Kotohira Onsen Onyado Shikishimakan

“Very good hotel but might not be right for first-time visitors to Japan”

I had a very good day at the Dormy Inn “Shikishimakan” in Kotohira. It is right in the pilgimmage path leading up to Kotohiragu, it is modern, and the food options I thought worked very well. However, I am used to speaking Japanese, and generally familiar with Japanese establishments… and for a… Plus

I had a very good day at the Dormy Inn “Shikishimakan” in Kotohira. It is right in the pilgimmage path leading up to Kotohiragu, it is modern, and the food options I thought worked very well. However, I am used to speaking Japanese, and generally familiar with Japanese establishments… and for a first-time visitor to Japan, I’m not sure this is the best option. The facilities itself consists of the remodeled original Ryokan, facing the street, on perhaps three levels, and then a new reconstructed tower behind which has rooms up to the sixth or even seventh floor. The first floor is given to a very big lobby area, and then the bath areas at the back (since the Dormy Inn chain prides itself on having onsen facilities). Guests leave their shoes in shoe lockers as they arrive, and walk throughout the hotel in either socks, slippers or even bare feet. Most guests change into the pajamas or the yukatas provided with the room, so there is an “onsen” feeling inside the hotel. I used the men’s bath area at a time when it was not crowded, and I thought it was totally fine - other people have complained, however, that when the hotel is busy, the bath area quickly fills up. I thought the food was quite good, and certainly they try hard to make it look like a fancy food offering at dinner, and also at breakfast. I see some complaints among comments by foreign guests, but I thought the food offerings were interesting and tasty The room was quite small, but had everything that I needed except a desk to work at. The furniture is somewhere between mid-century, modern, Japanese and “dollhouse”, in design and size. Room temperature control is very good. I could hear a little sound from somewhere as I went to bed, but not much. Cons: I was there in January when it was not crowded. I can imagine that in a more busy season, breakfast might be annoyingly busy at the buffet area ( “Viking, as they call it). They stagger breakfasts by time slot )which makes sense). Dinner options were either 530 or 8 PM. Western tourists, especially first time visitors, might feel somewhat out of place and somewhat uncomfortable. There were many non-Japanese tourists, but they were almost all Koreans or Chinese.

Moins

“One night is not enough.”

The location could not be better if you want to walk up to the Kotohiragu. There were lots of shops and eateries along the route. Both dinner and breakfast were very tastefully presented and the variety was generous including local produce. The yukatas came in different colors and patterns, one co… Plus

The location could not be better if you want to walk up to the Kotohiragu. There were lots of shops and eateries along the route. Both dinner and breakfast were very tastefully presented and the variety was generous including local produce. The yukatas came in different colors and patterns, one could pick without having to pay extra, where other places would have charge 500yen. There were welcome drinks and snacks. Popsicles after onsen. Onsen had indoor, outdoor, hot, cold, lying, sitting, plus sauna. Massage chairs were also free for enjoyment. We only stayed one night. I would love to stay for one more night to really enjoy the facilities.

Moins

“Truly only 3 stars! But Japanese room excellent”

So, here we are Kotahara Onsen, in the Kagawa Prefecture! Oh my, a real Temple/Shrine destination! Other major attractions are usually 30-45 minutes drive! This place is a city, but feels like a village! The hotel, 3 star, we booked the Japanese Suite, with internal hot spring bath! That was truly… Plus

So, here we are Kotahara Onsen, in the Kagawa Prefecture! Oh my, a real Temple/Shrine destination! Other major attractions are usually 30-45 minutes drive! This place is a city, but feels like a village! The hotel, 3 star, we booked the Japanese Suite, with internal hot spring bath! That was truly magic, but rest of the hotel, oh well, manpower shortage & inflexibility showed, (until the duty manager arrived , speaking English and accommodated) so the Covid restrictions still show, amazing they still managed! Another decent experience here was the Japanese Restaurant, we had booked ( I guess by my mistake) half or semi board, so dinner was included! Full KaiSeki meal, which was actually quite decent! Ok not 5 star but for families real good, especially the sashimi fresh and the Shabu Shabu real good! Only issue, damn portions too big! Breakfast was a reflection of a Railway Station! 😂😂😂 Ballroom converted into a breakfast Center, packed with people of all walks, I guess primarily pilgrims, food was ok, but best scrambled eggs on any buffet I ever head, not the usual hotel bastardisation they call scrambled on buffets! The rest just ok lah!

Moins