Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land — Hotel in Hirakawa

We stayed at the Hana building top floor. The room is definitely a gem, ryokan style but not too traditional. In the morning, we could see Mt Iwaki smack right out of the window! I could sit there the entire day looking at the mountain. The onsen was adorable, with apples floating around so you can smell the apples while having a soak. Oh, they give you free Aomori apples in the fridge as well. The apples are really delicious. Dinner wise, it's mixed Kaiseki and Buffet. They let you choose the time which you want to dine, and for us since we arrived quite late in the evening, we decide to opt for a later slot so we can have a soak before dinner. I assumed we were the last group to dine but seems like they are in a hurry to clean up already ( it was only 7.00) and didn't bother to refill certain dishes unless we asked about it. Even the ice cream had melted completely. It happened again for breakfast and we didn't have much to eat. That is the only negative point I have experienced during my stay...

We stayed at the Hana building top floor. The room is definitely a gem, ryokan style but not too traditional. In the morning, we could see Mt Iwaki smack right out of the window! I could sit there the entire day looking at the mountain. The onsen was adorable, with apples floating around so you can smell the apples while having a soak. Oh, they give you free Aomori apples in the fridge as well. The apples are really delicious. Dinner wise, it's mixed Kaiseki and Buffet. They let you choose the time which you want to dine, and for us since we arrived quite late in the evening, we decide to opt for a later slot so we can have a soak before dinner. I assumed we were the last group to dine but seems like they are in a hurry to clean up already ( it was only 7.00) and didn't bother to refill certain dishes unless we asked about it. Even the ice cream had melted completely. It happened again for breakfast and we didn't have much to eat. That is the only negative point I have experienced during my stay...

From the exterior this hotel looks like any other but the rooms are traditional in style with tatami mats, low tables and beds on the floor. The hotel is about 20mins by car from Hirosaki station. If you need a transfer the hotel offers a free shuttle service which must be booked in advance. The tourist bureau at Hirosaki station will assist you to know where to wait. If you arrive early by train there is luggage storage for 400 yen per bag or lockers for small bags. Hirosaki Park is a 2kms walk or an inexpensive cab ride and not to be missed in Cherry Blossom season. The hotel staff are welcoming. Dinner and breakfast was included. Average meals but the onsite hot spring baths made up for it. Open early to late with a choice of 2 and separated for men and women. If you're a non smoker request a non smoking floor. Our room 452 has no smoke odours but the corridor...