Hotel Showa (Yamanashi)

The hot spring water was so good that even after my trip, I found myself wanting another soak. Breakfast was better than I expected for the price, and the staff gave excellent service. I was quite satisfied overall for what I paid, though little things like grime in the sink drain and stains on the kettle did bother me. It would be even nicer if drivers on National Route 20 stopped honking so loudly.

I went with the two-meal plan, and in the evening they had the tickets ready so I could eat hoto at a nearby restaurant. That was fun, and breakfast was delicious too. I might come back for three days and two nights next time. It has a Showa-era business hotel feel, but the sodium hot spring was really good. I was surprised to find a sauna, cold bath, and freezer. Men and women use the bath at different times, though I still managed three hot spring visits and was happy with that.

I’d put the water among the top three I’ve tried at day-use and overnight hot springs. It’s 100% natural, flows straight from the source, and seems highly mineralized. After a soak, I felt physically recovered and sweated more. The place feels like a business hotel, but clean rooms, the hot spring facilities, and breakfast together make it good value. The breakfast is simple, filling enough, and delicious. There’s no elevator. I finally got to stay after a long time, but this popular inn filled up quickly. At night, motorcycle traffic on Route 20 may call for earplugs. It’s a shame for the inn’s owners, and I sincerely hope the Yamanashi Prefectural Police will do something about it.

The Wi-Fi was good, which is something I always pay attention to, and now I understand why people rave about this place. It’s a typical rural business hotel, with polite staff at reception who explain things clearly. The hot spring is a little hot and has a slightly thick feel that gets addictive. There’s a sauna and even a freezer. Breakfast came with several kinds of bread, and both the desserts and rice were delicious.