Hashimotoya

This is a guesthouse consisting of two buildings, the old main building, located in a hot spring town slightly down the valley from the national highway of Yunokami Onsen.Unlike other inns, the host currently does not seem to be promoting the quality of service or the good atmosphere inside the hotel (there is a lack of staff).However, they place great value on the blessings of the mountains, their knowledge of nature, and their interactions with people.We highly recommend it to those who know the good old days of the heyday of guesthouses, and those who enjoy talking with the locals.■About the buildingIn the foreground is a quaint old building that is only open to the public when reserved for private use.The pale green building in front is the main building where we usually stay.The parking lot is diagonally parked on the wall opposite the old building, and if it's full, you can park in a secluded spot to the left of the main building by asking the host.If you are traveling by train, it is best to take a taxi from Yunokami Onsen Station.(There is no shuttle service)■Neighborhood environmentRight in front of the inn, you can see the Aizu Railway tracks and iron bridge, and enjoy the beauty of the steep mountains beyond the valley.There are several spots nearby where you can take railroad photos.For a moment when a train passes by, you can hear the sound of iron at a rich volume, but as night falls, the only sounds you can hear are the voices of insects and the cries of animals, and the deep silence of the night envelopes the inn. Masu.There are not many stores nearby, so prepare what you need in advance.■About in-house facilitiesThe entrance has a windbreak room and you enter the lobby with a pleasant atrium.The building is not barrier-free and there are steps, including the entrance.On the first floor, there are folk crafts and classical items that the host received from various people, and if you ask the host, you can also see a hidden library that became popular when it was broadcast on TV.The banquet hall (meal hall) with a stage is to the right of the front from the entrance.There are two handwashing locations on the first floor on the left and right sides of the building, and one on the second floor for men and women.Separate men's and women's baths and saunas (advance reservation, extra charge) are located to the right from the lobby.The second floor is the guest room and washroom.■About hot springsThe amount of hot water in the men's and women's baths is adjusted and the temperature is changed, which is unique to Yunokami Onsen, which has an abundant amount of hot water! is.Like other inns in Yunokami Onsen, the water is a little hot, but the hot springs in this area have a slightly higher amount of metasilicic acid, so you can enjoy the gentle hot water that absorbs into your skin and is not too hot.There aren't many hot springs, but let's take advantage of the luxurious free-flowing hot springs at Kerorin's hot water bath.Shampoo and other supplies are provided, but many people seem to bring their own favorite items.Yuzu-scented body soap is an item you'll want at home.■About the poolIf you let us know in advance, we can drain the hot water and clean it for you.It is warm because it is filled with hot spring water.You can access it from each of the men's and women's large public baths, but be careful not to make a mistake when returning to the changing room.■About the guest roomsThe guest rooms are on the second floor and are Japanese-style rooms of different sizes.The rooms are simple but clean, and the old-fashioned cotton comforters evoke a sense of nostalgia. The passage is separated by sliding doors, so you are responsible for managing your valuables and ensuring your privacy!Be courteous with other customers.There is a TV in the room, but no refrigerator.If you need something to cool down, ask the host.In the summer, we recommend sleeping with the windows open as the night breeze is pleasant.(Depending on the time of year, it may be safer to bring insect repellent and anti-itch medicine.)■About amenitiesThere will be some for sale, but it's also a good idea to bring your own items for everyday use.■About mealsBoth dinner and breakfast are home-cooked by the hosts, and have a rich, rich flavor typical of areas with heavy snowfall, as well as a gentle seasoning that's perfect for resting your chopsticks.Grilled river fish dressed with the host's signature dengaku miso is a masterpiece that you can enjoy from head to tail.Grilled and boiled dishes, rice and alcohol go hand in hand.It also includes Western-style side dishes, so I think children will enjoy it even if they don't make any special requests.(In my case, I had Aizu beef roast beef and overflowing stuffed peppers with meat.)What is noteworthy is that almost everything is sourced locally, including wild plants and mushrooms collected by the hosts and local friends, vegetables grown, and freshly caught river fish.The only ready-made items are natto, mentaiko, and tofu, which are carefully prepared at home.Each item is hand-crafted to a degree unparalleled anywhere else in the area.(However, unlike kaiseki at inns and hotels, it does not have the delicate taste or appearance, and is more like a set meal with a wide variety of items.)■About the hostHe is an old man from Aizu who likes to talk and is sincere.Currently, I am managing the house by myself, so I am responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, guest rooms, cooking, serving meals, and washing dishes.In the evening, you can often find yourself chatting with the host's friends.Everyone has a carefree smile and generously shares their knowledge with us about wild vegetables, mushrooms, fishing catches, and more.It was a valuable experience for me to accompany the mushroom collection.■SummaryUnlike a hotel or inn, this is a guest house, so you should definitely enjoy interacting with it.Since this is a unique inn, I think it would be better for both parties to make a reservation over the phone rather than online.If you are someone who wants to gain first-hand experience and knowledge rather than seeking services, I think you will understand this post.If you have a travel notebook, this is an inn where you'll likely get lots of good notes.