Around Toyokōen Park × Accommodation With Relaxing Welcome LoungeHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan for Onsen and bath

Considering the price, everything was acceptable. However, this isn’t the Hotel’s fault, but by 5 p.m. almost everything in the tourist area—including restaurants—was closed. The downside was that once it got dark, there was little choice but to spend time in the Room. I suppose there must be some kind of agreement among the local merchants.

The hotel had a very calm atmosphere and was a great place for my spouse and me to stay for one night and two days. The large public bath was especially relaxing. The tub was spacious, there were four shower booths, and the amenities were well stocked. The shampoo also smelled wonderful. In-room amenities are available in the lobby, so you pick up what you need yourself. It was also convenient to have an ice machine, vending machines, and a microwave near the elevator on our floor. We appreciated the welcome drink machine in the lobby as well—it offered hot coffee, tea, and other warm drinks. It was available from 6:00, so we enjoyed a delicious hot coffee to start the day. Free parking was another plus, and it was nice that we could walk to nearby sightseeing spots. Thanks to this stay, we were able to fully enjoy our first trip to Shiga.

I stayed at “Sumihei” in Tango over the weekend. Even before my stay, they carefully discussed my detailed requests by email. I arrived with no worries at all and looked forward to the day. The first thing I felt upon entering the Room was the warmth of a space clearly crafted with great care down to every detail by local carpenters. Everything was impeccably clean, and I was able to relax in complete comfort. What impressed me most was the open-air bath in the Room. The Sea of Japan stretched out right in front of me, and the sense of openness was exceptional. From right after arrival until just before checkout the next day, I enjoyed it so many times I lost count. Soaking late at night or early in the morning, then lying beside the bath listening to the sound of waves, was a truly luxurious moment that helped me forget everyday life and relax from the heart. At both dinner and breakfast, staff kindly explained each dish and its ingredients one by one. Everything was delicious, and especially at dinner, there was so much crab that I couldn’t finish it all. Since it was before crab season this time, they told me it had been flash-frozen from last season’s catch—but it was more than delicious enough. Of course it’s nice to enjoy expensive crab at high-end kappo restaurants around Hanshin, but I felt Sumihei’s crab dishes were just as good. It reminded me again that “the best way to enjoy great ingredients is to eat them where they’re locally caught.” The complimentary private baths were also wonderful—I woke up early and tried them all. Each had its own unique atmosphere, offering a different kind of enjoyment from the Room’s open-air bath. And what left an especially strong impression this time were all of the staff. Not only are they trained to a very high standard; you can also feel their pride in working at Sumihei and their confidence as they provide attentive service. It didn’t feel scripted—each person naturally acted with genuine consideration for guests, which was truly impressive. Their hospitality even reminded me of The Ritz-Carlton staff. The food, service, Room, and open-air bath—everything made for an extremely satisfying stay. I didn’t just think “I want to come back”—when checking out, I went ahead and made a Reservation for one year later. I’m already looking forward to enjoying Tango—and Sumihei—in a different season next time.

Excellent value for money. The Onsen was satisfying, and the Room was very clean. The welcome drink system was great, and the staff were pleasant. Breakfast was also delicious. It was a bit disappointing that the toilet in the Room was small.