Shikisou

The hotel's Finnish-style sauna is a standout feature, offering a unique and deeply relaxing experience that draws many guests. This facility is particularly appealing to sauna enthusiasts and business travelers seeking a tranquil escape. While the hot springs are generally appreciated for their quality, some guests note the older facilities. The hotel is also highly regarded for its delicious and generous meals, featuring local ingredients, making it a good fit for food lovers. Its pet-friendly policy is a significant draw for pet owners, providing dedicated amenities and spaces. The staff consistently receive praise for their warm and accommodating service, contributing to a pleasant stay for families and individuals alike. To enhance your visit, it is advisable to confirm the sauna's specific operating hours and gender-specific access days, as these can vary. Additionally, be prepared for some areas of the hotel to show their age, contrasting with the newly renovated sections.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most celebrated amenity is its Finnish-style sauna, which provides a serene and immersive experience. Guests appreciate the carefully controlled temperature, quiet atmosphere, and the unique auto-löyly system. Complementing the sauna is a remarkably deep cold plunge pool, maintained at an invigorating temperature, allowing for full immersion. The adjacent outdoor air bath space offers a refreshing area for relaxation amidst nature. For those seeking economical accommodation, the capsule rooms are noted as basic but sufficient, equipped with individual televisions, air conditioning, and power outlets. A communal lounge area is available, where guests can enjoy complimentary beverages, including various alcoholic options, and a morning curry service. While the hot springs are a key feature, some guests have noted that the washing areas can be narrow and the changing rooms somewhat cramped. Free Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests experienced instability.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, reflecting the hotel's blend of old and new sections. Many guests find the renovated rooms to be very clean and appreciate their spacious rooms and the provision of comfortable beds or futons. However, some older areas, particularly certain bath facilities and changing rooms, have been described as showing signs of age, with instances of mold and general wear. Noise levels are a recurring concern for some, with comments about thin walls leading to audible disturbances from adjacent rooms, corridors, or even a low hum from an outdoor air conditioning unit. While basic amenities like televisions and power outlets are available in rooms, the presence of shared toilets in some accommodations is noted. Some guests also reported issues with insects in certain areas, particularly in the outdoor baths or older facilities.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience generally receives high praise from guests, particularly for its quality and generous portions. The breakfast is frequently highlighted as delicious, with the curry and rice being a particular favorite. Dinner is described as lavish, featuring a wide array of delectable dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Guests have enjoyed specialties such as wagyu sukiyaki, boiled fish, and nodoguro. While the eel dish is offered, some guests found its quality to be inconsistent. Many appreciate the generous portions, noting that the meals are substantial and satisfying. However, some found the flavors of certain dishes to be quite rich. There were also isolated comments regarding missing items from multi-course meals or a lack of clarity regarding additional charges for room service or certain beverages like coffee.

Location & Accessibility
Nestled in a tranquil mountain setting, the hotel offers a peaceful escape, though its accessibility is a point of discussion among guests. It is conveniently located near Izumo Taisha, making it a suitable base for exploring this significant cultural site. For guests without personal vehicles, a shuttle service to and from Izumo station is available, which is highly appreciated. The provision of free parking is a significant advantage for those traveling by car. However, some guests noted the presence of a steep slope leading to the hotel, which could be challenging for some. While the secluded location provides a quiet atmosphere, some visitors found it to be a bit remote from larger urban centers like Matsue, and mobile phone signal strength, particularly for Softbank, was reported as weak, with unstable Wi-Fi in some areas.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receive positive feedback for their helpfulness and attentive service. Many guests highlight their willingness to be accommodating, particularly with special requests such as last-minute reservation changes or specific needs for pet-friendly service. The quick check-in process is also frequently mentioned as efficient. Staff are often praised for their warm demeanor and efforts to ensure a comfortable stay. However, some guests experienced inconsistencies in communication, noting that information provided by different staff members could vary, or that certain policies, such as sauna access rules or additional charges, were not clearly explained upfront. A few isolated comments also mentioned a perceived lack of greeting or farewell from some staff, or slow service during dining.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with a notable pet-friendly policy, offering amenities like a dog run and cages, though guests with pets should be aware of challenges such as slippery tatami floors and the need to carry pets on certain stairs. A unique aspect is the specific sauna access rules, which include gender-specific days and times, requiring guests to check the schedule in advance. Some guests found the mandatory wristbands for sauna access to be uncomfortable or inconvenient. It's important to note the no tattoo policy for the hot springs. For those seeking a unique stay, the glamping experience in dome tents provides a comfortable outdoor option with private toilets and staff-prepared barbecues. Guests also appreciate thoughtful touches such as complimentary ice cream and free lounge drinks, adding value to their stay.