Oigami Onsen Hotel Yamaguchiya

The food was so good that I ate three bowls of rice, even though I normally only have one at home. The grilled salted fish was especially tasty. The owner's a lovely person, and I want to return. The people make up for the building's age in a really nice way. The exterior and interior are old, but the rooms have been renovated and are clean. The changing room was cold during a severe cold wave, though I suppose that couldn’t be helped. The hot spring is large, and the space is roomy, but perhaps the cold outside air gets in. The parking lot right in front makes coming and going easy, too.

They welcomed us so warmly, and we had a really pleasant stay. There’s a corner where even small children can have fun, and the handmade goods in the souvenir shop include adorable crocheted animal toys. If I’m near Kawaba Ski Resort or Numata Ski Resort again, I’d definitely stay here.

The staff were nice, especially the man at reception, and the hotel has a strong Showa-era feel. The rice tasted good, though it wasn’t freshly cooked, and the dining tables are low. The side dishes were just okay. When it’s crowded, the bath has only water. The bath also smells of chlorine. There’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms, no beds, vending machines, water refills, or welcome drinks. Coffee isn’t free, it costs 100 yen. The private bath is available only in the evening, costs 3,000 yen for 40 minutes, and the full amount is charged. Check-out is at 11 a.m. Suggested improvements: add more beds, put humidifiers and air purifiers in the rooms, install Wi-Fi in each room, and replace the low dining tables with more stylish chairs. I’d like to see a menu with more konjac and delicious rice, free drinks, better amenities, and a repaired hot-water boiler. Private baths could be reserved when booking, and the toilets could have washlets.

The staff were thoughtful and friendly, which made us feel at ease. We stopped here overnight after climbing snow-covered Nikko Shirane. It’s a small hotel, but the food was delicious, and the hot spring was great, especially the open-air bath with a view of the snow.