Harataki — Hotel in Aizuwakamatsu

Aizu-Wakamatsu was the second stop for our first adventure in Japan. Our language skills are very limited, and knowledge of etiquette quite rudimentary. We opted for the Harataki as a soft-entry into ryokan experience, and for two full days and three nights it was wonderful.||First, the front desk staff were very courteous and accommodating, particularly given our limited language skills. Also, we did not expect to be picked up at the onsen bus station, but they sent a car. The dining room staff for both dinner and breakfast could not have been more friendly and helpful. Same for women tending the private bath, and shop. ||The meals were outstanding. We had half-board accommodation (breakfast & dinner), each meal provided a different combination of table setting, always including a rectangular plate with two items, plus a box with six tasty dishes, plus small braiser that rotated per meal between grill, steamer, and soup pot to which we added fresh vegetable and meat from yet another dish. Then there was a generous buffet, including beverages and deserts. Everything was delicious. Alcohol was available, but billed separately to room.||The room was lovely and clean with sea green tatami mats, and a nice view of the trees across the canyon, and the river below. It must be glorious in fall colors. Every night, while we were at dinner, the staff moved the furniture and laid out the futon bedding. The bathroom and toilet felt a bit tight, but were clean and very functional. ||We opted for the private onsen bath, rather than the public, selecting the oval ceramic Moon tubs from three choices offered, with splendid setting just above the river. ||The bus station is about 600m from the hotel. A nice walk, morning and evening. A day pass for the buses that loop in opposite directions gives easy access to the town. We enjoyed the castle grounds, nearby museum, the herbal garden (beautiful), and old town. Taxis were easy to find or call when needed.||Overall, a spledid place from which to explore...

Felt like a ryokan within a modern hotel. We stayed in a traditional tatami room with a beautiful view, wore our yakata and slippers, and slept on futons. The room also had a cabin-style bathroom, mini refrigerator with water and a safe. We dined in the restaurant. The service seemed excellent but unfortunately the staff that night spoke very little English, we spoke even less Japanese, the translation app didn’t always work well, and we were not familiar with ryokan procedure and etiquette so we probably didn’t make the most of this opportunity. Breakfast was more successful as the staff were more confident in English.||The onsen was good. Everything is provided and the outdoor baths are in a beautiful setting by a stream and forest. You could also hire a private bath. The hotel lounge area looked out over forest and a beautiful gorge with river and waterfall. The leaves were just beginning to change colour in September.||The hotel staff were very helpful arranging courtesy bus pickup from the nearby town bus terminal on arrival and a taxi to the station on departure. ||||On arrival in Aizu Wakamatsu, the tourist office at the station arranged to have our luggage sent directly to Harataki so we could spend the afternoon touring the sites of this historic castle town before heading to our ryokan - a very thoughtful service! They also provided us with umbrellas for use during our stay...

This is a ryokan with a modern twist. It has all the lovely things that characterize the ryokan life: traditional tatami room, beautiful view, a full tea setup, ukata and slippers, staff who silently set everything up. The room has a few more amenities not usually offered: mini refrigerator with a pitcher of cold water, lots of glasses. ||||Sometimes I find dining in your room too restrictive. There modern twist is to have you dine in their restaurant. You get a beautiful set of appetizers that are mostly traditional and then you choose what ever you want from their buffet. They have fabulous food!||||What sets ryokans apart from hotels is the service, really excellent service. Their staff were so polite and helpful. ||||The onsen is wonderful. They provide everything you need and it is twenty-four hour access. My mother-in-law nearly stayed there all night! If you feel shy about bathing in public or you want to be with your significant other, you can rent a private bath. They have several to choose from including a family room with a large dressing room/vanity area. ||||Additionally, your room will look out on a steep mountain gorge with waterfalls and a river. It is just gorgeous...