On February 18, 2023 (Saturday), we stayed for one night with two meals included, marking our first visit in three years since February 23, 2020 (Sunday). Our first visit was a day trip for bathing with my wife, our child, and one of my wife's friends, so this time was our first overnight stay. Let me tell you, this inn truly shines when you stay overnight, allowing you to fully experience its greatness. Firstly, what's amazing is that guests can enjoy unlimited local sake and various sours from check-in until 5:00 PM. Furthermore, you can have unlimited "noboribetsu milk" until 9:00 PM. In addition to this, the room's fridge comes stocked with one bottle of beer, one bottle of ginger ale, one bottle of cola, mineral water (2 bottles per person), green tea (2 bottles per person), and orange juice (1 bottle per person), all complimentary! While outside food and drinks are not allowed, you can stay comfortably without needing to bring anything. It was truly impressive. Once you take off your shoes upon entering the inn, you can spend your time indoors barefoot on the tatami mats and cozy carpets. The heated floors are perfect. The baths are outstanding! In Noboribetsu Onsen, it has become quite rare to find a 100% natural hot spring. This sulfur spring, known as "Ishikou sen," is rich in calcium and has a strong acidic sulfur component. The unique scent of sulfur is subtle, and the spring water feels incredibly gentle and elegant as it flows freely. With only 21 rooms in this small inn, we didn't encounter many other guests and often had a private-like experience. Meals were served in-room for both breakfast and dinner, which was fantastic for our family to enjoy in privacy. For dinner, we had a seasonal kaiseki course. When we requested to avoid raw fish and vinegared dishes for our child, they kindly prepared shrimp fry and hamburger instead. It was delightful. The dinner included dishes like yellowtail hot pot, kamameshi (pot-cooked rice), and various small side dishes, all of which we enjoyed. Later, deep-fried and grilled dishes, as well as soup, were served, providing a satisfyingly ample meal. My wife's comment, "I think I ate more than I would have at a buffet," resonated with me completely. After dinner, the three of us watched TV and soaked in the bath. The next morning, we had breakfast at the latest possible time, 8:45, and leisurely relaxed. Even after breakfast, we continued to soak in the hot springs at a leisurely pace. The check-in time was 2:00 PM and check-out was at 11:00 AM, allowing us to truly indulge in a luxurious and leisurely high-quality time. All the staff were Japanese, and many of them were young. I couldn't help but think that this was likely due to a good working environment. While there are many facilities that create large baths and accept a large number of guests through heating and circulating the water, I hope that inns like this one, which preserve the true essence of Noboribetsu Onsen, will continue to thrive. I felt that this inn encompassed all the true beauty of Noboribetsu Onsen.

The room service beef feast course was truly delicious. Among them, I was personally impressed by the shark fin chawanmushi, Shiraoi beef shabu-shabu (sesame broth), beef and avocado tempura. I was completely satisfied with the quality and quantity of both breakfast and dinner, and above all, the room service was the best.

