Oomaru Onsen Ryokan

Recommended accommodation for solo travelers, discovered through a magazine. The journey by bus from the station to this hidden Onsen was exciting, and the experience exceeded expectations. Both the room and bath were impeccably clean, and the spacious open-air bath had crystal-clear, smooth water without a single fallen leaf. Surprisingly, what seemed like a river flowing beside the open-air bath was actually Onsen water from an abundant natural source.The dining area offers private rooms, making it comfortable even for solo guests. All staff members were friendly and welcoming with warm smiles. The dishes were perfectly seasoned with plenty of vegetables—ideal for relaxing at this accommodation. The coffee served in the lounge was also delightful. Inspired by one of their dishes after returning home, I recreated chicken hot pot with lemon-infused broth to share with my family.This visit provided a refreshing escape from sweltering heat; I look forward to returning during other seasons such as autumn foliage, snowy landscapes, or spring blooms. Thank you for your hospitality!

Overall, it was a good accommodation. The onsen was excellent. The room was clean and very satisfying. I would like to use this accommodation again, but there are two points that caught my attention: 1. Service: Overall, the staff seemed to be few in number. Among the staff I encountered, some were fanning themselves with a bundle of receipts while walking, others walked in pairs down narrow hallways forcing guests to step aside, and some walked boldly down the middle of narrow hallways causing guests to move out of their way. However, the tall male staff member at the front desk before departure left a good impression, so I rated this aspect 4 out of 5 points. 2. Meals: I would have preferred fresh wasabi (not powdered) with the sashimi. The tempura placed soggily on overcooked cha-soba noodles was disappointing (though the tempura itself tasted good). The cha-soba quality needs improvement. As for meat dishes, several slices of lean meat were served; however, one or two slices of tender marbled beef would have been sufficient and more enjoyable. Regarding rice—could it be stockpiled rice due to current circumstances? If not, perhaps storage conditions need improvement as it did not taste fresh enough. Meals are an important part of any stay—including breakfast—and I hope for better next time! On a positive note, the tableware was beautiful!