As a backpacker, the journey to the hotel was challenging. I chose this one because it was the closest to Hakusan-Hoko Temple, which I absolutely had to see for its magnificent three-story pagoda and all its surroundings.
Arriving from Aomori, I couldn't leave until after 4 p.m. Having not paid attention, I discovered that there are very few buses between Suwanotaira Station and the hotel, the last one leaving at 5:30 p.m. So, I decided to walk with my 25 kg packs. Walking in the dark through the forest with my small flashlight, I heard a dog barking incessantly near a farm. Suddenly, there was a loud noise in a tree: a bear came down very quickly and started growling. I was terrified, stepped back, and used a bell to scare it away. This happened a five-minute walk from the hotel.
The receptionist was surprised but took my story seriously, asking me for the exact location. I hadn't eaten since morning, and despite the kitchens being closed, she offered to make me onigiri and sake. They were the best I've had since arriving in Japan.
I particularly enjoyed the hotel's onsen for relaxing after the long walk. It was my first time sleeping in a traditional Japanese room, and I loved the experience. Kimonos are available in all sizes.
Thinking I could finally go to sleep peacefully, my phone received two national alerts. I had barely started reading them when a major earthquake struck. The entire room began to shake. I was worried because I had never experienced anything like it before. The alarms in my room and throughout the hotel started going off. The receptionist came to me several times to check if I was alright and to tell me not to use the elevator. The cleaning staff also came to check if the water was turned off in my bathroom. The alarms went off again at 6:00 a.m. and then 8:00 a.m.
The receptionist came to my room to offer to drive me to the temple free of charge, something I had originally planned to do on foot, and then to take me from the temple to Hachinohe Station, because due to the earthquake, all trains between Suwanotaira and Hachinohe Stations had been canceled, as well as the Shinkansen trains departing from Hachinohe that I was originally supposed to take to Tsuruoka.
I am extremely grateful for the support and kindness of the receptionist. She took care of me without me even asking. Thanks also to Yukuri Okobo for her kindness and for driving me to the temple and then to Hachinohe Station.
Despite these very unusual circumstances, I highly recommend this hotel! You couldn't ask for a better welcome as a foreigner, and the rooms and onsen are superb! Arigatō Gozaimasu! 😊
