Tsuruga hotel

Tsuruga hotel, Akan-ko National Park, Japan

Our rating: Medium

Most of the hotels in the Akan Resort follow the traditional Japanese resort hotel style, catering largely to domestic tour groups, and although the Tsuruga is of this persuasion, it is one of the more stylish hotels in town. Although it is quite a large hotel, the designers have tried to give it as traditional a feel as possible, with many touches reminiscent of the classic Japanese ryokan inn, giving it a distinctly local feel. Rooms are either entirely Japanese tatami style, or a mix of Western and Japanese (twin beds and a small tatami section). The hotel has three restaurant choices including one which serves traditional Ainu food. The property also has a fantastic hot spring bathhouse - a great way to relax after a day sightseeing! The main selling point of the hotel, however, is the fantastic lakeside location, with Japanese rooms in the annex offering great views across the lake to the hills beyond.