At Noboribetsu Onsen, this ryokan prides itself on rare source spring water. Superpower loves sulfur springs more than anything else, and believes that wrapping the body in that sulfur smell for a few days is the ultimate happiness. Noboribetsu Onsen is known for its sulfur springs, but due to the many large hotels, there are few accommodations that offer source spring water. I have been a fan of Hokkaido for a quarter of a century and used to enjoy the intensely hot source spring and strong sulfur smell at the now-closed "YH Akashiya-so" bath in Noboribetsu. I consider myself a strong person because very few people could handle the intense heat of that bath, even the staff found it unusual. So most guests either enjoyed the outdoor baths or just took a shower, or if they did enter the bath, they couldn't bear it and quickly exclaimed "It's too hot!" like Bruce Lee and left. Nostalgically reminiscing about those days, I was searching for an accommodation that offers source spring water and came across this ryokan. It was the only one I could find in Noboribetsu Onsen that offers source spring water (if you know of any other accommodations in Noboribetsu Onsen that offer source spring water, please let me know). Moreover, they offer a shuttle service from Noboribetsu Station, which made me very happy (they also provide pick-up from Noboribetsu bus stop for those arriving by bus from New Chitose Airport, which is great). As there was a room available before the last long weekend of the year, I made a reservation immediately. The room-only plan from my last visit was no longer available, so I chose the one-night stay plan (because I will be going to Pizzeria Astra for dinner). Upon checking in, I headed straight to the bath. The indoor bath is fine, but the outdoor bath is definitely source spring water. The proof is the mineral deposits at the bottom of the tub, which have solidified into clay due to the insoluble components of the hot spring. It's sticky, just like the mud pack you can enjoy in Beppu's Myoban Onsen. This is excellent, it must be a top-notch sulfur spring! After confirming that no one was around, I applied the mud pack all over my face, neck, and arms. Afterwards, my skin was smooth and silky. The temperature is on the hot side, but the water flow is kept low to prevent it from being too hot for most people, as excessive heat would make it difficult for guests to enter the bath. The water is clear at the spout, but the bath is milky white from the start, which is exactly what Superpower loves. When you stir the mineral deposits at the bottom, the sulfur spring aroma becomes even richer, and there is no greater satisfaction! This ryokan's greatest feature is its small size, which allows for personalized service in various areas. If there were a cold water bath, the rating would be even higher, but since there isn't, I enjoyed a warm-cold alternation bath with a water shower, followed by an outdoor air bath to refresh myself with the mountain air and sulfur spring smell. I spent as much time as possible going through this routine, which is the most enjoyable way to experience this ryokan. I had requested breakfast only this time, but they offered room service, allowing me to enjoy a leisurely meal. Of course, I started my day with 5 sets of hot spring, water shower, and outdoor air bath from 6 am. I was nicely steamed and then had breakfast. In this plan, all drinks in the room refrigerator were complimentary, which was greatly appreciated after soaking in the hot spring. In the morning, I indulged in a Wilkinson Ginger Ale from the lineup. For breakfast, I treated myself to a bottle of beer (Sapporo Black Label) which paired perfectly with breakfast. It was already delicious, wasn't it? So sorry! The crucial breakfast was standard but just right in terms of variety, and I enjoyed it without any complaints. The tofu served was a bit luxurious. The tofu itself was ordinary, a commercial product, but the freshly grated ginger added a nice touch. The sliced pickled white fish mentioned as sashimi was unclear. Grilled fish (mackerel) and rolled omelette were ordinary. The simmered Chinese cabbage and fried dish were perfect for after the bath. This ryokan is a wonderful place to stay if you want to experience top-notch sulfur springs.

I stayed at Hanaya-san, my favorite flower bell tea house, with a discount coupon! I enjoyed sashimi at night and a traditional breakfast in the morning. The 100% natural hot spring water in Noboribetsu was amazing. It was only 5,000 yen for a weekday stay, which was very reasonable. I wish they had salmon for breakfast though. I suddenly had a 2-day work break on a weekday. I was unsure where to go for a trip. My first choice was a ryokan in Yunokawa, Hakodate, but it seemed too far and not ideal for this season, so I decided against it. I wondered how much Hanaya-san costs now. After checking, I found out that it was quite affordable with two meals included. I made a reservation the day before and checked in at 2:00 PM. It seems that bringing your own drinks is now prohibited, but the room's mini-fridge is stocked with beer, cola, ginger ale, etc. for free. The lobby also sells Asahi Super Dry 350ml cans for only 250 yen, which is very cheap for a ryokan. The payment is settled during check-in, and they accept credit cards. With a 5,000 yen fee and a 2,000 yen discount coupon, I only paid 3,000 yen for two meals. Dinner is served from 5:30 PM, and I requested 5:45 PM as my preferred time since 6:00 PM was fully booked. Breakfast is served in the room at a relaxed 8:00 AM. The hot spring is a 100% flowing natural spring from Noboribetsu's No. 1 spring. It's not a large bath, but it's cozy and allows for a relaxing time without many other guests. I enjoyed the fresh sashimi served in the room at 5:45 PM. The local fish, salmon, shrimp, seared white fish, and especially the delicious bluefin tuna were delightful. I also had a half beer for free, which was a nice touch. After dinner, I went back to the hot spring. In the morning, after a refreshing bath, I had a satisfying breakfast served in the room at 8:00 AM. The milk and hot tea served were nice, but I was disappointed that the fish was mackerel, which I don't particularly enjoy. The tuna in the sashimi was the highlight for me. Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay at Hanaya-san, and I appreciate their attention to detail and customer service. I hope to visit again soon.

