The room was really spacious, all in Japanese style with tatami and hiroen, even though I didn't book a Japanese style room specifically. There was a huge panoramic window with ocean view, and you can fully open it to step to the balcony - rare luxury in Japan. The hotel wasn't crowded - just two rooms per floor, and it has multiple onsens, all neat and well-maintained. But the key selling point for me personally was the rooftop onsen/rotenburo - the view was gorgeous, and the experience overall was pleasant/unique, unlike a few other onsens I had been to.

The hotel is old and you feel it - it wasn't a problem for me, I find old places charming, but you are warned. Also, the room's bathroom feels weird and uncomfortable (but who needs a private bathroom in an onsen hotel). And the location itself - Hokkawa - feels quite boring, there is nothing to do there - no shops/restaurants/attractions - just the ocean, the onsen, and some trails in the woods. Ah, one more point: the rooftop onsen is available only for men or only for women, depending on the day. So, if you stay for just one night, there is a chance you can't fully access it during your stay. And it's not clear how to enjoy it as a family, but that wasn't my case.

the hotel, the room, and the view were STUNNING!!! the tatami room was absolutely gorgeous, and we had a private onsen bath on our balcony overlooking the ocean. we could watch cute little fishing boats and watch the waves crash against the shore. it was honestly breathtaking. the meals were equally breathtaking. absolutely gorgeous, delicious, and it was so much! course after course of beautiful food kept coming out and we were absolutely stuffed. i felt like we were eating like kings. it was an incredible experience and so relaxing…. i am still dreaming of that bath and the meals. i hope to return next time i’m in japan.

1. Great location, 15mins walk from train station (note downslope, walk through the right side shopping alley, turn right and follow the road) 2. Free shuttle to train station in the morning after check out 3. Great views, esp from dining hall 4. Great selection of food during dinner and breakfast buffet. Be sure to do the grill!! 5. Spacious room 6. Awesome onsen, in & out doors 7. Friendly staff

Nothing

Direct Water view was amazing

The hallway has barn smells

The hotel was very quiet, with the seaside right outside the window. I highly recommend staying for several nights. The rooftop hot spring was very comfortable, and at night, you could see the moon, which was wonderful. Our room was spacious and offered great value for money. In the evening, we borrowed board games from the hotel and had a lot of fun.

The hotel was absolutely beautiful. We booked the seaside room for 3 people with breakfast included. The facilities were beautiful and it was extra fun that we got to wear the yukata. The onsen was great!

While it was seaside, it was a little bit of a disappointment that there was no beach nearby

Just simply excellent. If like us you are looking for a genuine Onsen experience great authentic Japanese food and fabulous service, and peace and quiet , then this is the place. Can't wait to return.

A huge traditional Japanese style room with a fantastic ocean view. The rooftop outdoor onsen also overlooked the ocean.

The ensuite bathroom water for the bath/shower would not warm up. I was told that it takes 20 minutes plus to get hot.

Our stay at Hokkawa Onsen Hotel was defined by unparalleled service excellence. We are deeply thankful for the exceptional service provided by the staff, particularly Mr. IIDA, during our stay. We can't thank him enough for how he helped us. The experience is truly outstanding!

THE special place :-) 70/80s charme, heartbreakingly nice staff, crazy food (fantastic!!!), location off the beaten path, good base for car trips to beaches, spacy room (actually apartment)