Tenboroten-no-Yu ARIMAKAN Travel Journal

In 2010, in addition to "Pamukkale", two new private baths were completed, increasing the total number of guest rooms to 35.
President Sudo's strong desire for a barrier-free private bath, "Yawaragi", is reflected in the design.
He designed it in memory of his late father-in-law, who had one leg prosthetic leg.
He was concerned about his father-in-law's physical condition and did not want to take a bath in a hot spring, but after much deliberation and consideration, the private bath was completed.

The "Kihoseki Tachiyu" is a standing bathtub that uses gemstones, which have been the focus of much attention for a long time.
This is the first time among hot spring inns in Japan that a bathhouse using gemstones has been attempted.
The far-infrared ray effect and natural minerals are said to enhance natural healing power.
It is also said to have the effect of beautifying the skin.

President Sudo spares no effort to promote not only his own inn, but also this hot spring area.
He has served as executive director of the Yamagata Prefecture Ryokan Hotel Hygiene Association, vice president of the Kaminoyama Onsen Ryokan Association, and vice president of the Kaminoyama City Tourism and Products Association.

As soon as you enter the lobby, you are greeted by "Pepper", an emotion-recognizing humanoid robot. This is a new attempt that is at the forefront of the times.
In the near future, the day may come when electric cars will be used to drive around hot spring resorts and robots will serve guests at inns...

The official website of the inn offers a variety of accommodation plans.
The main offers are the Basic Plan and the Upgrade Plan.
Other plans include a couple plan that includes a fruit platter and a 22-hour stay, solo plans, overnight stay plans, and day trip plans.
Plans are also available on certain days to monopolize a private bath and connect to a guest room.
If you apply for a reservation directly through the official website, you will receive a 1,000 yen per room ticket for use of the inn's facilities.
This can be used to pay for the use of the inn's facilities (private baths, karaoke, optional dishes, store, etc.) as well as a portion of the room charge. It seems to be more economical to make a reservation directly on the official website.

"Arimakan" is a very well-balanced hot spring inn.
It is good for celebrations, anniversary trips, or just a fun vacation with friends.
The hot spring baths are abundant with their own source, and there are scenic open-air baths and a wide variety of private baths.
It is an inn full of elements that will make your stay an enjoyable and memorable one.
According to President Sudo, "Arimakan's goal is to be a ryokan like Glico.
In other words, the theme of the inn is "Deliciousness and Health" (the corporate philosophy of Glico, a Japanese confectionery manufacturer, is also "A Wholesome Life in the Best of Taste").

Talking about deliciousness, cuisine is one of the most enjoyable aspects of ryokan.
It is the inn's style to serve meals in the room.
Carrying food to each room is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Still, for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own rooms, this inn stubbornly maintains the in-room meal policy.

The atmosphere in the inn is comfortable and relaxing, as if President Sudo's personality has been transferred directly into the long, quiet, and remote atmosphere unique to the Tohoku region. The cost performance of the inn will surprise you.
The fact that you can relax so much at a price in the 10,000-yen level is truly a sign of the inn's conscientiousness.
For those who call themselves ryokan connoisseurs or hot spring critics who say that a hot spring is not a real hot spring if it does not have 100% free-flowing hot-spring water, a bathhouse like Arimakan may not be on their list.

However, in the midst of this economic downturn, more and more onsen ryokan are quietly shutting down operations throughout Japan.
For some reason, it seems to me that some inns are listening to what some critics have put them on, telling them that "things are fine as they are" and "please preserve this atmosphere", and not doing anything to their inns, or letting them believe that it is because of the economy that no customers are coming to their inns.

In fact, many such inns have an abundance of hot springs.
In other words, guests not only pay attention to the hot springs, but also select an inn based on the total package, including guest rooms, cuisine, and service. Even if the onsen is good, if the rest of the facilities are poor, the inn will not be supported.
As mentioned above, "Arimakan" has a good balance in this respect.
Everything is above average, and the prices are reasonable.
There is nothing to complain about.
The basic Japanese lodging style of two days and one night is fine, but those who can afford to stay more than two consecutive nights at this inn are encouraged to do so.
You will be able to experience the excellence of this inn even more fully.