Shikikan Saitoh
Iwate, Japan
6.5COSY
This mountain inn wraps guests in attentive, personal service, staff remembering regulars, warming welcome drinks, in-room kaiseki cooked at table, set in a quiet highland location where foxes wander past the bath and mornings bring locally-foraged mushroom miso soup, creating the unhurried, cared-for feeling of a cherished retreat rather than a hotel.
How the cosy score works →Why it scores 6.5, from guest reviews
- Smiling staff greeting guests warmly at arrival, repeat visitors treated like family with personalised service
- Intimate in-room dining with table-top cooking, foot baths in rooms, thoughtful touches like chilled glasses and welcome drinks
- Small-scale mountain setting with natural wildlife encounters (foxes, bears), indoor café spaces and outdoor terrace encouraging lingering
Best for
A strong fit for a spa break, peace and quiet and a treat. Guests point to listed amenity of spa; guests praise the exposed bath and foot baths in rooms as part of the wellness experience.
Booking via this link may earn us a commission; it never affects cosy scores.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Shikikan Saitoh located?
- Shikikan Saitoh is in Iwate, Japan (postal code 028-7554), situated in the Hachimantai Asahi highlands area where guests appreciate its peaceful, scenic setting.
- How cosy is Shikikan Saitoh?
- Shikikan Saitoh scores 6.5 out of 10 for cosiness, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that guests find genuinely welcoming and thoughtfully designed.
- Is the food good at Shikikan Saitoh?
- Yes, guests consistently praise both dinner and breakfast. The buffet breakfast impresses with variety (smoothies, carefully prepared sides like bamboo-shoot porridge) and the dinner menu offers thoughtfully prepared dishes with multiple mains to choose from.
- What is the spa and bathing experience like at Shikikan Saitoh?
- The spa features excellent outdoor hot spring baths with a rare 19:00 gender-swap schedule, allowing guests to enjoy both baths' outdoor areas. The baths include a thoughtfully designed soaking pool and are frequently described as highlights of the stay.
- Is Shikikan Saitoh good for a relaxing getaway?
- Absolutely, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 564 guests, it's praised for attentive service, peaceful surroundings, and attention to detail (from welcome drinks to staff assistance with luggage), making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families seeking genuine relaxation.
Own this hotel? Add your cosy badge
Show off your AI cosy score: paste this on your site and it links back to your ranking.