Matsuyama onsen kannon yu (Hot spring and ryokan)

I stayed at Kannonyu, a hotel with a great view. Check-in was in person. They seemed busy, but the innkeeper escorted me to my room. This may be a rare sight these days. My room was reminiscent of a hot spring cure. It's been a while since I've stayed in a Japanese-style room. The lock was simple, and there was no bathroom or toilet. There's a shared toilet nearby. There's air conditioning, and you can adjust the temperature individually. It was a 6-tatami room, and the futon was already laid out. The TV was so staticky it reminded me of the Showa era. The view from my room overlooked the parking lot. It can't be helped, since it's only on the second floor. Dinner started at 5:30 PM. I had pork cutlet and sashimi. They also serve alcohol. After dinner, I went to the bath, which I did around sunset. There's a large public bath and an open-air bath? The open-air bath seems to be one floor lower. There was no sauna. It was a sunny day, so I got a great view of the sunset. It was great. After dinner, I returned to my room, but there was only a TV. By the way, the Wi-Fi was fast. It was much faster than a certain hotel in Sendai. The room was noisy, but there weren't many people around, so I slept well. Breakfast starts at 7:00 PM. It's a buffet style, but there isn't much variety.

Available for day trips. This inn is located on a hill overlooking the Shonai Plain. The view from the building is amazing. You can enjoy the open view while soaking. Even those who just want to bathe can enjoy the lively atmosphere unique to lodging facilities. The water is colorless, transparent, and has no unpleasant flavor. There is one bathroom adjacent to the changing room, and another bathroom down the stairs from the changing room. Because it is located on high ground, both bathrooms offer views of the Shonai Plain. Originally, the bathroom down the stairs was probably an open-air bath, but it has now been converted into a regular bathroom. The sign calls this the observation bath, but this is likely a remnant of its time as an open-air bath. Today, the bath adjacent to the changing room is higher, allowing for a more open view. Shampoo and body soap are provided. Lockers with tags are available in the changing room. Bath fee is 400 yen. By the way, the view from the dining room on the way to the bathroom is amazing. I would like to have a meal there next time I come.

Enjoying a sunset while in a Japanese hot spring is a combination that can't be beat, especially if you were wise enough to sneak a little cup of sake down to the bath with you. Kannonyu is situated atop a reasonably-high hill, so its bath (and dining room) face west, allowing you views of the area (even the ocean, on a clear day) that are nearly guaranteed to be excellent. The inn itself isn't anything special, and can be a little hectic at times...although my room in the annex was nice and quiet. Food-wise, dinner was superb and very filling. Breakfast was a considerably less impressive, but it was fine. Nightly rate with two meals was 8550 yen in August 2017.

I took a day trip to the baths. The price was a reasonable 400 yen. Shampoo and body soap were provided. I thought I'd start with the large public bath, but it was too hot. I couldn't get in, so I went downstairs to the bath with a view. The water was just the right temperature, a little lukewarm, but what about the view? I went back to the large public bath and tried the hot bath again. It seemed like it was okay to fill it with water, so I sat next to the faucet and slowly got in. Your body gets used to it once you're in. The water was so warm it was almost hot when I got out of the bath.

My boss takes me here on his days off. The stunning location overlooking the Shonai Plain is breathtaking, and the scenery is so beautiful it leaves you speechless. The landlady is incredibly friendly, and the homey atmosphere makes you feel like you're back at a relative's house. This is a hot spring resort that warms not only your body but your soul as well. After warming up, this is a rare inn where you can spend some precious romantic time together. I always stop by here when my boss brings me to Yamagata. I absolutely love it, so I'll definitely come again.