The month of August is when the harvest of grains begins, and on the calendar, the heat starts to ease up as the rice plants start to change color. However, in Hakodate, the summer heat can still be felt. I strolled around the Motomachi area and the warehouse district before taking the tram back to Yunokawa. Tonight, I stayed at a historic ryokan established in 1922, where even Emperor Showa and Helen Keller once stayed. Among the towering buildings of large hotels, the two-story Japanese-style house with an irimoya roof and a carport stood out, exuding a quiet sense of history. I was warmly welcomed by the head clerk at the entrance and led inside, where the polished lobby floor and a serene inner garden with a plaque reading "Banke Tahei Haru" greeted me. After being served a cup of matcha, I wasted no time in soaking in the hot spring bath. From the bath, I could see a vast horizon and summer clouds, with only the sound of waves echoing gently. It was a wonderful space where I could have stayed in the bath forever, feeling as though time had stopped. After relaxing in the bath, it was time for dinner in a spacious room with a view of the sea. The "sashimi" course featured fresh tuna, mahata, flounder, and Hokkai scallop, each expertly prepared and paired with a local sake, Junmai Ginjo Gorin. The "grilled dish" included grilled silver salmon with sesame miso and roast beef, served with Kyoto pickles and vinegar pickled myoga. The "rice dish" consisted of new ginger chirimen rice with local Kitarurin rice, served with red miso soup with whale meat and pickled daikon, ginger, and cucumber. For dessert, I enjoyed a Hakodate melon, yogurt mousse with fruit jelly, and orange peel stuffed with jelly made from its own flesh, a traditional Japanese sweet also found in Kyoto. Overall, the nine-course meal was exquisite and showcased the delicate and refined flavors of the region.

I stayed overnight with my wife. The room had a great view of the Tsugaru Strait. Even though it was cloudy, the beauty of the location was still evident. The food was really delicious. The seafood was fresh and the presentation of the meals was fantastic. It was a nice surprise that a mini bottle of Dassai sake was included for free with our reservation. The large communal bath had a semi-open-air bath where we could also enjoy the view of the Tsugaru Strait. The staff, including Nakai-san, were very polite and provided excellent service. Our stay at this inn was very comfortable. Plus, the price was reasonable. I highly recommend this inn.

It seems that the establishment was founded during the Taisho era. The old-fashioned appearance of the front entrance might seem a bit scary at first, but once you step inside, that feeling is quickly dispelled! The place is overflowing with cleanliness. The large wooden table made from a single plank is lovely. The rooms have a traditional atmosphere mixed with modern elements, which is really nice. I was looking forward to dinner, and although it wasn't served in the room but in a different dining area, the experience was great. The room had a slightly older, unrenovated feel, almost like it was preserved from the time when Emperor Showa stayed there. Starting with sashimi dipped in foam soy sauce, the meal was not abundant in quantity but each dish was delicious and satisfying. It is said to have a Michelin one-star rating, but the taste and experience exceeded my expectations! The hot springs were also fantastic.

The atmosphere and service were really great. The room felt a bit old in its design, but the lobby, private baths, and outdoor baths were very nice. The food was also delicious, making it a very good ryokan.

I had the wrong day for my reservation, but they were able to accommodate me with dinner. It was wonderful and delicious. I will definitely come back!

The breakfast was incredibly delicious.

I think it's not bad, but I think it's overpriced.

Today's stay was at a ryokan called Wakamatsu, which has been around since the Taisho era. It is located by the sea, with seagulls flying around and people fishing for hokke fish, making it an interesting place to stay. The hot springs were also very relaxing. As for the meals, each dish was carefully presented and served at the right timing. Breakfast was included and it was a huge portion, leaving me completely satisfied. In terms of the ryokan itself, the staff's hospitality was very warm and welcoming. I definitely want to come back again.

It would be good for a formal dinner. The tatami room faces the sea, so it seems nice even during sunny days. The decorations of a turtle and a treasure box by the window facing the sea add a playful touch. This restaurant has won one Michelin star. The dishes weren't too unique, but each one was carefully prepared and elegant. The crab shinjo was delicious. There were a manager-looking person in a suit and a head waiter in a happi coat at the entrance. When I asked about the building of the inn, the happi coat person was polite, but the person in the suit brushed off my question. I was just asking about the age of the building. That kind of attitude is not good for customer service.

In November 2013, I visited this restaurant just for a meal. I realized that I had visited it before during a similar season but never had the chance to stay overnight. The lunch options included a bento box for 3,500 yen, a monthly course for 6,000 yen, and a kaiseki course starting from 8,500 yen. For dinner, prices started from 8,500 yen. I made a reservation for the 6,000 yen course. The food was served in a room on the first floor of the main building to the left. There were other guests in the restaurant as well. The dishes were delicious, with the haddock being the standout. Although I felt that the food was more enjoyable during my previous stay, this restaurant is a rare find in the area for delicious Japanese cuisine. The meals seemed to focus on traditional dishes. The service during my stay for lunch and dinner was good. The hostess from my previous stay had moved to a tea room in the western district. The restaurant has a Michelin one-star rating, and the service and food quality reflected that. The room I stayed in was spacious and well-appointed, with a nice view. The amenities were basic, but the service was excellent. The hot spring was small but had a nice atmosphere, and the water temperature was just right for most people. The dinner was served in-room, with each dish being brought out at the right time. The new chef has brought a fresh perspective to the cuisine, and the flavors were rich and delicious. Overall, I would rate this restaurant highly, even if it is a bit pricey.

