Okabesou

We came as three generations of one family and found the inn comfortable, clean, and full of old-fashioned charm. I feel lucky we came across such a lovely place. The four kinds of baths rotate between men and women, and the open-air garden bath was a highlight. Meals were luxurious, with so much food even at breakfast that we couldn’t finish it all.

The rooms have been renovated recently, and despite the hotel’s age, they felt very comfortable. Ours looked out over the inn’s carefully landscaped garden, with several kinds of maple trees. I imagine the autumn leaves and winter snow would each make for a very different, and more comfortable, visit. The two-meal plan offers a huge variety of food, enough to fill even an adult man. The hot springs feel quite different by day and night. At night, the outside is very dark, perhaps because this is an old-style inn, and the possibility of bears nearby made me reluctant to go out. In daylight, the view is much better and the experience more enjoyable. A fantastic hot spring inn.

The building is old, but its interior has been carefully looked after and has a charming feel. My room was clean, too. Dinner and breakfast were both delicious and generous, and I was very satisfied. The service was warm and attentive, which made the stay pleasant. I’m used to busy hotel buffets, but this visit showed me how nice it is to unwind at a smaller inn. I was surprised to get that experience for about 10,000 yen per person.

I was working in Kazuno City, and for the special occasion I invited my family to join me. The three of us stayed at Okabe So, whose look and atmosphere we all loved. My son was moved by how much it reminded him of So from "Hanasaku Iroha." We tried the hot springs before dinner. "Taisho-yu" was amazing, and all the baths were great. Dinner came to our room, spread out so much that we could barely see the low table. It was delicious and there was plenty, so we were completely full. Breakfast was colorful and satisfying as well. One other guest that day, an elderly customer, was really harassing us, and it brought my mood down. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the inn staff who had to deal with that guest. Okabe So is the best!