Kaiseki Ryokan Ashikari

Recently, I came to Japan for my annual three-week vacation from the United States. I had to stop by Atami before and after visiting hot springs for one week each before and after my return home, so I stayed at Ashikari in Yugawara for two nights. I was a little confused by the small entrance hall and the fact that I had to miss someone at Yugawara Station to pick me up, but the room I was shown to was very comfortable with its modern interior. The bed was as expected, as it was one of the conditions for choosing the hotel, but the clean wooden floor and the open-air bath facing the forest in front were completely hidden by glass (there were blinds on the room side). The vanity area was also a little big, but I would have liked the couch to be a little bigger, but I was able to do my daily work such as verifying my expenses during the trip (organizing receipts) and accessing my household ledger on my PC without any problems, and I had no trouble with the power outlet near the TV and the USB charging port on the headboard of the bed. I also liked that they said "help yourself" to the drinks, coffee, and tea in the refrigerator. Locking and unlocking the analog cylinder lock with a key with a wooden tag on it was a little "modern" but there was no problem at all (by the way, I have never experienced any problems with theft at lodgings in my life). The meals were served in a kaiseki-style style at a table and chairs in a private dining room that can accommodate 3-4 groups per room, and each meal was very well prepared and delicious. If I had to say something, the rice scoop was left in the rice cooker, but if it had been placed in a scoop holder filled with water, the refills of rice would have been more beautifully presented. The location is a little far from Yugawara Station, so you will need to drive or ask for a shuttle. However, on the middle day, I enjoyed cycling from Yugawara Station to nearby Makuyama Park on a rental bicycle, and then in the cloudy but humid July, I covered the 1.8 mile (about 3 km) uphill route from Yugawara Station to the inn in just over an hour, and the person at the inn who greeted me was surprised and asked, "What? You walked here?" It is worth mentioning that most of the waitresses and other staff are from other Asian countries, but they speak Japanese fluently and know how to treat you with kindness. The sweets served with tea, "Ajisai" (made by Ujihara Confectionery), were so delicious that I bought some to take home. It was a wonderful inn that made me want to visit again if I have the chance.

It is said to be a kaiseki inn, but the main food is not delicious.The tempura etc. are hard and cold.Also, many of the employees are foreigners, and I understand that they are working hard. I don't know if it's called "competitive", but it's a rush.Also, I don't really understand what the explanation of the food says (in Japanese, of course). The grass in the garden had grown considerably.The view changes considerably depending on the room, so you should be careful when choosing a room.

There is no doubt that it has potential, but this stay was disappointing. What I am saying is the following points. First of all, when I made the reservation, there was no explanation that the hotel was being renovated. When we arrived, the construction workers were returning home, and the building was somewhat dusty and the smell of adhesive thinner was in the air. Secondly, although I made the reservation 3 days in advance, there was no confirmation of my reservation or arrival time. I went by train, but it looked like I would be arriving a little late, so I called and was told for the first time that a car would be available to pick me up. If I hadn't checked, I would have taken a taxi. Also, as mentioned in other reviews, the garden was not taken care of at all, and there was almost no lighting, so you couldn't see anything at night from the dining area or inside your room. did. Although the facility is built on a slope, there are no escalators or elevators, and the stairs are steep, so it may be inconvenient for those with walking disabilities. The room was well-cleaned, but the sofa and desk on the terrace of the room had not been cleaned. I was grateful that coffee and drinks were free. The washroom was spacious and well stocked with amenities, but the height of the washstand was relatively low and I think it would have been better if there was a seat. The hot spring I went to was as expected, and the large bath, the open-air bath in the large bath, and the open-air bath in my room were nothing to complain about. The food was absolutely delicious both in the evening and in the morning. In addition, the hospitality of all the staff was impeccable, especially the foreign Nakai's customer service was excellent, so I would definitely like to visit again once the renovations are complete and the above points can be improved.

I heard that it had just been renovated, so I visited with my family to celebrate my eldest daughter's high school graduation. The room was bright and well designed, and the open-air bath was large, and the whole family was impressed. The food was also very beautiful and delicious, just as the reviews said. I would definitely like to find an opportunity to visit again. Thank you for a wonderful stay!