Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura

“A very special ryokan”

We've been wanting to visit Wabizakura for quite some time (it's really, really difficult getting a reservation here), and finally got the chance last month. After staying here, I now understand why so many guests are repeat visitors. This is one of the few properties that we built our trip itinera… Plus

We've been wanting to visit Wabizakura for quite some time (it's really, really difficult getting a reservation here), and finally got the chance last month. After staying here, I now understand why so many guests are repeat visitors. This is one of the few properties that we built our trip itinerary around, which is a very rare case for us (it's usually destination first, property second.) It's truly an exceptional ryokan that emphasizes serenity, privacy, gourmet dining, incredible Onsen... well.. just about everything. It's definitely can be considered as a "destination" ryokan. It's in a very quite and peaceful setting in the Akita countryside - we really felt like we were getting away from it all. We were surrounded by nature, and the property grounds as well as the traditional-style architecture (including the entrance "gate" really gives the property an old-Japan vibe, but not a worn down and decrepit one. It's charming, but still fresh and modern looking - they really pulled off a tricky balancing act. Inside, it's much the same... you'll see elements of zen Japanese decor and furnishings, but not at the expense of modern creature comforts or taste. There is available floor heating in the wooden areas, auto climate control, a modern humidifier, fast WiFi and toilets with the latest washlet technology. The room is bright, airy, comfortable, and very tastefully done. We booked the "Naotake" royal suite room, which is one of two rooms (Shozan being the other) that feature a dining area and allows guests to have meals served in the comfort of their own suite. We love it when we are given such an option - it's one of the luxuries of life that we definitely appreciate. All 10 rooms have Onsen (natural hot springs) baths in the room, although they are not the full open-air variety. Some luxury ryokans offer both indoor and outdoor Onsens, allowing you to warm up inside first, then venture out and enjoy warmth amid the crisp natural air. You can, however, open the sliding glass windows to give it a semi open air feeling. The meals were divine.... we were treated to unique flavors that mainly consisted of local, seasonal ingredients, and everything was top-notch. Given that the Kakunodate area is not particularly close to the ocean, we were amazed at some of the Fish dishes that were on offer. The Sake-steamed Japanese Sea Bream head was, for us, the single best fish dish we've ever had in our lives. The meat was plump, juicy, full of healthy fish fat and was flavored to perfection. Given that Japan has an abundance of awesome fresh fish, the awesomeness of the dish cannot simply be attributed to the quality and freshness of the fish. The Wabizakura chef definitely has his own secret method of preparing, steaming and flavoring the fish in a way that is far more advanced than any that we've ever tried. The mountain vegetables, the creative rice dishes (no, not just steamed white rice here... think rice steamed with Snow Crab, Whitebait and Japanese Wild Parsley) and even the flavoring using Jelly made of Wasabi Leaves was phenomenal and tingled our senses. I'd say that Wabizakura definitely ranks up there with the very best ryokan meals we've ever had. We're already contemplating a return visit when there is more vegetation in the area. Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season would be ideal - the Kakunodate Samurai District (a 5-10 minute drive away) is one of THE pre-eminent places to enjoy the flowers in full bloom. Coming back during the fall foliage season wouldn't be out of the question, either. The question is... can we manage to actually secure a reservation?

Moins

“Hidden gem”

This exquisite boutique ryokan has only 10 suites, all with private onsen, which makes it well nigh impossible to book especially at peak seasons unless you do so more than a year in advance or exceptionally go through a well connected agency like Follow Me Japan (FMJ) in Singapore. We spent 2 glo… Plus

