Bandai Atami Onsen Hakkeien

I found a hidden gem 💡. I'm staying in a room with an open-air bath, and I'm incredibly happy with the room and dinner. The service has been wonderful and full of smiles. Getting this quality for such a low price makes me want to come back soon. I'll definitely return. Thank you ♪

The waitresses were very kind and helpful, and that's something I appreciated. Still, I was hesitant to leave a negative review, but for the same price I would have preferred another ryokan, so I want to be honest. It's about a 15-minute leisurely walk from Bandai Atami Station, though the road isn't properly paved and your shoes may get muddy depending on the weather. I stayed in the annex. Opening the front door, I was met by a smell like a baseball club locker room, and the shoes in the shoe lockers smelled strongly too. I was also surprised to find a cockroach in my room. The water in the women's bath stayed lukewarm and never warmed up, so I felt cold walking from the bath to the changing room.

The hot spring water was clear and rich in minerals, and left my skin feeling lukewarm. Staying in the annex hotel building felt like a business hotel, with the added bonus of the hot spring, and it was a great deal. But the annex rooms had issues. There was no washlet, which is unusual these days. The residential-style air conditioner blew warm air straight at the bed, and its business remote offered no adjustment besides temperature. I woke up in the night with a sore throat. The main building costs a little more, but I'd recommend staying there.

The spring water is excellent, the food is delicious, and the customer service is top-notch. For me, this is the best place I've visited in Tohoku. Matsushima and Akiu are unmatched.