Araya Totoan

Starting with the pick-up at the station, I received courteous and attentive hospitality. The food is really delicious, and the large public bath, which you can use until just before checkout, is very satisfying. The interior was also impressive, with elegant fresh flowers arranged here and there, and Rosanjin figurines. I was a little disappointed that the air conditioner in the public bath wasn't working late at night, but I also thought that we should share our consideration for the environment.

It's a very nice inn. The hospitality, food, and rooms are all at a satisfactory level. I arrived by car, but there was no parking lot, but I had to hand over the key to the staff and have them move me. The room was large, and the semi-open-air bath in the room was large, and the hot water was slightly hot. However, the hot spring water was very nice. I think this is one of the best inns I've ever stayed at. This is an inn that you will want to come back to again. The food was delicious and the quantity was sufficient. I think it's too much to eat if you're a small eater. Also, the wine selection was pretty solid. I didn't take any photos, but there were empty bottles of SALON in the aisle, and I could see two or three types of the five major chateaus in the cellar visible from the aisle. Mouton was on the wine list. I think this is a recommended inn if you want to have a meal while enjoying wine. By the way, I think the price of wine is reasonable considering that it is served at a hot spring hotel. It says that you are not allowed to bring your own drinks, but even if you don't bring your own, I think you will not be dissatisfied if you drink what is available at the hotel. If you like wine, let's go to a hot spring! If so, I think I can recommend it. Of course, I think you can be satisfied even if you go with your family.

There is a book I bought nearly 20 years ago called "Gokujo no Yuyado", and my husband and I are going around the hot springs listed there. Thanks to this, I have come across wonderful hot spring inns such as Gosanke in Yufuin, Chikurintei in Saga, and Ishiba in Yugawara. I was really looking forward to staying at Araya Totoan, which is also listed in the book, but it was a disappointing experience even before my stay. A week before my stay, I received a confirmation about the transfer from the other party. We had planned to stay the night before at the same Yamashiro Onsen hotel, Benigakiso, who was the same as Araya. I didn't hear back from you, so I thought you agreed. However, two days before my stay, I suddenly received a reply saying, "We do not provide transportation other than to and from Kaga Onsen Station. It is a 3-minute walk from the hotel where we stayed the night before to our hotel, so please bring your luggage and come on foot." I was just amazed that this is the response of an inn that is said to be a famous ryokan. I had already paid by credit card in advance, and in the first place, the cancellation fee was 50% if it was two days before, so I decided to stay. Full of disappointing feelings even before staying. Araya's rule is that they only pick up and drop off between Kaga Onsen station and the inn. This is a person with a walking disability, and it is difficult to move with luggage for two people even if it is a 3-minute walk. If it's a 3-minute walk away, taxis won't like it either. I decided to walk with my luggage. After that, the young proprietress of Araya came to the previous night, Benigakiso, to apologize. However, in the end, it was the proprietress of Benigakiso who was unable to see the situation and carried the luggage. Also, it was the proprietress of "Benigakiso" who worked hard to cheer us up when we were looking forward to staying at a famous ryokan. In other words, "Araya" just apologized with his mouth, and in the end, he didn't do anything. I was just treated like, "Since you're a troublesome customer, you should bow your head for the time being." Well, there are other bad points. I went there knowing that the Arisugawa Sanso bar was closed, but I wasn't informed that I couldn't even visit. Looking at the reviews so far, many people wrote that the bar could be used as a lounge even if the bar was closed, so we were looking forward to it. Actually completely closed. I guess it's a cost cut. I don't think they can afford to spend utility costs and labor costs on facilities that don't serve alcohol and don't make money. For example, before dinner or after breakfast, I think there is a way to set a time for about 30 minutes and have the staff guide you while explaining the building. I guess it's an inn that doesn't have that kind of hospitality. The food was also not as expected. As other people's reviews said, "Kinkin cold Hassun" came out. That means keeping it in the refrigerator. The umami of the ingredients was also flying. The sashimi was very ordinary. Breakfast and coffee after dinner were delicious. In addition, there were many unfortunate things that reconfirmed the contents of the negative reviews that had been posted so far, but the only salvation was that Mr. Nakai, who was in charge, was excellent. After returning home, I read the reviews of this place and Ikkyu again, and found that most of the people who praised this inn were "first time at a luxury inn." On the other hand, it is generally unpopular with those who are accustomed to this class of inn. In addition, repeat customers also post laments that the quality is lower than before. If I were to describe this inn in one word, it would be "an inn with a long-established name." It's fine to take pride in the fact that Maeda's lord stayed there or Rosanjin stayed there. A discerning customer should be aware that this does not deceive them.