Towadako Yugetsu

We stayed here as part of a family trip round Aomori. (Myself and two daughters, 11 and 14, and my aunt, visiting us from overseas). I don't know if this hotel markets itself particularly to overseas visitors, and I can't really vouch for the English ability of the staff, as I spoke Japanese with them. But they were some of the most obliging and friendly people I have ever encountered at a hotel in Japan! We were greeted and seen off every time we came in or went out. When we left, one of the staff got their car out and drove us all to the bus station, which was only 8 mins walk away but very helpful with our luggage. The hotel is handy to the main attractions--the lakefront, of course, and the Maidens statue, the shrine and the shops. Most hotels by Lake Towada, which are nearly all Japanese-style inns, will expect you to eat dinner and breakfast there. Since my aunt was from overseas, I thought we didn't need THAT much Japanese food. This was one of the few hotels that will allow you to pick which meals to have there. As expected, the breakfast was very Japanese but high quality and plenty for everyone. Be warned if you don't take dinner at the inn--there isn't much open after evening, but we found a nice pub near the lakefront and had a good dinner there. I loved all the little extras that Yugetsu had: Bicycles for use free of charge (lovely to cycle round the lake in the early morning), an 'ashiyuu' foot bath at the entrance for soaking feet, traditional Japanese games and crafts in the lobby (my kids enjoyed showing these to their great aunt), table tennis, relaxation chair, etc. The onsen (Japanese baths) were attractive and relaxing, and the room itself was comfortable Japanese-style. Another nice touch was getting to chose our own yukata--cotton kimono for sleeping in or relaxing in after the onsen. A lovely assortment of colors and designs. (Most places have a standard blue or grey design for everyone.) Highly recommended! Would stay there again for sure.