The final stop of this trip was Noboribetsu Onsen, a well-known hot spring destination. The smell of sulfur and gas can be detected from the Oyunuma, and the natural foot bath is also nice. We chose to stay here because we could enjoy the Noboribetsu Onsen with flowing hot spring water at a lower price compared to other ryokans. The ryokan has a slightly old-fashioned atmosphere, but it is well-maintained and clean. The reservation process was smooth through Jalan. The customer base and level of crowding were not clear as we had room service. We were able to choose our start time between 17:30-19:00, and breakfast was served early at 7:00. The service was average, but it was a bit of a hassle to call or wait for the staff to come to clear the dishes after each meal during room service. The menu was as shown in the photos, with mostly cold dishes and ending with warm tempura, rice, and miso soup. The parking lot is located down a road behind the building, leading to an unpaved parking space with other hotel names, which can be confusing. Fortunately, the staff guided us to the parking lot. Overall, the ryokan meal experience was as expected, but since we mainly chose this place for the hot spring bath and accommodation, we were satisfied. It was good that there were no heavy dishes that could cause stomach discomfort.

☆2 nights 3 days Hokkaido trip☆ Starting the morning of the 3rd day with breakfast at "Hanayatei Hanaya"! We requested an early start at 7:10 am to make sure we have enough time for the Jigoku tour. It was a room service meal. ■ Menu A traditional Japanese meal with dishes like tamagoyaki, grilled fish, nikujaga, salad, and ohitashi. The rice was served in a traditional wooden rice container. There was a mysterious glass of milk, probably left out for a while after being prepared. Unfortunately, most of the dishes were served cold. The taste did not exceed our expectations. ■ Overall Hmm, maybe we had too high expectations. There were hardly any dishes using local Hokkaido ingredients. I think there are plenty of accommodations with better value for money. The staff was friendly and welcoming though. Thank you for the meal.

☆2 nights 3 days Hokkaido trip☆ From Otaru, take the Rapid Airport, Chitose Line, and Muroran Line to Noboribetsu! The second night is spent at a ryokan in Noboribetsu Onsen called "Hanakane-Tei Hanaya". Despite arriving later than planned, we were warmly welcomed. ■ Building Located a bit away from the Noboribetsu Onsen town, the building is not new but well-maintained. It was a bit disappointing that we couldn't have a welcome drink due to our late arrival. As soon as we arrived, it was time for dinner at 7:00 PM. ■ Menu ☆ Boat-shaped assorted banquet The menu is as follows: ◆ Aperitif Choose between Japanese sake and fruit liquor. I chose fruit liquor, while my partner chose sake. ◆ Appetizer - Seasonal delicacies from the sea and mountains - Boiled Tsubu clams from Maehama - Pumpkin lemon simmered - Soramame rolls - Roasted biff shellfish - Yellow vinegar ◆ Sashimi Chef's selection of 7 varieties ◆ Vinegar dish Sweet shrimp and seasonal vegetables in a refreshing style ◆ Side dish Hokuryu 50% Izumi soba ◆ Grilled dish Sprout from Funamisaki with plum sauce ◆ Dish on a plate Chilled water octopus shabu-shabu in a refreshing style ◆ Lid-covered dish Homemade chilled tofu ◆ Deep-fried dish Seasonal vegetable tempura with corn, myoga, and zucchini ◆ Meal Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice with yuzu and mushroom miso ◆ Fragrant dish New pickles ◆ Soup Bone-cut conger eel ◆ Dessert Tomato compote with mint and orange sherbet Seasonal fruits x2 From the aperitif to the side dish, then 20 minutes later from the grilled dish to the soup, and finally, after the meal, the dessert is served in three separate courses. The taste of each dish was decent, without being particularly outstanding. The dish that left an impression on me was the "Pumpkin Lemon Simmered". I was surprised by how well the thinly sliced pumpkin steamed with lemon flavor complemented each other. There were some moments where the grilled dish was cold or we had to call for the dessert, which made us question a bit. ■ Conclusion Expecting a specialty dish in Noboribetsu Onsen, we made a reservation with high hopes for the meal, so I must admit that I was expecting a bit more. Let's look forward to breakfast tomorrow. Thank you for the meal.

