Morgenrote Yamazaki

The hostess was very nice, which makes it a shame I don't think I'll return. I stayed for two nights and three days. The website looked well designed and reassuring, but the room came with no towels, yukata, or toothbrushes. You can borrow a hair dryer if you ask. The room was clean, but the futon was so thin that I woke up very sore. I tried stacking two spare futons underneath, but it didn't help. There's one indoor bath with no gender separation and no lock, so nobody else can use it while someone is inside. The shower was broken too, and I had to scoop bathwater into a basin to wash each time. The food was average, and dinner was a little disappointing compared with other Nozawa Onsen guesthouses. I love Nozawana greens and buy them as souvenirs every year, but the ones served here were quite salty.

There was a kotatsu in the room, which made it easy to relax despite the cold. I was confused at first because reception wasn't on the first floor by the entrance, but in the dining room upstairs. Since it wasn't busy, they let me use a room even though I'd arrived in the morning, which was a relief. Dinner included soba that came out after the dishes already laid on the table, and there was so much food I couldn't finish the last apple. I took it back to my room to eat later. I couldn't find any sign of the bath that was supposed to be there, so I used Akiba no Yu, the public bath about 30 steps away. After checkout, I left my luggage in a small room next to the dining room.

It's a modestly priced guesthouse where you mostly look after yourself. From here, it's about a 15-minute uphill walk to the ski resort's No. 1 chairlift and another 15-minute walk to the hot spring town. The room has no toilet and the soundproofing isn't great. The sink is shared, and you have to turn on all three taps to get hot water. Bring your own towels, toothbrush, and hairdryer.

Yamachan, this is Ikeda from Osaka. Growing up in the city, I found the Wildflower Society a really refreshing experience. The explanations about the wildflowers were wonderful, and I hope more people learn about the society. I'm humbled by all the souvenirs I received: Koshiabura, Nemagaritake, Warabi, Zenmai, Tara, Udo, and more. There are so many that I'll freeze them and eat them later. Thanks again!!! Ikeda Yasuhiro