OTARU KOURAKUEN Travel Journal

As you will see when you visit Otaru Kourakuen, it has a very relaxing atmosphere that does not make you feel like you are on a high place. The reason for this must be that each and every one of the staff thinks about how to make the customers' stay enjoyable, rather than just providing manual service.
The third president, Yukihiro Yoneyama, and all the staff work together as a team to fulfill their roles, which is probably one of the reasons for the good teamwork.

Lounge in front of the reception

We thought again about the secret of attracting so many customers in Otaru, Hokkaido, where the climate is harsh.
Japanese gardens that take advantage of the vast grounds, private baths that are large and open, cuisine that makes the most of Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients...these are just a few of the elements that make the inn such a big seller.
Although located in the cool climate of the northern part of Japan, the inn seems to be running straight on the high road of traditional Japanese ryokan.

Waterwheel near the restaurant "Saryo Kanon"

When looking at the room rates, it is also notable that the rooms can be selected according to budget, and are also set up to provide a sense of value.
The impression of this inn also changes depending on the choice of guest rooms.
The 28 rooms with open-air baths are also divided into different types.
The views of the garden from these baths have gained a reputation and are so popular that reservations are hard to come by.
The baths, which are unique to this inn, are sure to bring you a luxurious and healing experience while enjoying the Japanese garden and the clean air typical of Hokkaido. It is also a good choice for an anniversary trip with your loved ones.

Special room "Kiri" with open-air bath

In addition, general guest rooms are available for the upper 20,000 yen per person.
Even if you were unable to make a reservation for a guest room with an open-air bath due to your schedule or budget, there is now a private bath that boasts a large bathtub.

"Otaru Kourakuen" in the evening

"Otaru Kourakuen" at night

When checking the quality of inns, there are certain indicators. One of them is how much it is supported and loved not by tourists but by locals.
When we visited the inn a few days before its reopening on April 9, 2016, it was just holding a preview for people to see the newly renovated inn.
Despite it being a weekday, many people came throughout the day to see the reborn "Otaru Kourakuen".
Everyone seemed to be enjoying and delighting in its new beginnings.
When we saw this scene, we were convinced that this inn would definitely thrive again.
A TV station from Sapporo was also there to cover the event.
Other stations were broadcasting live on the day of the opening.

Emblem of Otaru Kourakuen created at the time of its reopening in 2016

If the Otaru Kourakuen were to be summed up in one word, it would be "honest" inn. It is a relief to know that such a straightforward inn still exists.
That may be sensed by most of the guests.
Its founder, Mr. Seisaku Yoneyama, cultivated the land where nothing existed, one by one, built buildings, dug hot springs, and always thought sincerely about how to bring guests to the inn and what to do to make them happy.
Furthermore, he never forgot his gratitude for being able to work in this land.
This spirit seems to have been carried over to this inn.
We are sure that he is still gently watching over his descendants in heaven to see how they will develop "Otaru Kourakuen" in the future.

Comments from guests who stayed at this inn