Gimpo Onsen School's Nest

The Onsen and sauna were simply amazing—perhaps helped by the nice weather. Since it was a weekday, I had the place almost to myself at night, and I really enjoyed it. The meals were the Bamboo Grove course, with generous portions—more than enough. With solid breakfast and dinner included for about the same price as a Business Hotel in Tokyo or Osaka with breakfast, I was there for work, but I’d gladly come back even if it meant going out of my way.

I couldn’t really grasp the Plan overview even after reading the description, but I chose it because a typical Ryokan dinner tends to be too filling for me. When I arrived, they gave me an organic aroma essential oil as a gift to use with the Room humidifier, and that alone made me so happy. There was also a complimentary bottle of fruit-infused refresh water. The meals were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. It wasn’t the shojin cuisine I had expected; it was closer to vegan food, and I was very satisfied. The Plan also included a 1-hour massage, and it was unbelievably good. When I mentioned that my right shoulder was stiff (frozen shoulder) and that I couldn’t reach behind my back, by the end of the treatment I could move my hand behind my back again! (Though it returned after about three days.) I didn’t mention this to the therapist, but after driving, when getting out of the car I often felt a clear discomfort in my right lower back. After the treatment it was gone, and even a vague pain in my left knee disappeared! That’s amazing! If I could commute to Akita, I’d want to go every week. As for negatives: first, the floor under the sink in the Room felt soft and spongy. Also, there was insect spray kept in the Room at all times, which makes me think bugs are expected in midsummer or autumn. For breakfast, there was brown rice served in an iron pot; when I went it had been sitting too long and had become soggy—still tasty though (lol). At checkout there were four or five staff members at reception, but only one spoke to me; everyone else acted as if I wasn’t there. Also at night, I could hear staff talking in the hallway from inside my Room. Still, when I visit Akita again, I’d like to stay with this Detox Plan again. Thank you very much.