I went to Ako Onsen

My spouse and I went on a hot spring trip for the first time in a while.

This time, we chose Ako Onsen, located in Ako City, famous for the Chushingura story.
Because it is situated at the tip of a small cape, we were able to enjoy a 180-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea spread out before us, which was wonderful.

We stayed at Ako Onsen Shiosai Kirara Shokichi.
The entrance looks like this.
It was a cozy establishment that didn't make us unnecessarily tired, and overall, it was a very high-quality inn.

I learned later that it has been selected for the Rakuten Travel Award for five consecutive years.
I thought to myself, 'No wonder.'

You can look out over the sea from the lobby, which was immediately impressive.

The front desk is also compact, giving the impression that the small space is being used effectively.

There was also a tasting corner for several types of local sake (all-you-can-drink self-service) and snacks (also self-service, all-you-can-take on small plates), as well as free drinks, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and chatting away.

Inside the elevator, there were bamboo decorations used for festivals hanging, which gave it a nice, atmospheric feel.
However, there is only one elevator, and it is very old, small, and slow, so you might get a little frustrated if you are in a hurry.

The room looks like this.

As with the hotel as a whole, the design was not monotonous but rich in variety, which felt fresh.

The room also had a bath. I didn't use it because the view from the large public bath was better.

This is what it looks like when the beds are set up.

It is a superb view where the Seto Inland Sea spreads out 180 degrees before your eyes, and you can see small islands like Shodoshima in the distance.

Finally, the long-awaited dinner begins.

It wasn't the type where all the dishes are laid out on the table at once, but rather a kaiseki style where they brought each dish one by one, so I could really appreciate the difference in flavor of each dish and enjoy it thoroughly.

In particular, the sea urchin, fatty tuna, and the whole-fish sashimi of red grouper were exquisite, and I couldn't help but groan in delight.

There are two types of baths, 'Soten no Yu' and 'Sokai no Yu,' which rotate between men and women.
Each had an elaborate design, and we were able to relax while enjoying the view.

I missed the sunset, but I was lucky enough to enjoy the sunrise.
I didn't think I would be able to see it, so it was even more moving.

It seems you can enjoy both the sunset and the sunrise here.

The rising morning sun was very beautiful.

Next to the hotel is Iwatsuhime Shrine, which was perfect for a walk.

There was a stylish space in the alley next to the shrine.
It seems to be called Kirakira-zaka (Sparkling Slope).

There was also 'Tatami-iwa,' where it is said that your wishes will come true if you cross it at low tide, but unfortunately, I couldn't cross it.

There are many islands, so there was an information board.
But there are so many that I couldn't identify them one by one even if I looked.

There was also a bronze statue of Oishi Kuranosuke from the Chushingura.

There is also a map of Ako Misaki.

Unlike Shirahama in Wakayama, where I usually go, it was a quiet and calm place, and I feel like I was able to recharge properly.

I want to come back again.

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