Around Akan Lake Ainu Kotan × Highly rated Hotel·Ryokan

Everything—from the staff and rooms to the food—was perfectly balanced and very comfortable. The staff were friendly without being intrusive, and we had a wonderful time. It’s no exaggeration to say this was one of the best Hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Thank you very much.

On my first trip to Kushiro, I stayed two nights and spent the second night at Lake Akan. From the entrance to the front desk area looked just like the photos, with lots of wood throughout, and I relaxed on the lobby sofa before heading to my Room. I took a coffee out the back entrance and sat on a bench overlooking Lake Akan—such a great start. The Room was a double Japanese-style Room, more than enough for one person. It may have been renovated; it was a modern, clean tatami Room with a bed, which was great. The bath was a large indoor bath, but I also took the shuttle bus to an affiliated property and enjoyed their rooftop open-air bath—very satisfying! You’ll regret it if you don’t go (lol). Dinner and breakfast were buffet-style, and everything was delicious. You tend to think “Hokkaido = seafood,” but all the other dishes were also carefully prepared and tasted amazing. I planned to have a drink at the bar next to reception afterward, but I was too full and gave up (lol). The next morning, while taking a walk around Lake Akan, I ran into wild deer! After that, I took an early sightseeing cruise over to Marimo Hall. The cloudy sky wasn’t ideal, but the breeze felt great and it was very relaxing. It was just one night/two days, but I fully enjoyed nature and felt refreshed. I’d love to stay again if I get the chance.

I’ve traveled to Akan several times, but this was my first stay at this Accommodation. It has the feel of a long-established property, and the staff were calm, courteous, and kind. I was satisfied with both breakfast and dinner. The Onsen was very pleasant as well, but the sauna was too hot—right when I stepped in, I burned the soles of my feet. I had been looking forward to it, so it was a bit disappointing.

In a quiet location, the Room’s Onsen is also free-flowing, and bathing while feeling close to nature is wonderfully refreshing. Because it was the Obon season, there were no vacancies in the Room we wanted, and both the large public bath and the post-bath lounge area were crowded, which was a bit tiring. However, for a popular Accommodation at this price point, that’s understandable. Overall, we were very satisfied considering the cost. The front desk staff and the service during meals were excellent. The relaxation staff at the spa provided highly skilled treatments that felt great.

We stayed this time as a family of four. We first discovered this Accommodation when we stayed here on a tour more than 10 years ago. Since then, we have returned many times for motorcycle touring and family trips. It is also in a great location for visiting the nearby Ainu Kotan and local handicraft shops. The delicious meals—and above all, the Onsen—everything deserves top marks. We will definitely be back again.