Hotel Hamaya

First time here, and I went with the standard plan after my companion warned me the portions were huge. It was also my first time tackling a crab all by myself. 🦀 I got so focused on eating I barely said a word 😂, but I left full and ridiculously happy. Next time I'd like to try another version. 🤤 Thanks so much! ❣️

We came in September, two adults with three children, and booked just the room. The price was very reasonable.

We went to "Hotel Hamaya" for Echizen crab in December 2022. The local crab was delicious, and each person gets a bowl of boiled crab, so there's plenty to fill you up. They offer stays as well as meal-only plans. The course includes grilled and boiled crab, gratin, and hot pot; crab sashimi costs extra if you want it. Larger parties eat in the big hall, while smaller groups are served in their rooms. The parking lot is across the road. There isn't an elevator, only stairs with handrails.

We make this ryokan our yearly family crab trip. Since finding it, my wife hasn't wanted chain crab restaurants anymore, which makes me happy after all those years when we'd spend tens of thousands of yen there. Our child is still young, so we can't visit this year; we'll order online instead. In a few years, once the allergies are behind them, we'll definitely come back. This place focuses on authentic, tagged Echizen crab at a reasonable price. I don't know another ryokan that offers it like this. The portions are so generous I've never managed to finish, and there's enough crab to put you off it for a year. Staying overnight makes sense because you'll be so full and sleepy, though lunch only is possible too. I once nodded off for about ten minutes after a meal. If you're choosing between spending tens of thousands of yen at a chain crab restaurant and eating here, try the real thing and compare the value. For hot springs or rooms, I'd look elsewhere.