On our wedding anniversary, we stayed at this place for the first time. We enjoyed a refreshing soak in the hot spring before eagerly awaiting our dinner! Here is the menu: pre-dinner sake from Yoichi, seared rainbow trout with vinegar and autumn turnip, minced chicken with sauce, selected three kinds of sashimi, chrysanthemum salad, one bite of salmon roe, simmered sweet potato and loquat skewer, autumn swordfish sushi, Tokachi pork shabu-shabu hot pot, grilled amberjack and autumn eggplant with miso, steamed rice with duck meatball and crispy shiitake mushroom soup, lotus root and shrimp tempura. For dessert, a bite-sized apple pie from Miyanokajuen in Yoichi, and delicious Shine Muscat grapes. We were very satisfied with the delicious dinner! The next morning, we had a breakfast with plenty of side dishes. It was a breakfast that we don't usually have, and we ended up eating two bowls of rice. The miso soup was soothing for our tired stomachs from drinking. It was our first time visiting on our wedding anniversary, and we were very satisfied with both the hot spring and the food at this inn!

Holiday outing series. It had been a while since my husband and I had overlapping holidays, so we decided to stay at a hot spring inn and found "Hanayatei Hana-ya," where the food looked delicious, so we made a reservation for a room meal. It is located at the front of the Noboribetsu hot spring town. First, we checked in. We were guided to our room and took a break with matcha and Japanese sweets. Then we went to the lobby, where there were free drinks (canned soft drinks) and alcoholic drinks such as craft beer and lemon sour available for a fee, which was convenient to bring back to our room. We reserved the Shiraoi beef feast kaiseki plan. I was excited because the reviews made the food look delicious. However, the actual dishes using Shiraoi beef were only grilled on a ceramic plate and meat sushi. The taste of the meat sushi was a bit disappointing. I thought a sashimi platter would have been better. Overall, the portion of the food was modest. As someone who doesn't eat much, I could finish everything, but it might not be satisfying for men. I was looking forward to the Shiraoi beef, so I felt quite disappointed with the actual dishes. The breakfast the next day was also a room meal. This time, it was a rich variety of Japanese set meals. Perhaps due to the pandemic, there was nothing particularly distinctive about it being a room meal. The atmosphere of the inn and the service were lovely, but I wished they would put more effort into the food. Thank you for the meal♪

I revisited Hanaya to celebrate my brother's birthday and my mother's 88th birthday. This time, I reserved the Shiraoi Beef course meal. The dishes were all delicious, with a high level of quality. The highlight was the grilled dishes, especially the Shiraoi Beef. I believe Shiraoi Beef is the most delicious local wagyu in Hokkaido. Hanaya is now my favorite inn, with its delicious food, hot springs, hospitality, and rooms. I recommend booking through the official website for the best rates. Thank you for another wonderful stay, Hanaya. I will visit again soon.

I am enjoying a 13-night, 14-day gourmet trip during a long vacation in Hokkaido. For the third breakfast of the gourmet trip, I am dining at a hot spring inn in Noboribetsu with natural hot spring water. The menu is a Japanese-style set meal, similar to the first breakfast. Noboribetsu is not known as a gourmet spot, but it has received high ratings on food review websites, so I am looking forward to the breakfast at 7:50 am. The menu is very rich and voluminous, with the option of unlimited rice refills. The presentation is beautiful and the food is delicious. I will mark with a circle those dishes that were delicious and with a cross those that were disappointing. The miso soup had a refined flavor and was delicious, and the orange dessert was sweet and tasty. The disappointing dishes used many store-bought ingredients. The milk and yogurt did not seem to be made from rich Hokkaido milk. The nori (seaweed) was unremarkable. The main dish, hot tofu, lacked impact, with weak condiments, overly salty soy sauce, and unpleasantly textured tofu. The tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) that was fine on the first day was poorly made on the second day. The salmon and tuna side dishes introduced on the second day were mediocre, and the chestnut sweet potatoes were store-bought, lacking a standout dish. The kinpira gobo (burdock root) was okay. For a weekday stay with breakfast included at 9,000 yen, it is not worth the price. There are many other places with delicious food and better value. The breakfast menu included pickles, umeboshi (pickled plum), maguro (tuna) on rice, miso soup, grilled fish, chestnut sweet potatoes, ikura (salmon roe) side dish, salmon and tuna side dish, kinpira gobo, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), tamagoyaki with green onions, nori (seaweed), Hokkaido kumanatto (fermented soybeans), hot tofu with fish, fruit, yogurt, and milk.

