Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga

Tsuruga Wings used to be the top dog amongst the hotels in Lake Akan area. It may still be but sadly it’s showing its age. In the room I was in, the sill between the sleeping and living area was badly stained. The cupboard door for the fridge sags and doesn’t close properly. Nevertheless the hospitality and friendliness remains esp the door man who guides people into the shuttle bus. Meals used to be in the beautiful dining hall with floor to ceiling glass panels with a spectacular view of the lake. When I was there meals were held in a big hall instead. Quality of the meals were acceptable. The hotel caters to tour groups so meal times tend to be noisy and crowded. Location of the hotel right at the lake edge was great. Hotel grounds were well kept and beautiful especially the Ainu inspired garden. If you plan to attend the Kamuy Lumina night walk ( highly recommended!) the hotel provides free transport to the venue. Other than the row of shops selling souvenirs across the hotel the town is pretty dead and quiet. Even many of the shops in the nearby Ainu Kotan village were closed. There is very little parking at the hotel itself. You park in an open space 5” drive from the hotel and rely on the shuttle bus to send you back ( Or walk 10-15” back ). Quite troublesome if you drive out for a day trip eg. to lake Onneto and return to the hotel. You need to drive to the hotel , ask them to send a bus to the car park and then drive to the car park to park your car. Overall still a top notch hotel with the prices to match.

Great hotel, amazing view on the lake. The onsen area is very big and has lots of different baths. I wish it was less crowded.

Very good location by lake side of Akan. Onsen facilities on the 2nd floor are impressive but those on the 8th floor are disappointing with some of the signature ones are closed. Buffet dinner has a variety of choices. Breakfast buffet is average. Service is so so. Staff we encountered at the reception lack enthusiasm. Don’t think that it’s a top class hotel.

It is beautiful onsen hotel and very close to the boat cruise cruise pier.  The onsen is big with 3 big ponds and one cold water pond.  The buffet dinner and breakfast are just OK.

Great service especially if you booked the room with private onsen. Food selection is wide but quality is average.

This hotel is the best hotel in out trip for Hokkaido!! The onsen is really good and view are stunning. The dinner is a must!!!! There are many varieties of food for dinner. Overall is the good experience for me to stay !!