Kanponoyado Sakata

We had a tasty dinner and breakfast, and the price was reasonable for such a good stay. My room was bigger than I expected, which made it easy to unwind, and the cleaning was thorough. I’d been too sleepy to bathe the previous night, so I was excited to try the hot spring at 5 a.m. There were already a few other guests there, even that early. The water felt just right, and I enjoyed chatting with people I hadn’t met before. The open-air bath was lovely in the fresh air too.

I went for a daytime visit to the hot spring, and it was very good, just like the website photos. It isn’t new, but the place is clean. Adult entry during the day is 510 yen, which seems like a good deal. The amenities are fairly well stocked, though there are no cotton swabs or brushes, and you can rent bath towels for a fee. The free keyed lockers have a partition down the middle, so large bags won’t fit. The front desk can store them for you. A lot of local regulars drive here. I took the community bus from Sakata Station, which cost just 100 yen. I’d also recommend Yamaikura, between Sakata Station and Kanpo no Ni.

We came as a family of four after hearing the inn will close in March next year. Dinner was a course meal, and we were very happy with the vegetables, sashimi, and rice. The staff were attentive and friendly, and the large facilities and spacious hot spring baths were clean. There were reclining baths, shower baths, and an open-air bath, so we could really relax. The baths seemed quieter in the morning than at night. I hope it keeps operating as a hot spring and lodging facility, even if it closes as a Kanpo no Yado (Japan Post Inn).

During the Obon holidays, our family of three came from Akita Prefecture: a couple and our junior high school student. The building felt old, but it was clean, and I appreciated that the staff didn’t seem to give up on providing good service because of the facility’s age. They paid close attention to the buffet, replacing dishes quickly when food was running low. I manage a company too, and I’d like to help develop staff who put customers’ satisfaction first like that. Thoughtful amenities and the staff’s hospitality more than made up for the older facilities. We left very satisfied, and I recommend staying here at least once to experience the staff’s hospitality.