I am currently enjoying a 13-night, 14-day gourmet trip during a long vacation in Hokkaido. For breakfast on the second day of our two-night stay, we dined at a hot spring inn in Noboribetsu with natural spring water flowing through it. The menu was a Japanese set meal. Noboribetsu may not be a gourmet hotspot, but it had high ratings on food review websites, so we had high expectations as we headed to breakfast at 7 am. The menu was very extensive and voluminous, with unlimited rice refills and beautifully presented dishes. I marked with a circle those dishes that were delicious and with a cross those that were disappointing. The miso soup had a refined flavor and was very delicious, and the dessert orange was sweet and tasty. However, the disappointing dishes were mostly using store-bought items. The Hokkaido milk used was not the rich local milk we expected, and items like salmon roe, sea urchin, and crab were all processed products. The main dish of hot tofu lacked impact, with weak condiments and unpleasantly textured silk tofu. Overall, there was a lack of standout dishes. Considering the breakfast included in the accommodation cost of 9,000 yen on a weekday during this season, it did not seem worth it. The menu included pickles, plum, maguro sashimi on rice, tea soba noodles, miso soup, grilled fish (cod), octopus with wasabi, salmon roe, rolled omelette, seaweed, Hokkaido bear fermented soybeans, hot tofu, fruits, yogurt, and milk.

The other day, I stayed at the smallest inn in Noboribetsu Onsen, called Hanakamado Hana-ya. A former colleague of mine works there. The hot spring is small, but it's a high-quality natural spring water without added water (which is rare in Noboribetsu). This time, I chose the most popular plan, which was a room meal called "Boat Sashimi Kaiseki". The highly praised meal was delicious, and I was very satisfied with the inn. Next time, I would like to try the plan with Shiraoi beef. By the way, I had lunch at home before leaving, and it only took 1.5 hours to arrive. Since it was a room meal, I only had contact with the front desk and the hostess. I feel much safer than taking the subway to commute.

I visited Hanaya-san for my mother's 86th birthday celebration using the Go To Travel program. We ordered a boat-shaped course meal which included: - Appetizer: Soybeans and scallops simmered in soy sauce, elegantly presented and subtly flavored. - Appetizer: Snow crab, rolled duck, grated radish, and enoki mushrooms with duck sauce, duck breast with mustard sauce, all allowing you to enjoy the sweetness and texture of the ingredients. - Vinegared dish: Matsutake mushrooms and snow crab with ponzu vinegar, a dish that subtly welcomes you with crab flavors. - Hot pot: Tokachi pork sukiyaki, featuring a refreshing taste with a mild sweetness. - Sashimi: Chef's recommended sashimi, with a firm and elastic texture, elegant sweetness, and delicious fattiness. - Side dish: Pumpkin udon noodles and smashed okra in a delicious broth, delicately flavored and gently spreading umami. - Pot dish: Kitakari fried with fried dashi, maple leaf gluten, Tobarihama mentaiko, butter, and crispy rice crackers, a dish that combines local ingredients in an easy-to-eat manner. - Grilled dish: Shiraoi beef with miso sauce, green onions, and red pepper, the most impressive dish with excellent beef umami, sweetness, and tenderness. - Rice dish: Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice with Kitaki mushrooms, a refined and delicious rice dish with a moist top and crispy bottom. - Pickles: Two types of pickles, providing a sharp contrast with strong sour and salty flavors. - Soup: Abalone and sea urchin simmered in strawberry, a luxurious soup. - Dessert: Apple compote from Yuni Miyano fruit orchard, seasonal sorbet, matcha warabimochi with fruit sauce, a birthday special that delighted my mother on her 86th birthday. Hanaya-san at Hanakane-cho, where you can be carefully entertained with Hokkaido ingredients, provided a delicious meal. The bath with its soft water was also excellent. I'm glad to have found an inn I want to visit again. Thank you for the feast.

It's been a while since I went on a trip. I stayed at a small inn in order to visit Upopoi in Shiraoi. While some may say that Noboribetsu Onsen has a bubble-like feeling, I prefer smaller inns like this one. The result was a wonderful inn. First of all, the food was delicious. Adding the hair crab was a good choice. The sake as an aperitif was also delicious, and all-you-can-drink is the best. With all of this for less than 15,000 yen per person, what a great deal. I will definitely visit again.

