Grandia Housen

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Grandia Housen – it’s tucked away in this quiet residential area of Awara, about a 10-minute walk from the main onsen district. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t shout about themselves from the main drag.

The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate sense of calm that washes over you. I mean, it’s not fancy in that over-the-top way some hotels try to be, but everything just feels… right. The lobby has this warm wood-and-stone thing going on, and you can actually smell the tatami from the traditional rooms mixing with something that might be incense or just really good cleaning products (in the best way possible). The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful – not just going through the motions, but actually taking time to explain the onsen etiquette and mark up a little map showing the best walking routes to Awara’s main hot spring area. They even mentioned which convenience store stays open latest, which honestly saved me when I needed snacks at 10 PM.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to blend the traditional ryokan experience with modern comfort without making it feel forced or touristy. The rooms – well, I stayed in one of the Japanese-style ones – had that perfect tatami smell and futon setup, but also proper air conditioning and a bathroom that didn’t feel like an afterthought. The onsen itself is the real star though. It’s not huge like some of the resort places, but the water quality is incredible (Awara’s known for its alkaline springs, and you can definitely feel the difference on your skin), and there’s this outdoor section where you can soak while looking out at the mountains. Early morning is absolutely the best time – around 6 AM you’ll probably have it to yourself, and there’s something magical about watching the mist rise off the water while you’re soaking in 40-degree mineral water.

The food situation deserves a mention too. Breakfast is this perfect mix of traditional Japanese items and some Western options, served in a dining room that looks out onto a small garden. Nothing revolutionary, but everything’s fresh and well-prepared. The location might seem a bit removed at first, but it’s actually perfect – you’re close enough to walk to the main Awara onsen area when you want the full hot spring town experience, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with tour bus crowds or that slightly artificial resort atmosphere. Plus, there’s decent parking (which matters more than you’d think in this area), and the neighborhood itself is lovely for evening walks. At 9.3 rating, it’s clearly doing something right, and after staying there, I get it. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan your next visit before you’ve even checked out.