Hotel Terbaik di Higashikawa dengan Spa

We wanted to hike to Mt. Asahidake during the Koyo (Fall foliage) season, and among the properties at the base of the mountain, La Vista Daisetsuzan appeared to be the highest end accommodation in the area. Both the outside and inside of the lodge are charming and rustic in appearance, but are definitely showing clear signs of age and wear. In fact, while taking a dip in the communal Onsen (natural hot springs) bath, I overheard two men remarking how the place was ”boro boro” (Japanese for ”really worn down.”) Thankfully, we were relieved to find that La Vista Daisetsuzan was at least quite clean, and did not exhibit the old, moldy smell that is commonplace in older properties. And the dining room seems to have been renovated - we enjoyed our dinner here (more on that in a moment.) We stayed in their ”Luxury Room,” the highest category unit that was a relatively spacious 56m² open-plan Junior Suite. Other rooms on premises are quite a bit smaller, but people used to staying in standard rooms at Marriott-class properties will be more than satisfied with these room types. La Vista Daisetsuzan has a communal, gender-segregated Onsen on site - there is both an indoor and open-air outdoor bath, which is appreciated, especially in the Winter months, given that you'll want to warm up in the indoor bath before jumping into the outdoor one. While we did not have breakfast at the property (we wanted to get an early start on our hike, and we're glad that we did - the sky is more clear and there are less crowds), we had the French-Japanese dinner. To say that the meal exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. We're in Hokkaido, and an hour from the nearest city (Asahikawa), yet every dish was creative, beautifully presented and a feast for the eyes and palate. Everything - from the tuna tartare to the mini quiche to the Foie Gras to the al dente pasta with mushrooms and broccoli - was a highlight. The only serving that did not hit the spot was the main (ocean-) fish dish. The fish was hard and dry - when you're in the center of Hokkaido, perhaps they should focus on other ingredients, or at least serve fish that are fine frozen (like Tuna) or that come from the nearby rivers or lakes. Overall, if we were to make a return trip to the area, we would be more than fine with staying again at La Vista Daisetsuzan. In no way is this a destination unto itself, but if our short but pleasant stay is any indication, it's a very solid higher-end option in Daisetsuzan. It definitely blows away the vast majority of lodges in U.S. National Parks, that's for sure!

旭岳温泉、秘湯を守る会の老舗旅館「湧駒荘」。部屋はリニューアルされた本館のツインルームを予約した。湯元と冠するだけに5つの源泉の風呂があるのが売りだが、設備が古いので見た目の清潔感が無く、露天風呂も内風呂もゆっくり浸かりたいと思わなかった。 夕食は創作料理「遊食膳」。いきなり夕張メロンをくり抜いた器にビシソワーズが出てきてちょっとびっくり！お通しとお造りは悪くない味。しかし、次に出てきたインカの目覚めのコロッケは袋ごと出てきた上に取り皿がなく手で食べることに。続いて箸休めの湧水ゼリー、トマトの白ワイン煮。ここで水菓子のようなものが続くコース設定はないだろう。甘いトマトコンポートは食後で良いのでは？メインは黒毛和牛の出汁しゃぶしゃぶは、出汁と牛肉の相性がイマイチ。最後の甘味は白いコーヒープリンが瓶ごと！出てきた。朝食では「燻製醤油でいただく*かけご飯」がオススメとあったので食してみたが、醤油が甘くて口に合わなかった。 部屋は清潔で一見モダンな印象だが、壁に設えられたソファーに座ると壁際のテレビと並列になってがまるで見られない。ベッドはフニャフニャ柔らかいウレタンマットで寝心地が悪かった。 人気の宿のようなので期待していたが、温泉も料理も部屋も、かなり残念な印象が残った。