A ryokan with hot springs near Esashi. The food is average.

I stayed at this inn but it gives off a rural inn impression. There are no detailed considerations, and it is far from Esashi town so a taxi is necessary. The breakfast was not particularly delicious, just average.

A few years ago, I started marking a ryokan during my spring fishing trips every year. It has a unique sense of style, with a fresh appearance and no reviews, which piqued my interest. Finally, I stayed there and it turned out to be a place where locals relax in their daily lives. Surprisingly, they have a sauna, outdoor bath, jacuzzi, and rock bath. The hot spring water quality is gentle and not very hot spring-like. The room was a bit cheaply built, with creaky floors and poor soundproofing. The food was the highlight, with a focus on seafood and local dishes. The seafood was abundant, especially the shrimp, with 8 pieces per serving. The mayonnaise grilled shrimp had a retro and nostalgic taste. The steamed egg custard was rich and reminiscent of a traditional eatery from the Showa era. The portion size was satisfying and I left feeling full. The drinks were limited but affordable, and the service was laid-back. They had a karaoke machine as well. The prices ranged from 8,000 to 12,000 yen, with the highest course including hairy crab. The breakfast was particularly delicious, with each dish freshly made. Overall, the food had the taste of a traditional eatery, and the river fish was a nice touch. It's worth a visit for the conversation starter. The ryokan used to be called "Futoyoshi," but it has been renovated and lost its charm. "Netoi" may be the next best option for a retro countryside hot spring experience. The ryokan's name "Gamushi" may sound like it's infested with moths and beetles, but it's actually a love word in Ainu language and there are no insects.

I stayed at the "Gotsu Mushi Onsen Ryokan" to catch the train on the Esashi Line. The atmosphere of the ryokan was impressive, with a slightly intimidating name "Gotsu Mushi." The dinner was typical of a ryokan, with local sashimi (probably carp) and grilled river fish (possibly rockfish or sweetfish). The sashimi was served after we sat down, while the grilled fish was already cold. It would have been delicious if it was served hot. The local specialty, Meikuiin (potatoes) boiled in salt, was served in a pot for us to enjoy as much as we wanted. The service was decent. The meal consisted mostly of mountain vegetables, with only one fried chicken wing and marinated chicken meat. The breakfast was a typical set meal, perfect for starting the day like a true Japanese. They also served coffee (not instant) and milk. Overall, it was a relaxing stay at this rustic onsen ryokan.