アリーちゃん
2020.7 (Sat) Revisit [Summer Hokkaido Trip Day 1 Part 8] On the first day, we stayed at the "Iwanai Onsen Takashima Ryokan" inn. It is said to be the most difficult to book during the summer season. (During the New Year when reservations begin, rooms for the summer period are said to be fully booked immediately! Since it is difficult to even get through on the phone for reservations, I had given up trying...) This year, due to the influence of the coronavirus, there were cancellations on the desired date, and luckily I was able to make a reservation. It was such a rare stroke of luck that I couldn't believe I actually got a reservation. The reason why summer is so popular is because it offers delicious seasonal "uni" (sea urchin) dishes. In Hokkaido, not only uni caught in Hokkaido, but also a seafood feast including abalone can be enjoyed, so I am looking forward to it. This is my third stay in over a year. Since it's my first time staying in the summer, I'm looking forward to it with a fresh feeling. At check-in, I received a surgical mask as a measure against the new coronavirus. I had brought plenty of masks from Nagoya, but I am grateful for the thoughtfulness. After taking a rest in the room... first, I will refresh myself in the hot spring, which is 100% sourced from the spring. A classic after taking a bath is... the "Tap Marche" (craft beer server) located in the lobby! There are four types of beer, and you can pour your favorite beer yourself. There is a paper placed on top of the server, and the payment is added to the room. Since I am empty-handed after bathing, this is very convenient. At 350 yen per glass, it's such a great deal that I might end up drinking too much... But, a gorgeous dinner is waiting, so I carefully select just one glass. I took the beer glass and went to the terrace at dusk. A beer after a bath is exceptional. The gentle breeze was pleasant, and I almost fell asleep. ● Tap Marche 350 yen/person ● Omakase Plan 19,000 yen/person - Live flounder sashimi - Grilled monkfish with salt - Uni (sea urchin) - Abalone sashimi - Abalone liver - Assorted sashimi (shrimp, scallop, whelk) - Seafood charcoal grill (abalone, shiitake mushroom, turban shell) - Home-grown rice - Melon I was most looking forward to the dinner♡ Overall, it's a seafood feast like always, but in the summer, the seasonal "uni" is featured♡ Moreover, you can enjoy a luxurious dish with two types of uni. When paired with the Chablis white wine I brought, it was the ultimate marriage♡ I will never forget this deliciousness. Once you know the deliciousness of saltwater uni, you won't be able to eat the other (preserved in alum) uni anymore. The strawberries simmered in the latter part (uni and abalone soup) were also exquisite♡ Actually, this was my first time trying it! I didn't know such a luxurious combination existed!! The taste of uni and abalone in the gentle broth was amazing. Just being able to stay at Takashima Ryokan in the summer was already satisfying, but during the period of my stay, they were holding an attractive campaign. First, I received a coupon for "Michi-no-Eki Iwanai" at check-out. Also, there was a campaign where you could win seafood processed products from Iwanai Town, and a chance to win a 10,000 yen accommodation voucher through a lottery. The content was overwhelming, more extensive and varied than the popular "Go To Campaign". I usually don't send out these entry postcards, but... this time, I definitely want to try entering. Whether I win the accommodation voucher or not, this is an inn I definitely want to visit again. Thank you for the meal. [Bonus] After checking out of the inn, I stopped by the Maruyama Observatory recommended by the owner. It's nearby, so if it's not during the winter snow season, I recommend it. You can overlook Iwanai Town and the Shakotan Peninsula, creating a spacious and open atmosphere. It was enjoyable to be able to overlook the mountains and sea in the refreshing morning air.