Route Inn Grantia Akita Spa Resort

Staff was nice and super helpful, even if English is not their first language. Had a misunderstanding when booking rooms which was fixed on the spot.

Best Hot springs around and very clean and happy people. Dan

Relaxing experience with unlimited access to the onsen for hotel guests (open 5-9 am / 3 pm-midnight). Hotel staff speak no/minimal English with no English signage so recommended for those with an understanding of onsen etiquette (blue curtain = male, red = female). There's actually no need for a private bath/shower in the guest rooms, though provided anyway in the usual Japanese style. Shoes must be taken off when entering lobby and placed in lockers. It's quite normal to see hotel guests wandering around barefoot in yukata (cotton kimono/pants). The hotel is approx 15-20 min walk from JR Akita station and walking through the car park, the Kawabara entertainment district is immediately across from the waterway. Note: guest doors are NOT self locking, so you must remember to lock the door when leaving the room (Japan is very safe though it's always common sense to take precaution. I tried to book a massage in the onsen but the staff refused the booking due to language issue in case of injury to client. I tried to explain that I have had many Japanese massages but there is no point to debate when language is the issue. Also, checkout time was advertised as 11am however the staff told me it was actually 10am, so beware (language issue agsin).

One of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed in Japan. Great location for food. Super helpful staff.