Lake Akan is a well conserved nature reservation. It is serene and beautiful. Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza is on a different level. Its the epitome of Japanese hospitality. Technically for the price we paid, it is half board. Almost all F&B is included (except certain expensive sakes). We were offered an extensive range of wines and sake over dinner as part of the dinner package included, and dinner was exquisite. Breakfast was amazing. We had hot steaming Japanese rice with an unlimited serving of salmon roe. There was also grilled fish and lots of side dishes. Onsen in the room was lovely and the outdoor onsen at level 7 is a once in a lifetime experience!

Getting there can be tricky as the JR arrivals does not sync with the bus departures from Kushiro JR station. Took a taxi which cost around USD 150-160. The journey back, we took a bus from the Lake Akan bus terminal for JPY 2,750 per person. Bus ride was pleasant and takes around 2 hours to get to Kushiro JR. Those who are driving should take extra caution of the roaming wildlife (deer and foxes) seem to like hanging out at the side of the roads.

Absolutely stunning lobby, lots of places to chill, service is impeccable. Nicest place in a funky and beautiful town. Room was huge, went Japanese style. So well appointed with outdoor onson in room, assorted robes, so clean and comfortable.

Dinner and breakfast was in a Private room in the facility, it was so well served, the nicest people, big long meal, but we were not asked what we do or don’t like until we were handed a prearranged menu at dinner, and the dinner was very Japanese and for me too much mackerel, our least favorite fish.

Absolutely everything. This is the nicest hotel/ryokan we have ever stayed in, and we will absolutely be coming back! Hinanoza is so relaxing, I’ve never been so relaxed! You literally don’t have to think about a thing. Wake up, private onsen, breakfast, nap, onsen, Sammy from Lawson across the street, read, dinner, drinks at the bar, onsen, sleep. Rinse and repeat for four days. Incredible!

Not a thing, except maybe I wish I could have bought a pair of the provided pajamas. Easily the nicest I have ever worn!

Everything in the hotel is phenomenal, clean, polite, helpful, kind. We will be back to the hotel, we love this hotel so much!

The only thing is language communication, but the reception has an interpreter for Communication between the guest and receptionist. Great.

Fantastic ryokan overlooking the lake. We had a huge room with a private onsen and fabulous floor to ceiling lake views from the windows. (It is worth paying extra for the lake view.) The room was spotless and so well equipped, the staff were all friendly and helpful. Dinner was exceptional and served in a private dining room. It was an amazing experience. The ryokan was very close to the bus station, so it was easy to reach without a car. We used the bus from Kitami and the local bus to Kushiro Station.

Liked it all

The view was excellent and resort was located right next to the lakeside with a boardwalk leading to the mud pools. There was also a small shrine nearby at the top of the hill where you can get very nice sunset photos. We were amazed to see deers running out of the woods and wandering outside the resort.

Would have been good if we were given bedroom slippers to wear in the bedroom instead of socks. Happy hour at the bar could have been extended, by the time we finished our dinner, the happy hour was over and we didn't have a chance to try out some of the free flow drinks at the bar during our stay.

The Hinanoza is a resort with excellent potential, much of which is fully realised: a breathtaking location, exquisite cuisine, and a staff that is particularly kind and ready to meet guests' requests.

The property should take proper care in maintaining a resort of this high standard. It is not acceptable that in the middle of the night you are woken up because it is raining on your futon from the ceiling. Even if the staff was prompt in replacing the suite, such inconveniences should never happen.

Excellent services! We like all the facilities in the hotel, especially the rooftop onsen overviewing the lake and hot stone spa. The meals are amazing also!

The remote control for lighting is a bit insensitive. There are buildings nearby that are on the same level of the rooftop onsen, it feels a bit insecure.

The room was spacious and clean , bed was comfortable, the view from the room where facing the lake was excellent, the onsen in the room was spacious and facing the lake was great, kaiseki dinner and breakfast was very well presented and delicious, car parking was convenient, hotel staffs are friendly.

We had a wonderful dinner and breakfast. Our personal food attendant in our private room was Thet Thet Saw and she guided us through the meal perfectly with good humour and grace. An outstanding experience.

It was all wonderful.