Arriving by car near Lake Yuno, we were immediately greeted by the distinctive sulphurous scent of the Okunikko hot springs, setting the tone for a relaxing stay. From the moment we pulled into the porte-cochère, it was clear that this hotel pays exceptional attention to detail. We were warmly welcomed by an English-speaking receptionist, who greeted us as soon as we arrived. Check-in was efficient and seamless, with clear explanations about the onsen facilities, breakfast hours, and the opportunity to select our preferred dinner time. Throughout our stay, every member of staff—from the reception team to the restaurant servers—was incredibly kind, professional, attentive, and welcoming, making us feel genuinely cared for.
Yukata and obi are provided free of charge for guests to wear during their stay, and I was pleased to find that the LL size fit perfectly even at 190 cm tall. Our room was spacious and beautifully traditional, with soft tatami mats covering the entire floor and a chabudai table accompanied by two zabuton cushions in the centre. Towels, slippers, and a full range of bathroom amenities were provided, although the largest slippers were still a little too small for our feet. The room also included a mini fridge, a safe, and complimentary green tea and coffee. The bathroom featured a modern smart toilet, but no shower, as guests are expected to bathe in the onsen. While we were enjoying dinner, the staff thoughtfully prepared our room by laying out two exceptionally comfortable futon beds, ready for us to return to at the end of the evening.
The hotel has two onsen areas for each gender—a larger and a smaller bath—both featuring indoor and outdoor pools. As is customary in Japan, these are enjoyed without swimwear. The baths open early at 5:30 am, close briefly late in the morning, reopen at around 3:00 pm, and remain available until midnight. We found the water particularly hot in the evening, so we could only stay immersed for a few minutes at a time, but it was still an incredibly relaxing experience.
Dinner was included with our reservation, and it exceeded every expectation we had. Our table was prepared for us at the exact time we had chosen, and the presentation was simply stunning. Each course was beautifully arranged, with an elaborate and varied menu showcasing fresh, carefully selected ingredients. The sashimi was especially delicate and of outstanding quality. The dining experience alone makes this hotel worth visiting.
Breakfast was equally impressive and was also included in our stay. The staff remembered us from the previous evening and guided us back to the same table, a small but thoughtful touch that we appreciated. The meal included table-cooked beef slices with vegetables served alongside a delicious peanut sauce, clam soup, omelette, salmon, and a variety of traditional breakfast items, as well as Western options such as yoghurt, bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages. One unexpected highlight was the ice cream selection. The vanilla, matcha, strawberry, and yuzu flavours were probably the best ice cream we have tasted in years—wonderfully creamy with an incredibly smooth texture, barely any ice crystals, and perfectly balanced sweetness that allowed each flavour to shine.
The hotel's location beside Lake Yuno is another major highlight. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and beautiful hiking trails, it offers the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Okunikko. I would highly recommend planning enough time in your itinerary to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings, as the setting is every bit as memorable as the hotel itself.
