Akita Castle Hotel: A Memorable Stay

Located next to the Akita Prefectural Museum of Art, the Akita Castle Hotel caught my attention during my visit to the museum last month. I wondered if the museum might be visible from the hotel room. Although my first-day accommodation was in Yamagata Prefecture, the journey to Akita was quite an adventure. Starting in Yamagata, I flew domestically from an airport in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, which confusingly uses the name Itami in Hyogo Prefecture and is also referred to as Osaka International Airport. After enjoying afternoon tea in Kyoto, I returned to this airport and flew to Hanamaki Airport in Iwate Prefecture. From there, I took the JR train to Akita and checked in. Excitedly, I opened the window, only to find the view of the opposite rooms instead of the museum. 🤣 Tilting my head slightly, I could catch a glimpse of the museum's side. Out of curiosity, I checked the view from the opposite hallway, but it only offered a slightly better angle of the museum's side. However, the morning view from the hotel window the next day turned out to be unexpectedly beautiful. The room itself had a unique layout, being a long rectangular shape. The bed was slightly elevated and attached to the wall, and the desk was designed as a separate unit, making it perfect for a single guest. The hotel was larger than I anticipated, with a significant presence in the local community. It featured an arcade, shopping areas, and a variety of rooms, with taxis readily available. I also visited the hotel's Sky Bar, where the service was enhanced by the charismatic and reserved master and the friendly, approachable bartender. I enjoyed a perfectly balanced draft beer, meticulously poured with the foam removed twenty times, and a Hibiki Harmony whiskey served with a large spherical ice cube that maintained its aroma and balance for a long time. The bartender generously added an extra 10ml to the standard 20ml pour, allowing me to savor it more intensely. The accompanying nuts were also delicious. After a delightful evening, I returned to my room for a restful sleep. I woke up at 6 a.m. the next day to warm sunlight streaming through the window. The clear sky revealed a stunning view I hadn't noticed the night before. At 6:30 a.m., I attended breakfast, which included a rich variety of dishes such as Kiritanpo, Inaniwa Udon, Yokote Yakisoba, Iburi-gakko, beef curry, mentaiko, lotus root pickles, and tofu, offering a comprehensive taste of Akita's cuisine. From the nighttime view of the Akita Prefectural Museum of Art to the relaxing Sky Bar experience, the morning scenery, and the extensive breakfast showcasing Akita's culinary delights, my stay was truly enjoyable. Thank you for the wonderful experience!