Hotel Dengan Gym di Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Right above Aomori Station, this hotel's location is super convenient, with direct access to JR from the lobby. It's often fully booked, so the hot spring is usually quite busy no matter when you go, but they do have real apples in the onsen! There's a hot bath and a slightly cooler one, both very comfortable. The spa, yoga, and dining are mostly extra charges, but there are plenty of activities. The rooms don't have bathtubs, which makes sense since everyone's expected to use the large hot spring. The facilities and equipment are quite new, the bed is very comfortable, and you can see all the best parts of Aomori from your window, including the bay and the bridge.

Consistent with the Daiwa chain's usual style, the service is meticulous. If you need cleaning, you have to put the 'please clean' sign on the door before 10 AM, and cleaning is mandatory every three days. The sea view from the window is spectacular and charming.

The location is fantastic, right by the JR station. This was incredibly convenient given the heavy snow in Hirosaki, as I didn't have to drag my luggage far. The hotel was clean and tidy, and the front desk service was excellent. It's also very close to Hirosaki Castle, within walking distance or you can catch a bus right outside. There's even a direct bus to Morioka from the front of the hotel, which I'd consider for my next trip – super convenient without having to take the Shinkansen!

This hotel is right next to the ski resort. The snow quality is excellent, and on a clear day, you can even see Hokkaido across the Sea of Japan from the summit. It seems that over half of the guests are international visitors. I didn't encounter a single foreign guest who was loud or bothersome. The staff all appear to speak both English and Chinese. While the variety at the buffet might be a bit limited, they do ensure it's always replenished. The food is tasty. Disposable slippers are provided, but they're very thin, so you feel the cold directly. I saw many people who had brought their own flip-flops.

My favorite home away from home. The staff and hot tubs are my favorite part of this hotel. Just know that EVERY room smells like smoking, so I always have to air it out when I first arrive!!!