Hutte Birke

We booked directly through Hutte Birke’s website, using a translation app to help. The room listings are split between Japanese and non-Japanese guests, which lets her keep track of who’s coming. The hosts, Okaa-san (mother) and Otou-san (father), are charming and glad to help. Knowing a little Japanese is useful for getting around, though Okaa-san speaks English quite well and loves telling you about the local dishes served at dinner each night. After six trips to Japan, this might be our favourite place we’ve stayed. It feels both casual and special. The food and onsen were amazing, and our small tatami room had futons and a wonderful view.

We still smile when we think about our stay here. The okaasan and otoosan who run this hutte are so warm and friendly, and it felt like visiting our grandparents’ home. We had excellent hospitality, a private onsen to relax in, and sumptuous food featuring Akita specialties. The quiz show during dinner was fun too. We’ll definitely come back.

It felt less like a hotel and more like staying with kind Japanese grandparents. The rates are incredibly cheap for what you get. Dinner and breakfast were stellar, full of delicious, healthy local specialties, and the baths used real hot spring water. The service was excellent too: they drove us to the slopes and elsewhere, helped us work out bus times, and gave other advice. If you’re skiing at Tazawako, this is the place to stay. I really hope I can find a reason to visit again.

A cosy place with a Japanese-style room, a nice onsen, hospitable owners, and tasty food. It’s about a five-minute drive to Tazawako. If I’m back in Akita, I’ll definitely stay here again.