Tazawako Kogen Mizusawa Onsenkyo Ryokan Aoniyama-so

Although we try to take a couples’ Onsen trip at least once a month, we were busy this month and couldn’t easily find time—so, as usual, it was a last-minute Reservation. We decided to stay nearby and chose Aoni Onsen for its excellent water quality. Luckily, there was a Room available at just the right time.Best of all, we could use the private bath in the building where we stayed free of charge, so my wife and I enjoyed it before heading to the large public bath. The water was great, everything was clean, and the view was wonderful.Dinner was served at the counter with attentive service for each dish while watching the kitchen at work. There was also an impressive lineup of well-known Akita sake—including Aramasa, which I used to drink almost every night. I thought it might shake my resolve since I had only recently quit drinking, but surprisingly it didn’t. With kind encouragement like “Why not just have a little?”—and with my wife unable to drink—I gratefully accepted their thoughtfulness while focusing on the meal.Since sake had always been part of every Onsen trip until now… I expected to feel lonely about it—but I didn’t at all (even though I used to be a certified sake sommelier). We truly enjoyed the Onsen.

I visited twice last year and stayed at Aoani Sanso again this time. I booked during the lowest-priced period, but the owner said the meals are the same even at a lower rate, and they were very delicious. I’d like to stay again in autumn. Kind and attentive service—an excellent Accommodation.