Hot Spring & Private SPA 'RURINOHAMA

We spent a night here with our child and dog, and the spacious room had plenty of space for all of us. It's a great option for families with kids and dogs, and we could use the hot springs as much as we wanted. The crab dinner plan was delicious, and we enjoyed it at our own pace in the room. We'd love to return during crab season.

We loved the hands-on barbecue dinner, with lovely ingredients like abalone and steak. My sons helped cook, and it was easy and fun. The villa was beautifully kept inside and out, and much cleaner than any other dog-friendly accommodation I've stayed in. Our dog had a cage, sheet, and clean dishes waiting, and the heating was on when we arrived. The room was luxuriously spacious, and the private bath with golden spring water was roomy enough for the family to relax together. The pool is especially appealing for warmer weather. It's large, with a shallow area and a deeper section for children. My five- and eight-year-old sons were thrilled with the villa and the pool. Drinks aren't included, so I'd suggest picking them up at the supermarket about a five-minute drive away. There's also a convenience store within driving distance. The place is close to tourist spots, so you can enjoy time at the accommodation and sightseeing with small children. Crabs are sold at the check-in area, and it seems best to reserve in advance. It's a lovely way to enjoy both food and a resort stay.

Private SPA Rurihama in Amanohashidate has become a place I visit every year. I discovered Taiza crab here, and I got hooked after my first visit last year. I've brought my family twice this year and would love to go once more. It's a hidden gem that Kansai crab lovers recommend, especially for people who have tried a lot of high-quality crab. Taiza crab comes from Taiza in Kyotango City and is so rare it's almost mythical. It's available from November 6th until around the end of February. The crab market here is the only one in Amanohashidate, with tanks of Taiza crab, Matsuba crab, and Seko Kanazawa crab, the last available only until the end of December. The crab is freshly caught and served in a lovely villa setting. You can also bring food besides crab, including alcohol. A course comparing Taiza and Matsuba crab includes sashimi, grilled crab, hot pot, rice porridge, and breakfast the next morning. It starts at ¥30,000 per person, or ¥40,000 in peak season. The villas are generally over 80 square meters, and some have a sauna and pool. It's a great place to visit with family, someone you love, or friends. Every room has a natural hot spring bath, described as a "beautiful skin bath," plus an open-air bath looking over the spacious courtyard. The spring has high levels of metasilicate ions, used in cosmetics, and sodium ions, which help retain moisture and are associated with skin-beautifying properties. It's suitable for people with sensitive skin, those who prefer gentler hot springs, children, and seniors. Amuran Star Natural Hot Springs & Private SPA Rurihama 3100-8 Hioki, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture Total rooms: 6 Payment: credit cards and other options. Contact the property for details. Check-in is at 3:00 PM, with last check-in at 6:00 PM. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Times may vary by accommodation plan. All rooms have private pools and natural hot springs, including an 8-meter-diameter private pool and a large open-air natural hot spring bath.

After four enjoyable stays in a row, I've decided this year will be my last. The cleaning was really poor. I'm not expecting every corner to be scrubbed like my mother-in-law would, but they didn't even do the basics. There was rubbish left by the previous guest, hair on the floor, and the air conditioner and ventilation filters were so dirty they couldn't cool or ventilate properly. At nearly 40,000 yen per person per night, the service felt completely out of line with the price. What kind of resort hotel has everyone sweating in midsummer because the air conditioner barely works when you turn it on after arriving? (^_^;) The futon is a thick synthetic comforter for both summer and winter, so I always bring a towel blanket from home. Even though there's a pool, they provide only the minimum towels for the number of people and nights, with no extras. The hot spring bath is great, but the grout is pitch black. The facilities are good, but the service side has been so poor that I've finally given up on the place this year. To be fair, the staff are kind and polite, and their attitude isn't bad at all. I just wish they would improve the cleaning.