We stayed at Villa Concordia near the Hakodate Ropeway to enjoy the million-dollar night view of Hakodate, which was our main purpose. The entrance of this traditional Japanese inn, Wakamatsu, was impressive, with a sense of luxury and elegance. We had lunch on a Friday, and since we were the only customers, we felt comfortable dining with our child. We had reserved the lunch course for \6000, and each dish was intricately prepared and visually appealing. It had been a while since we had Japanese cuisine, and we were impressed by the delicate flavors. The highlights were the thick hokki sashimi, fatty saury, and the fragrant corn rice. After the meal, we were recommended to try the hot spring, so we adjusted our schedule to relax in the bath. Despite rushing, we were able to thoroughly warm up and enjoy the excellent hot water. The service was impeccable, and we were completely satisfied with the well-rounded hospitality. Afterward, we headed to explore the Motomachi and Bay Area.

In September 2012, I revisited the Ryokan Wakamatsu in Yunokawa Onsen, Hokkaido, for the first time in 2 years and 2 months. This time, we stayed for 5 nights and 6 days to catch the earliest autumn leaves in Japan. The ryokan was just as charming as before, with a warm welcome from the staff upon arrival. Our room had a stunning view of the Tsugaru Strait, where we could see both the Tsugaru Peninsula and Shimokita Peninsula in Honshu on a clear day. We enjoyed a relaxing bath in the cozy communal hot spring before dinner. The kaiseki dinner served in our room was exquisite, featuring a variety of seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. The meal was accompanied by sake from Otaru, which paired perfectly with the fresh seafood. After a satisfying meal, we took another dip in the bath and enjoyed the beautiful night view of Hakodate city from the ryokan. The next morning, we woke up to a refreshing bath and a delicious breakfast prepared by the attentive staff. Overall, our stay at Ryokan Wakamatsu was a delightful experience, and we look forward to returning in the future.

[Hokkaido Travel - Hakodate] Today, I would like to introduce the breakfast at the traditional Japanese inn, Ryokan Wakamatsu. One of the great things about staying at a Japanese inn is the variety of dishes served for breakfast. It really gives you a sense of being in a different world! After having such a hearty breakfast, I personally find it hard to eat lunch, but it gives me the energy to focus on sightseeing. If you visit Hakodate, I highly recommend staying at Ryokan Wakamatsu!

This hotel is rare in the area as it declares itself as a traditional Japanese inn. Established in 1922, the entrance area retains an old-fashioned charm, while the interior and back of the building are quite modern and not outdated. The rooms have been renovated and feature clean tatami mats. Located by the sea, guests can enjoy views of the Tsugaru Strait, Honshu, and Mount Hakodate from all rooms. Seagulls and doves often visit the windows, perhaps asking for food? The Yunokawa Onsen here is sourced from a unique pump spring, with a sodium-calcium-chloride spring quality at 57.6℃ and a pH of 7.3. The hot spring water is not circulated, heated, or sterilized, but it is comfortable and warms up nicely. There is a gazebo in front of the entrance where guests can see the spring source being pumped up. The large communal baths are separated by gender and include outdoor baths, although they are simple and not overly spacious. The facilities are well-maintained and provide all the necessary amenities. Bathing hours are from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am and from 5:00 am to 9:30 am. Meals are primarily served in the rooms, and the staff prepare them skillfully, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the traditional Kaiseki cuisine with a Hakodate touch. The tableware, however, is somewhat lacking in quality. The menu during the stay included various dishes such as marinated mackerel, striped shrimp, sea urchin, and crab. Overall, the hotel offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere where guests can leisurely enjoy their meals. Despite some minor issues, the service is reliable and the staff maintain a high level of hospitality. The total cost for one night with two meals was 30,650 yen, and a glass of draft beer was priced at 500 yen. The intentional placement of a small TV in the corner reflects the inn's commitment to its traditional Japanese style. Additionally, providing two sets of yukata per person for changing in the morning is a thoughtful touch.

