Published date: December 16, 2024
Hakodate's New Landmark
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Since it just opened this year, I booked OMO5 Hakodate!
I've stayed at OMO in Otsuka before, but this is my first time at a local OMO.
It is located just a 5-minute walk from the station. Despite the snowy weather, I was able to walk there.
First, I stored my luggage in a locker at the lobby, and then took the free shuttle bus that tours the city. Although the hotel’s bus requires a reservation (via QR code), there was availability, so when I told the staff, I could get on immediately.
The stained glass in the lobby features many cute illustrations representing Hakodate.
After returning from sightseeing, I checked in using a machine, which was easy with staff assistance.
I picked up the necessary amenities before heading to my room. It was a bit disappointing that there was no coffee among the amenities😢, but there was tea...
My room was a twin on the 9th floor. The entrance was quite narrow! It is shoe-free in the room, but there's a space where you need to take off shoes one at a time while the door is open.
The room was really clean! The toilet and shower (not used since there is a large communal bath) are separate.
There is a small refrigerator, and water is provided either from the tap (drinkable) or from the water server on the 6th and 10th floors. Note that ice is only available on the 6th floor. There were also a washing machine and dryer on the 10th floor. Payment is mostly cashless.
After unpacking my luggage, I eagerly went to the long-awaited hot spring "Amber Spa" on the second floor. It was fantastic. A cute video and audio about manners for entering the hot spring in English and Chinese were playing near the entrance for foreign guests, which was nice. Since it was a weekday, there were hardly any foreign guests around.
The women's bathroom had two indoor baths, a dry sauna (90°C), a steam sauna (50°C), and a cold bath. Outside, there were open-air baths and two one-person barrel baths, as well as three outdoor relaxation chairs. Given the cold temperature, the warmth of the water truly seeps into the body. It's really amber-colored water with a strong hot spring feel. It seems to be a free-flowing spring.
The highlight for me was the steam sauna🧖♀️, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The dryer provided was a Panasonic Nano (black), which is the best.
You don’t need to bring towels from the room since they are available before entering the bath. However, be careful to take your room key, or else you won't be able to enter the bath⚠️
After getting out of the bath, I purchased camembert cheese and prosciutto at the gift shop (open 24 hours, unmanned) and enjoyed clam chowder and squid ink potato chips along with two drinks at the cafe & bar that is open until 11 pm. It was delicious〜
There isn't a wide variety of food, so I recommend eating outside if you're looking for a hearty meal.
The drinks included a herbal soda in a bath cup and an adult melon cream soda✨
The dining space has a lounge-like feel, complete with many stylish and cute paintings that are very Hoshino Resort-esque, creating a very chill spot.
Thanks to entering the bath early, both the bath and the food area were quite empty〜 (perhaps because it was a weekday?) The lounge can feel a bit cold, so you might want to wear heat-tech, socks, or a light outer garment.
I was back in my room and asleep before 10 pm, haha.
The room was a bit dry, so I recommend turning on the air purifier and humidifier.
I woke up before 5 am and had a morning bath at the hot springs that opened at 5 am. I love morning baths.
Checkout was at 11 am. Although I could have added breakfast for 3500 yen, I wanted to have a seafood bowl at the morning market, so I gave it a miss. After that, I took the bus to Goryokaku and left the hotel.
When it comes to hot spring hotels in Hakodate, I had a strong image of La Vista Hakodate Bay, but I was completely right to choose OMO this time! It was a very satisfying stay. Upon research, I found that if you book in advance on the official site, there are plans for under 5000 yen, so if booking through hafh, weekends might be recommended?
Family-friendly. Next time, I'd like to visit during the warm season.
Experiences during the trip
You can enjoy Hakodate in just two days! The compact city and its proximity to the airport are very convenient!
The must-visit spots are Mount Hakodate Ropeway, Kanemaru's Red Brick Warehouse, and Goryokaku.
It's recommended to take the Hakodate Ropeway before sunset and experience the night view afterwards.
This time, Lucky Pierrot was a hit🤡 It was delicious🤤