Umi-Akari

The hotel is not ideally located, but fortunately, it offers a convenient shuttle service from Himi Station, timed to match the arrival of trains, making it easier for guests to reach the property. While the hotel is not brand new, it is very clean and well-maintained. They offer a self-serve drink station with coffee, tea of the day, and even soft serve ice cream to refresh you upon arrival. Their open air onsen has also the unblocked sea view, nice to enjoy the sea view during the day. The hotel service is excellent. Dinner was served in the dining hall on the sixth floor, where we were seated by the window. Unfortunately, as it was nighttime, there wasn't much to see outside. Being foreigners, we appreciated the restaurant's effort to provide an English handout with details about the dishes and ingredients. The kaiseki dinner was served slowly, with each course explained in detail. The first dish, an appetizer, was introduced by the chef, who came out to explain the flavors and how to enjoy them. The waitress was very attentive, using a translator to ask for our approval before serving the next course and explaining how to savor each dish. We truly enjoyed both the food and the service. The next morning, we had breakfast in the same window-side spot. Enjoying the meal with an unobstructed sea view was a relaxing and delightful experience.

Dinner and breakfast are good. The hot spa is wonderful. The sea view from our room is great. But it was cloudy day, we cannot see the sea rise. We can see the stars at night.

This is a classic traditional onsen ryokan that has been tweaked and updated to be contemporary. Not fancy, but gracious, clean, welcoming and unusually flexible towards guests. The food was exceptionally good for this level of ryokan and price. My husband forgot to mentiion that I only eat fish and they immediately prepared a lovely meal at the last minute. The onsen is very nice and the outside bath has a spectacular view. Dinner was served as we watched the sun go down over the mountains and Toyama Bay. I would happily send friends here and go back myself. Be sure to go for a room with a view over the water.

The food is 4 stars and the hot spring 3-4 (indoor and outdoor rating) stars. Clogs provided was a novel experience. The free ice cream and quirky souvenir shop was an added bonus.

Beautiful ryokan with an amazing onsen view of mt tateyama. Hotel also have tons of amenities including free coffee and ice cream machine in the waiting area for guests to enjoy