As the finale of my solo trip around Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate in Hokkaido, I decided to end it with a visit to a hot spring with delicious food. I made a reservation at the traditional inn Wakamatsu. Yunokawa Onsen is about a 30-minute tram ride from Hakodate Station. The hot spring town doesn't have a typical resort feel, but rather a collection of large ryokans, making it perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. Wakamatsu has a distinguished, old-fashioned appearance. After checking in, I was guided to my room on the 4th floor, a 12-tatami mat room with a wide veranda offering a view of the Tsugaru Strait. The view was simply breathtaking. I relaxed in my room, enjoying the view, and headed to the large communal bath on the 2nd floor around 6 pm. The hot spring had a spacious indoor bath and an outdoor bath overlooking the Tsugaru Strait. The outdoor bath was especially remarkable, as you could see the sea with floating "isaribi" at eye level. The outdoor bath was slightly lukewarm due to the cool air, allowing for a long soak. After enjoying the hot spring, I looked forward to the kaiseki dinner at the ryokan. The menu included various dishes such as tofu with crab and watercress, Hokkai shrimp, salmon sushi, and mountain peach. The highlight was the squid sashimi, which was exceptional. The dinner also featured a generous serving of hairy crab, which I savored with vinegar and crab miso. The meal was complemented by local sake and other premium sake. The following morning, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with a variety of dishes including grilled fish, rolled omelette, squid sashimi, chawanmushi, and hot tofu. The two-tiered breakfast box also included tarako and tsukudani. Overall, the hot spring, food, service, and view were all excellent, making it a perfect end to my trip. The total cost for one night's stay, two beers, and one sake came to around 41,000 yen. I would love to visit this inn again in the future.

A famous ryokan where even Emperor Showa once stayed. You can feel the weight of its history from the entrance. It perfectly balances elegance, tradition, and sophistication, with important elements well preserved. ① The ryokan is divided into a new building and an old building, both retaining their unique charms. The traditional Japanese craftsmanship in the building materials is exceptional. Decorations featuring zodiac rabbits were displayed, adding a festive touch. The central courtyard was immaculately maintained, exuding cleanliness throughout. ② The baths were not the highlight, with the water being a bit too hot. The outdoor bath offered a view of the ocean, but nothing extraordinary. ③ The room was beautifully appointed, with a view of the Tsugaru Strait from the window, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The decorations in the alcove also reflected the New Year theme with rabbit motifs. ④ The meal was outstanding, showcasing local specialties like fresh fish, squid, and meat in a well-balanced course. The presentation was elegant, and the young chef's innovative touch was evident. However, the drink menu lacked balance, making it difficult to choose. ⑤ The service was impeccable, showing great hospitality. ⑥ Overall, it was a fantastic ryokan. It exuded excellence in every aspect, with no unnecessary frills, making it a place worth visiting again.

I stayed overnight on a day when small snow was falling. There were few guests at this time of year, so I had the baths all to myself. The ryokan prides itself on its kaiseki cuisine, and the delicate dishes kept coming. The abalone sashimi and squid somen in gago-me kelp soup were particularly impressive. The staff member who took care of our room gave excellent explanations, providing detailed information about the origins and names of the dishes, allowing us to visually enjoy, listen, and imagine. It was a truly elegant dining experience. We also tried several local wines, but the local sake from Mashike Town that we had at the inn was the most delicious.

Among the various dining experiences I've had, Hakodate is definitely number one. Hakodate surprisingly has a unique taste that feels like a gastronomic Galapagos. Since I rarely have the opportunity to eat real hamburgers, Lappi has become a popular spot, and maybe because I'm used to eating salty udon, the bland salt ramen tastes delicious. Also, since I don't have many chances to eat Spanish cuisine or Italian pasta, those places are considered delicious. In mainland Japan, I often have the opportunity to try different cuisines in places like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, so the taste evaluations are surprisingly accurate. Now, onto the main topic. I'm not a food connoisseur, but due to my job, I've traveled around the country trying different foods. When I moved to Hakodate, the local cuisine in the past was mediocre, but recently (about a year ago), it has become delicious. I heard that the president of the famous confectionery shop, which is also known as number one in Hakodate, took over a relative's ryokan, and the food has improved since then. The prices are still high, but the dishes starting from 8000 yen are reasonable. I tried the tea sweets, which I heard were delicious. They were indeed delicious. For someone with a sweet tooth like me, it was an exquisite taste. It might even be tastier than Kyoto's matcha sweets. The dishes have a rich flavor. Sometimes, Hakodate cuisine tends to rely heavily on local seafood, but looking at the Wakamatsu homepage, it's clear that they pay attention to seasonings. Just like I commented at Kira, the important thing in cooking is the seasonings and effort put into it. To be honest, I had a similar evaluation to Kira (Michelin), but this place is several levels above.

It is a cozy inn. The weather was nice when I visited, and I could see Mt. Hakodate and Oma clearly from my room and the bath. The meals mainly focus on seafood, utilizing local ingredients from Hakodate with a creative touch that impressed me with each dish. The soy sauce for sashimi was jellied and fluffy, making it enjoyable to eat. The dishes were served in high-quality tableware, showing the excellence of the longstanding Wakamatsu. Breakfast was also delicious. Considering the location, food, and service, I think it is very reasonable compared to high-end inns in Hakodate, especially when thinking about the prices in the Tokyo area.