Saku Hotel Onsen (Hot Spring)

I slept really well, and the room was just right for my tired feet. The staff were very nice. It felt a little worn in places, but the hotel had a lot going for it. I didn't have time to try the facilities, unfortunately.

The inn is known to history buffs, and is said to be the birthplace of Saku carp, dating back to the Muromachi period. I came to Saku Hotel in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, especially to try the Carp Cutlet Set Meal. The first bite was a surprise: crispy batter around fluffy flesh with a delicate, white-fish-like taste. There was none of the usual river-fish smell, just the good flavor, and the special sauce went so well with it that I wanted more rice. After lunch they served Amacha, a traditional drink the inn has offered as a tasting for about 60 years. It's sugar-free but surprisingly sweet, with a refreshing finish. Having lunch in such a quiet, historic place was a lovely experience. A must if you're in Saku City. Thanks for the meal!

I left my bags there until about noon on checkout day, and when I came back, the woman at reception kindly made me Tencha tea. She was so thoughtful, and the staff were friendly. They even walked me to my room. I stayed during a walking trip along the old highway from Nihonbashi, and the interior had a lovely atmosphere. The bath looked aged, but that suited the place. My single room had a sofa as well as a bed, and the amenities were quite good. The Tencha was delicious, as was the complimentary all-you-can-drink shochu. I wish I could order the tea online. I booked through a major OTA for 4999 yen and almost felt guilty getting such quality for so little. I'd happily pay twice as much, and I wish I'd booked a meal too. I've stayed in countless hotels, and for its price and quality this is easily the best. I heard the bath's spring water was drinkable, but when I tried it from the tap, it tasted only of rusty copper. I wonder if that's how it's meant to taste. I love Tencha, really love it. I bought one bag and should've bought two or three more. I was there about five days ago and still have a long way to walk, but I regret not being able to carry it all the way to Kyoto since it was so light. That taste deserves to spread across Japan. It's sweet and calorie-free, so surely it'll go viral.

The proprietor? looked after me the whole time, and was polite, friendly, and really pleasant. I was surprised at how reasonable the cost was. I went for a day trip to the hot springs and lunch. Daytime hot spring visits are by reservation only, and cost 1000 yen for an hour. For lunch I had local carp dishes in a private room overlooking the courtyard, like something in an upscale Japanese restaurant. It made for a very elegant visit. I'd like to come back and stay overnight next time.