"I recently stayed at "Kappa no Yado Ryokan Sanjiro" in Zao during my trip to Sendai. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I highly recommend this inn!
First off, our room was incredibly clean and tidy, which made for a really comfortable stay. Cleanliness really makes a difference when you're trying to unwind from travel, and they nailed it. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised that the TV in the room had Netflix and other streaming services! It was awesome to kick back and watch a movie at night, just like I would at home.
But what truly stood out was the exceptionally warm hospitality from the staff. Every time we passed them in the hallway, they greeted us with a smile and struck up a friendly conversation. Those little touches really made the whole inn feel incredibly welcoming and cozy.
Now, about the onsen. I've often found that hot springs don't always agree with my skin, but the one at Sanjiro was super gentle and left my skin feeling incredibly smooth. I could really feel the beautifying effects, and I was so happy with it.
A Few Areas for Improvement
There were a couple of things that I think could be improved.
First, the temperature of the hotel's private bath. When I used it at night, it felt quite hot, almost too hot to really relax and soak in. It would be great if they could adjust the temperature a bit so more guests can enjoy it comfortably.
Second, regarding the cleanliness of the onsen facilities. The changing rooms and areas leading up to the bath were"
"The hotel is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by nature (if you don’t have a car then it takes a couple of hours to see the local sights).
The rooms are traditional with great views, and super authentic.
The set dinners and breakfasts are the best I’ve had, and were something to look forward to.
There is a selection of onsens including the opportunity to hire private ones for those who aren’t confident of sharing more public pools.
A highlight of the trip so far"
"We stayed here for two nights and had a comfortable and convenient experience. The hotel was clean, and the staff were kind and accommodating. Although we didn’t have the free breakfast, there were plenty of great options available that would suit a wide range of tastes. The staff had a good understanding of basic English, which made communication smooth.
The location was excellent—just a short walk from the train station and close to a variety of food venues. The only downside was that the bed was quite firm and the pillows weren't the most comfortable. Other than that, it was a great base for exploring Fukushima and we’d happily stay again for a short trip."
Yes, there are holiday rentals close to the most popular sights in Date, or you can select a more secluded option if you're looking for a relaxing stay.
What can I see and do in Date?
While exploring the area, visit family-friendly sights like Zao Fox Village, or get outside and enjoy nature at Mt. Shinobu-yama. In the wider area, you’ll find Ino Hachiman Shrine and Fukushima Race Course.
What are holiday rentals like in Date?
Holiday rentals are privately owned properties you can book for a few days, or a quick weekend, in Date. Holiday rentals feature extras such as WiFi and washers and dryers so you'll have everything you want. If you're concerned about cleanliness, a holiday rental can offer a sense of safety away from shared hotel lifts and busy front desks while still allowing you the enjoyment of travel. You'll also find more space in a holiday rental than in a hotel, which makes a holiday rental a great option for a family getaway.