This was my favorite hotel of the trip. Everything was perfect, except for initially not knowing the shuttle bus stop and having to drag my luggage uphill. The shuttle runs every half hour; I even took photos for everyone's reference.
**Regarding the Shuttle Bus:**
Since we arrived by JR train, exiting the station puts you directly on the ground level. However, the shuttle stop is actually on the other side, opposite the regular bus terminal. It's easier to spot from the glass window on the second floor, near the service counter where desserts are sold.
**Regarding Check-in:**
Upon arrival, after registration, you'll be invited to relax in the lobby and enjoy complimentary cake and tea. They will then take your luggage to your room. The lobby is actually on the second floor, while the first floor houses the Pearl Powder Hot Spring, directly accessible by elevator. On the other side of the second floor is the restaurant, which also includes the teppanyaki section. If you wish to try teppanyaki, make sure to book in advance; on our visit, only the Japanese-style option was available, though it was quite delicious. The marshmallow roasting on the lawn is accessed by taking the stairs down from the restaurant area. The atmosphere is lovely, and tea is also served there.
**Regarding the Room:**
Our room overlooked the lawn and offered a great view. At night, make sure to draw both layers of curtains, as the room is quite visible from the lawn area. All toiletries in the room are from Mikimoto, and they're excellent. The hot spring area also provides them, and they are available for purchase at the lobby shop.
**Regarding the Onsen (Hot Spring):**
At the onsen entrance, there are vending machines selling milk and ice cream. I enjoy drinking a bottle after my bath; it's very refreshing. The other two flavors are coffee and lactic acid drink. The small lockers right inside the entrance are for shoes. The flat switch on the left can be pulled open to access your locker; remember to check the passcode before closing it. For those who might feel a bit shy, you can grab a small towel before changing. It can be used to cover yourself after undressing or placed on your head while bathing. I usually prefer to wash up in my room before coming down.
**Regarding the Hotel (Choujotei):**
I personally preferred the Japanese-style Choujotei building. Access to the hot springs is convenient there, and the Pearl Powder Hot Spring is truly sparkling and beautiful. The round pool within it has a slightly lower temperature, allowing for a longer soak. Between the two hotel shops (referring to the shops in Choujotei and the Western-style building), Choujotei's is more enjoyable to browse. The Western-style shop focuses more on pearls, while the Japanese-style Choujotei shop has a wide array of small souvenirs and trinkets, and also offers duty-free shopping. Dining and spa expenses incurred at the hotel can be charged to your room and settled upon check-out. The spa is for guests aged 18 and above; the service is excellent, and the essential oils smell wonderful. It's interesting to note that the staff in the Western-style area all wear suits, while those in the Japanese-style area wear kimonos.
**One More Tip:**
When waiting for the shuttle, make sure to be attentive and let the staff know you're waiting. Often, if there aren't many people and you're not directly by the door, or if you don't respond when they call, the shuttle might simply leave.
Original TextTranslation provided by AI
