Imaihama Onsen Kirinokahori Sakuraku

I stayed for a refreshing getaway.It was conveniently located just steps from the station, so check-in went smoothly. I mistakenly made the Reservation under a male name, but thank you for kindly accommodating us and preparing the Room afterward.We could see the ocean from the Room, and it was very quiet both inside and outside, allowing us to relax in peace.The open-air bath in the guest room was at the perfect temperature, and I enjoyed it five times during my stay.The meal was excellent—the sashimi platter was especially luxurious and delicious. The recommended abalone we added was large and thick; since it was steamed and grilled, it had a pleasant firmness without being tough, making it easy to eat. It was truly delicious with melted butter on top.Thank you for your attentive service from check-in to check-out.I would love to stay again.

I stayed here on a solo trip.After getting off the train at Imaihama-Kaigan Station, this Accommodation is located straight ahead at the top of the steep hill in front of the station.Passing under the cherry-pink noren curtain and stepping inside, I was shown to a small room in front of the front desk,where I checked in at a relaxed pace while enjoying matcha and sweets.In fact, I arrived almost at the same time as another guest, butthey seemed to be guided to a different private room (the dining venue), so there was no sharing tables in that small room.Once I was shown to my Room and given an explanation, everything after that was free time.I spent it exactly as I pleased—soaking in and out of the bath, reading in a hammock, or just lounging indoors.(It was already a bit hot for the hammock, but since it was there…)Before long it was time for dinner, and I headed to my private dining room. It was an extravagant kaiseki course.The sashimi in particular came beautifully arranged on a large platter even for one person, and it alone felt quite substantial.At check-in they recommended an additional dish saying they had received some excellent abalone that day,but for an older solo traveler’s stomach, even without any add-ons it was more than enough….For dessert there was lemon sorbet, plus a take-home roasted green tea pudding to enjoy back in my Room,and I left completely full and very satisfied.I slept soundly on a bed with just the right firmness,and the next morning breakfast—after waking myself up with another Onsen soak—was also wonderfully satisfying: gentle Japanese fare.After eating I took yet another bath and dozed off again in the hammock,until checkout arrived far too soon.If I had to mention one drawback: whether or not the bath attached to the Room can truly be called “open-air” is debatable….Understandably, although there is some distance, it sits at an angle visible from other inns and from the beach area,so it is enclosed with smoked glass panels and sashes;“a semi-open-air view bath” feels like a more accurate description.Also, while the water temperature was well adjusted—comfortable even for longer summer soaks—heat builds up quickly unless you keep those windows open,and both temperature and humidity rise steadily from the changing area all the way to near the entrance. So opening them first thingto let air flow through felt essential.Other than that there’s nothing to fault,and as this new week begins I’m already thinking: someday again… no—hopefully soon.I’ll work hard so I can treat myself again… (lol)