Arakikanko Hotel

For 5,000 yen for the room and 150 yen for the bathing fee, I was satisfied to have access to the large communal hot spring bath. Just keep in mind this was a special offer for a bargain room, different from a regular room. The room was clean, but the layout meant the sink only had cold water. The toilet was uncomfortable to sit on, there was no view, and there wasn’t a bath in the room.

For a room-only stay at a reasonable 5,000 yen, the amenities and front desk service were excellent and I was comfortable. There are izakayas and convenience stores within walking distance, so it’s easy enough to manage without meals. The water was plentiful and smooth, and the indoor bath was spacious and satisfying. The large open-air bath is only available until October, though, and there’s no sauna, just the indoor bath. One thing bothered me in the changing room: there was a lot of hair on the floor, and I didn’t want to go barefoot after bathing. I wish they’d leave out mops so guests could clean it up if they wanted. Still, it was relaxing and comfortable.

Even though I booked a room-only stay at the last minute, the room was clean and the staff were kind and polite. They were accommodating when my one-year-old daughter tore a shoji screen, and even let me know when it was time to change towels. There was a microwave and kettle, and I could buy instant noodles and frozen food, so I had what I needed. The slippers were hard and hurt the tops of my feet, and the shower pressure in the large communal bath was a little weak. I think it’s a very good hotel.

I relaxed in the open-air bath looking up at the starry sky, and came away feeling refreshed and ready to work hard again tomorrow. It had been a while since my last visit, and on this weekday there was nobody else in the baths, though some guests were staying overnight. The sauna wasn’t open when I went to the open-air bath, perhaps because it was a weekday, which was a bit disappointing. In the indoor bath, I went in and out several times, alternating between the hot part and cooling off outside. It was very relaxing. I’ll definitely come again, and hope the sauna is open next time.