HOTEL Obokekyo Mannaka

Dinner was the real highlight of one of our best stays in Japan. Our package included dinner and breakfast, and we hadn't expected such a generous array of delicious local dishes. We were amazed and had a wonderful evening, with lovely restaurant staff as well. Breakfast the next morning was just as impressive. The staff were fabulous, and our room was spacious, clean, and had all the amenities plus more. The onsen was a treat, big and clean, with indoor and outdoor sections. We went twice and enjoyed every minute.

We asked ahead by message whether they could handle a vegetarian diet and weren't expecting it to work out perfectly, but they exceeded our expectations. Both breakfast and dinner were among the best meals of our whole trip, even though we know vegetarian food can be difficult in Japan. The rooms were charming and large by Japanese standards, the onsen was relaxing, and the food was amazing. It was a really wonderful stay.

This is one of the best rooms I've had among 50-plus hotels on my various road trips exploring Japan, and well worth what I paid. The room was new and well maintained, with excellent amenities including Imabari towels. The meals were very good. If I had to nitpick, there wasn't much sashimi selection, though getting fresh fish daily must be challenging given the location and number of guests. They put a small flag from your own country on your dinner table and wave a larger one as you depart.

The gorge-facing rooms have a great view, and both the food and service were very good. The public bath is worth visiting too, especially for its semi-outdoor hot bath and very cold plunge tub, where you can partly see the bridge and gorge. The building looks a little dated from outside, but the interior is newly renovated and stylish, with a neat translation gadget at reception. The room has useful newer appliances: a Dyson hairdryer and fan, a large LCD TV with USB and HDMI connections, remote-control curtains, an Anker charging station with cables, adjustable lights, and motion-activated lights. There are more USB and power outlets than you'll need, even one in the toilet 😂. In-room amenities include makeup remover and face cream for men and women, bathrobes, slippers, and extra towels in the cupboard. If the towels are the wrong size, there are more by the elevator.