Tsukubasan Hotel Aokiya

We had a quiet, pleasant setting and a room that was big enough for three adults. The food was good, and the staff were friendly. Getting there by public transport isn't very convenient, so we appreciated the hotel staff giving us a ride to the train station.

The onsen was small and breakfast was mediocre, but the room was the bigger problem: it was dirty and had water damage. There were mosquitoes all night, and renovation work made it noisy. I'd only suggest staying here if you want to ruin your vacation.

I only came for the onsen, not an overnight stay. There are indoor and outdoor baths, and the view is lovely. Entry was 1,200 without a towel, though you can rent one. The day-use onsen closes around 3 PM, so go earlier. I visited at about 1 PM and had the place to myself.

From the lobby, the view across the Kanto Plain is stunning on a clear day, especially with Mt. Fuji on the skyline. The hotel also has a hot spring and gift shop. Tsukuba Shrine, the cable car ride, and trails up to the summit are all within walking distance.