Magoroku Onsen Rokuan

The weather forecast beforehand wasn’t very promising, but once we arrived we were blessed with wonderful weather throughout the trip.We took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Tazawako Station, then rented a Times car share to drive around Lake Tazawa and Lake Shusen before heading to the Accommodation. Just as the Accommodation advised in advance, setting “Kuroyu Onsen” in the car navigation system will take you straight to the parking area without any trouble.A lovely staff member in charge of front desk operations came outside to welcome us. She explained everything clearly and politely at both check-in and check-out, and we truly appreciated it.Our detached Room with an open-air bath had a very calming atmosphere. The bath temperature was not too hot, and we were able to soak at leisure while enjoying the greenery and the sound of the breeze. The open-air bath itself doesn’t have a washing area; instead you use a shower room located in the same space as the washbasin area. It felt a bit narrow—another 20 cm of space would have been perfect.Meals are served at a counter, and at dinner both the chef and sommelier carefully explained each dish and drink. We were completely satisfied with every plate. The course started with sake-based sparkling wine and plum wine included; in addition, my wife ordered a drink pairing (3 glasses for 3,000 yen), while I began by ordering Aramaneko from Aramasa plus local Kariho from Daisen City, enjoying how well they matched with each dish. My wife was especially impressed by how outstanding the sashimi was.This Accommodation is said to be especially popular in winter when covered in snow, but I also highly recommend Magoroku Onsen in early summer.Also, on our second day after visiting Kakunodate’s samurai residences, we were looking at Maps over lunch when we learned about an archaeological site called “Hotta-no-saku” (Hotta Stockade) in Omagari just a bit further south—and decided to go. It is said to be an ancient government office site believed to have been built in the early Heian period. Perhaps because it was a weekday there were no other visitors besides us, but it’s well worth seeing at least once. If time allows, please do visit.It feels like there are still many lesser-known tourism gems throughout Tohoku.

It was a wonderful, very comfortable Accommodation with a private feel. The breakfast and dinner were not only delicious dish by dish, but also pleasantly not an overwhelming amount that you can’t finish, which is common at Onsen Accommodations. The open-air bath is along the river with spectacular views of the beech forest, but it felt like a shame that the bath closest to the entrance is positioned so you can’t see the scenery once you soak in it. All of the staff were professional and warm, and we were very satisfied. Next time, I’d like to visit when the trees are lush and green.