Yuukaen — Hotel in Hanamaki

Location : had to take a shuttle bus from the station. Had to ask the info counter first as Yuukaen doesn't seem to be on the list. But nevertheless, the lovely driver would also ask where you will be staying and they will take note of it. Anyways, station to take note of is Yamanokami station. But they stopped us directly at Yuukaen. Ride was about 20minutes away but I think it is dependent on how many stops prior they make.||Reception : lovelyn uncle which tried to explain everything but I opened my translator too late so missed a big part of it and didn't bear to make him explain again. It seems like most of the onsens are for day use customers though. I might be wrong. There is a big open air one and a smaller one for guests. ||As mentioned, the highlight of this place is the structure. It is beautiful and well maintained. ||Room : We were surprised that the room didn't come with a bathroom. It's just with a toilet. So you have to shower/bathe in the onsen.||Onsen: the waters felt good. I didn't mind taking a shower here as there's a variety of amenities available, including different bath soaps/shampoos etc. they even had hair tonic and leave on hair conditioner for you. ||Food: good. They made note of my non-raw requirements. The beef was perfect and adequately portioned! Breakfast was also good. But western portion could be more but then again it's a Ryokan after all. ||Beds : mattress was slightly thin but then again after a night's sleep, it actually felt good. ||One of the better stays in...

Location : had to take a shuttle bus from the station. Had to ask the info counter first as Yuukaen doesn't seem to be on the list. But nevertheless, the lovely driver would also ask where you will be staying and they will take note of it. Anyways, station to take note of is Yamanokami station. But they stopped us directly at Yuukaen. Ride was about 20minutes away but I think it is dependent on how many stops prior they make.||Reception : lovelyn uncle which tried to explain everything but I opened my translator too late so missed a big part of it and didn't bear to make him explain again. It seems like most of the onsens are for day use customers though. I might be wrong. There is a big open air one and a smaller one for guests. ||As mentioned, the highlight of this place is the structure. It is beautiful and well maintained. ||Room : We were surprised that the room didn't come with a bathroom. It's just with a toilet. So you have to shower/bathe in the onsen.||Onsen: the waters felt good. I didn't mind taking a shower here as there's a variety of amenities available, including different bath soaps/shampoos etc. they even had hair tonic and leave on hair conditioner for you. ||Food: good. They made note of my non-raw requirements. The beef was perfect and adequately portioned! Breakfast was also good. But western portion could be more but then again it's a Ryokan after all. ||Beds : mattress was slightly thin but then again after a night's sleep, it actually felt good. ||One of the better stays in...

Stayed overnight with colleagues. Beautiful rooms (some only futons, some with beds), and a delicious washoku meal for dinner. The only downside was that they only have Kirin beer, which isn't my favourite. They also have two karaoke boxes, which we used after another onsen break. The breakfast buffet was also very good. Service was particularly impressive; many friendly greetings and a driver even stopped and asked me if I needed a ride while I was walking to the parking lot.||||There are two onsen, one of which is larger. Both have complimentary bath towels, but no guarantee there will be any left when you get there. They also have some interesting art/decor in them. The larger one was very steamy, and the outdoor bath faces the river, and has a more natural aesthetic. The smaller one has windows so you can see outside and the natural light comes in. It also has a steam sauna in the ladies' (dry sauna in the men's). The outdoor bath is rectangular, and you can see the mountain beyond. I saw a hawk flying around when I was in it. Both baths have umbrellas by the door, so you can enjoy them without worrying about messing up your hair. The outdoor baths are a little cooler than usual (about 40 degrees) so you can really sit and enjoy them for a long time. I recommend trying to visit while there is snow, because it makes the scenery breath taking. You can visit for just the baths as...