This exquisite boutique ryokan has only 10 suites, all with private onsen, which makes it well nigh impossible to book especially at peak seasons unless you do so more than a year in advance or exceptionally go through a well connected agency like Follow Me Japan (FMJ) in Singapore. We spent 2 glorious nights in this little getaway, part of which used to be the home of the local farming chief from way back when. The property has been artistically reconstructed in its current location in the middle of nowhere, which gives it a totally serene feel, but at the same time means you need a car if you are traveling on your own. This ryokan was a highlight stay of our Tohoku tour, with its unique character. Because we were traveling in a group, we had our meals in their public dining spaces (not in-room). Breakfast was in small dining spaces (2or 4 pax) and dinner was in a larger dining space that could accommodate our group of 12. (We were told that Wabizakura does not typically entertain group bookings except for the likes of FMJ). The ryokan has a modest on-site public bath, available through reservation, but with a private onsen at our disposal, the public onsen would likely appeal more to families. The thing to be mindful about with the in-room onsen is that access to it and the shower from the washbasin area is that there is little headroom and a couple of us have had incidences of knocking ourselves against the upper ledge. The one minor grumble is that meals are all traditionally Japanese. There was no western option for breakfast, and they could not even provide toast on request. If you stay one night, as most do, and come prepared, that’s fine. This unique ryokan Is one I can see ourselves coming back to.

Moins

“Paradise on earth”

This Ryokan is in a fairly secluded location so do not expect to find any retail shops nearby - this is probably the beauty of it all. You will not be disturbed by anything except the serenity in the area! When we arrive, a team of staff came out to help us with the luggage and bowing along the wa… Plus

This Ryokan is in a fairly secluded location so do not expect to find any retail shops nearby - this is probably the beauty of it all. You will not be disturbed by anything except the serenity in the area! When we arrive, a team of staff came out to help us with the luggage and bowing along the way as we make our way to the "reception" area - which is more like a cozy lounge. Some drinks and dessert were served as the check-in process is taking place. Once you entered the room, you will be wowed by the classy layout and deco. The dining room is spacious enough to have up to 6 people dinning together. The living room is twice the size with a very spacious bed room area. The toilet is near the entrance separated from the washroom. from the washroom, you have a door access to the shower area and the in-room hot spring. The hot spring has window for you to open out to lookout to the autumn foliage. There is even a big verandah with sofa seats for you to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. All rooms are air conditioned and there are even under floor heating to ensure you have a comfortable stay. Water and juices are provided in the fridge with couple of beers thrown in with daily sweets made by the hotel. Not sure where else can you find paradise on earth. The owner spares no effort to ensure you the comfort, service and tranquil environment which is what most travelers are looking for. Dinner and breakfast are served in the room and food is great except that there are just too many things to eat. It is a little wasteful! As there are only 10 suits in this place, you really must book very well in advance if you want to travel to enjoy a few days of paradise living on earth!

Moins

“We expected to be wowed but were merely satisfied.”

Service was excellent and the team was courteous and highly responsive to any requests. The room was mostly clean and comfortable (we were disappointed to find a hair inside our towel). We did enjoy the snowy natural setting in winter. It was not hard to get a reservation in January. We have s… Plus

Service was excellent and the team was courteous and highly responsive to any requests. The room was mostly clean and comfortable (we were disappointed to find a hair inside our towel). We did enjoy the snowy natural setting in winter. It was not hard to get a reservation in January. We have stayed at a number of luxury Japanese ryokan and dined at many kaiseki and other Japanese restaurants. I would say that Wabizakura's dinner was perhaps the single most disappointing kaiseki dinner I have ever had in my life. The crab course was small, difficult to eat, roasted dry rather than moist, and not particularly tasty. The rest of the food was mostly unimaginative and the portions were small. Perhaps our expectations were set too high, given the prior reviews. Breakfast was better than dinner --- portions were much more generous and quality was higher. Was the head chef simply out of town the previous night or just phoning it in? We will never know. The in-room onsen was nice and at a good temperature. The chartered open-air public bath provided a good change of scenery but the water was much hotter and there was no way to adjust the temperature down. The in-room minibar was not particularly generous (two bottles of water and two of cold green tea, not replenished). Would we return? Maybe, but we would consider other places in Japan first at this price point.

Moins