were a main course, it would be perfect, though I know that may be asking a lot. Since it’s Yuwaku Onsen, there isn’t much else to do, so I think the food is the main reason to stay. A sauna would be another big draw for sauna lovers, especially with the sauna boom going on. I’ve stayed here a few times and would love to return. But bug season is a definite no for me. There are bugs from the room through to the bathroom, enough that I worry I won’t be able to sleep. I wish they’d do thorough pest control. I’m posting this because I do want to come again, and I’m already looking forward to the food, just not during bug season.