A luxurious inn at the edge of Hokkaido, made by the owner’s passion – Esashi Ryotei Kuki – Japan

A luxurious inn at the edge of Hokkaido, made by the owner’s passion – Esashi Ryotei Kuki – Japan

I stayed at the Ryotei Kuki in Esashi-cho, Hokkaido in Japan.

It’s about an hour west of Hakodate. The Japan Sea side, further into the area known as Donan area, is one of the most remote areas of Hokkaido. This area, with countless windmills to withstand the strong winds blowing in from the Japan Sea, is also the birthplace of Hokkaido’s Japanese culture.

In this area stands the beautiful Kuki Inn, with a different atmosphere from the surrounding area. It was designed by Makoto Nakayama, who also designed my beloved Zaborin in Niseko. You could say that this inn was created with the passion of the owner, Mr. Tanada.

When the world championships of Esashi Oiwake, known as the king of folk songs of Japan, were held, there were not enough accommodation facilities in the town, so a semi-governmental project to build an inn was started. Mr. Tanada, a local digger, became a co-owner and began digging for a hot spring in preparation for the opening. After successfully digging the hot spring, he also became particular about the ingredients served at the inn, and expanded his ranch, which was originally a hobby, to supply the inn. As a result, an inn was created that serves only ingredients from the ranch and within 25km of the surrounding area.

The hot spring water that was dug flows into each room, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely bath while feeling the seaside atmosphere. You can be soothed by the miraculous golden water and enjoy the food provided by the owner’s best ingredients. It can be said that Mr. Tanada’s passion is the reason why such luxury can be enjoyed in the farthest part of Hokkaido.

Although it was not included in the video, I will never forget the conversation I had with the staff at the bar at night, where I spoke one-on-one for two hours. We talked about everything from the early days of the inn to random stories, and I completely forgot to take a video. I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff who talked to me over various topics during meals.

It is said that many people become repeat customers and return to Kuki. I will also become a repeat customer. The hour-long conversation I had with Mr. Tanada, who came out to say hello at the end, was also fun and wonderful. I look forward to the opportunity to return to meet Mr. Tanada and the wonderful staff.

■Esashi Ryotei Kuki
https://www.esashi-kuki.jp/

■Hot spring details
Sodium bicarbonate/sulfate spring
Weakly alkaline hypotonic hot spring
Freshly sourced spring

* Some of the information in the video is based on information collected online.

■ Accommodation fee (with 2 meals)
JPY80,000/2 persons per night

* Some of the information in the video is based on information collected online.

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