"Hanashokutei Hanaya" is an intimate hot spring inn with flowers decorated throughout the entrance, rooms, hallways, and every corner. Despite its name meaning "flower bell pavilion," this inn focuses on providing a high-level dinner experience to satisfy even those who prefer food over flowers. Unlike many large-scale hotels in Hokkaido, this inn is cozy and welcoming, offering a rare source of 100% sulfur hot spring water in the famous Noboribetsu Onsen, known for its skin-smoothing properties. What sets this inn apart is the option for room service dinner, adding to its charm. The inn was recently taken over by a private investor, and the new manager, a hired female manager, is doing her best with a great team. Each corner of the inn is adorned with seasonal flowers, creating a soothing atmosphere. I enjoyed the "Shiraoi Beef Kaiseki Course," a luxurious meal that included various ways of preparing and savoring meat. The dinner menu included a variety of dishes, such as grilled zucchini, vinegared miso with scallops, and Shiraoi beef shabu-shabu. The following morning, I was delighted with a rich breakfast set in a cute bento box, featuring squid sashimi, grilled trout, and soy sauce-marinated tuna. The Shiraoi beef was rich in flavor, and the use of local Hokkaido vegetables in dishes like sashimi showcased a modern touch. The inn also offered a tasting set of local sake. Overall, the experience was memorable, and I found the inn to be a cozy and inviting place that I would love to visit again.

At Noboribetsu Onsen, it's quite rare to find a place with 100% natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source, did you know that? This is my second stay here, and I'm writing my impressions while staying in the room with my PC, eating. This inn is highly recommended, so I really hope you can visit.----- I skipped the part about the reservation and arrival, as it is not related to the food review.----- Now, onto the food review: - Appetizer: Toyoura Town Strawberry Wine - It had a strawberry flavor and was very easy to drink as an aperitif. It was a good choice instead of sake. - Service Drink: Sapporo Classic Lager Beer (Half Size) - Even though it was a half-size, it was incredibly delicious. It made me consider ordering the all-you-can-drink plan next time. - First Course: Zucchini and Myoga (Japanese Ginger) Grilled Appetizer - The first course had a refreshing taste with a soy sauce flavor. The zucchini was surprisingly easy to eat, and I think the myoga helped enhance the overall taste. - Appetizer 1: Tomakomai-produced Hoc - The use of hiragana in the menu may be the innkeeper's touch. The appetizer had a clean and soy sauce flavor, and the zucchini was surprisingly easy to eat. The myoga may have contributed to this. (Note: The translation has been shortened for brevity. If you need a full translation, please let me know.)

Noboribetsu Onsen. It is a representative hot spring resort in Hokkaido. This inn is a "good inn with 100% natural hot spring flowing directly from the source in Noboribetsu Onsen". Although it is a small inn with about 20 rooms, the hot spring and hospitality potential are very high. Let me explain further. It's a very nice inn. If there are rooms available for same-day reservations, you can stay at a quite reasonable price. With breakfast included, it's in the 6,000 yen range! First, the good points of the inn. An early check-in from 2 pm is a nice touch. Check-out is at 11 am. You can stay for up to 21 hours at the longest. The hot spring is 100% natural spring water from the first Oto spring in Noboribetsu. It's rare to have 100% in Noboribetsu, so it's valuable. The complimentary drinks in the lobby are jasmine tea, orange juice, and coffee. There are magazines available, creating a nice atmosphere to relax after bathing. As for breakfast, they will ask for your preferred time during check-in. You can choose between in-room dining or the communal dining area, which was surprising! Of course, I chose in-room dining. ◎ Grilled salmon The grilled salmon served for breakfast at the inn was delicious. Just this alone made me want to have two bowls of rice. ◎ Sashimi Both the shrimp and squid sashimi were fresh and delicious. Having sashimi in the morning is a treat. ◎ Grilled tarako The grilled tarako was not overcooked, with just the right amount of searing. Each individual egg was intact and exquisite. It's amazing how delicious grilled tarako can be depending on how it's cooked. ◎ Simmered dish The broth was rich, not too strong or too weak. I've recently realized that as I get older, I start to appreciate simmered dishes more. Why are simmered dishes at inns so delicious? The rice and miso soup were also delicious. I ended up eating all the rice in the wooden rice container. It comes with milk, but it would have been nice if we could choose the drink. Overall, I was satisfied. Very satisfied. The seaweed and natto were also included, and I just couldn't have enough rice. (My stomach gave up before I could finish laughing) The only downside was the cheapness of the sausages. They had that typical feel of a buffet, which was disappointing. Also, the salad in the middle lacked freshness, which was a shame. I would definitely consider coming back. Enjoyed the hot spring and delicious meals. I would like to visit again with dinner included using discounts like "Downtown Discount" or the "Go To Campaign" starting next month.

Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 8:30, and the seating arrangements are made in advance at the designated breakfast venue. The breakfast menu includes a combination of Japanese set meals and a side dish buffet. I found myself looking around nervously, but ended up only having salad. My mother, who loves bread, opted for salad, yogurt, and croissant. The Japanese set meal was served in a tiered box with unique dishes like stamped tamagoyaki, simmered hijiki seaweed, and hiryu head on the top tier, and dishes like rolled konbu seaweed, grilled tarako fish roe, and squid sashimi on the bottom tier. The buffet offered additional items like salmon, shishamo fish, sausages, natto, tofu, vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and croissants. I wanted to try more, but the set box was filling. After the meal, I enjoyed a complimentary coffee in my room. I stayed in a special room named "Otome" on the 4th floor, which was spacious with a living room, Japanese room, bedroom, washroom, bathroom, and toilet. The room was even larger than my apartment. The room had a cozy feel, with fresh flowers in the tokonoma alcove and simple yet comfortable furnishings. After check-out, the hotel staff kindly offered to drive us to the bus terminal due to the poor weather conditions. The total cost for a 13-hour stay for two people was around 45,000 yen, including bathing tax and drink charges. We took the "onsen-go" bus back to Otaru, enjoying a comfortable ride. It was a relaxing stay in Noboribetsu.

After enjoying the aquarium at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, we took a taxi to "Hanayatei Hanaya," a small inn with 21 rooms that we had reserved. We took off our shoes at the entrance, creating a homely atmosphere without slippers inside the hotel. Upon being shown to our room, we were welcomed with a drink - a light tea and a sweet potato "anpoteito," a first-time experience for me despite having seen it in commercials. We relaxed while watching TV during snack time. Before dinner, we took a quick bath. The bathing area had only four spots, so we took turns. The hot spring was 100% natural spring water, a milky white sulfur spring where we couldn't see the bottom. The temperature in the evening was just right, while in the morning, the indoor bath was hot, so we relaxed in the outdoor bath. After bathing, we enjoyed complimentary soft drinks at the self-service corner from 7 am to 11 pm. We could leisurely drink while looking out at the garden or take some back to our room. For dinner, we had the option of room service, but we chose to dine in the restaurant. Although the hotel was fully booked, only five groups chose to dine in the restaurant. I chose an Asahi Super Dry beer for 700 yen, while my mother had an apple juice from Yoichi for 350 yen. Cheers! The meal was a seasonal kaiseki course, meticulously prepared and satisfying. I always feel that when staying at a ryokan, I don't need a personal hot pot. I ordered an additional drink, white wine for 500 yen. Looking forward to breakfast!

Hanayatei Hana-ya is a ryokan in Noboribetsu that has caught my attention for a while. The reason is simple - they claim to have 100% natural hot spring water flowing through their baths. However, I was hesitant to visit because they only offered a day trip package with a meal and hot spring for 4,000 yen, which seemed a bit expensive. The day trip hot spring use alone costs 1,000 yen, which I personally think is a good deal. They provide free face towels, bath towels, and complimentary drinks in the lounge, which is a nice touch. When I arrived, I found it a bit difficult to locate the parking lot, but eventually managed to park. Upon entering, I was asked to remove my shoes at the entrance, where a staff member was in charge of shoes - a nice touch. At the reception, I mentioned that I wanted to use the day trip hot spring and also have lunch, and was asked to choose my lunch menu then and there, which was unexpected. I ended up ordering the Chef's Special Set for 1,300 yen, my companion ordered the Hokkaido Beef Sukiyaki Bowl for 1,500 yen, and another companion ordered the Noboribetsu Pork Bowl for 1,000 yen. The total bill came to 4,180 yen, but with a coupon from a magazine, we only paid 5,380 yen in total. The hot spring had indoor and outdoor baths with sulfur-based water, and it was relaxing to soak in them for about an hour. After bathing, we enjoyed complimentary drinks in the lounge and waited for our meals to be served. The food was delicious, with fresh sashimi and flavorful dishes. Overall, the experience was worth the price, especially considering the quality of the hot spring water and the meal.