Seiko Grand Hotel (Review)

Oga peninsula may catch the attention of amateurs of natural hot springs in Japan, as in addition to its rural roots and folklore surrounding the Namahage ogres, it is an onsen ♨️ destination close to Akita City, the capital of the eponymous prefecture.

Several traditional ryokan accommodations, that is to say Japanese inns suited with hot baths, are settled in front of the Sea of Japan and constitute Oga Onsen village. Located in the north of the peninsula, Seiko Grand Hotel 🏨 is one of those large ryokan that grew thanks to the increase of domestic tourism and have retained an air of a retro-modern style typical of the Showa era (1926 – 1989).

Seiko Grand Hotel is a large complex encompassing 3 buildings and hosting 90 rooms of different categories, laid out in Japanese style, Western style or a mix of both. We recommend trying a traditional room in the hotel’s south wing, with a tatami flooring and futon bedding. While all rooms have a view on the sea, the horizon line may vary depending the floor the room is at.

Discovering Oga’s ishiyaki cuisine

Dinner is not served in the room but in a privatized space arranged for the occasion. Delicious specialties of Akita prefecture are served, and in particular, a bream soup cooked on piping hot rocks, in front of the guests.

This dish is called ishiyaki, that is to say "cooked on a stone," and is a staple of Oga Peninsula fishermen’s cuisine. Here, it is prepared by a seasoned chef displaying impressive skills, especially as they expertly handle the hot stones, that are immersed in the pot one after another. As the cooking progresses, guests can admire and anticipate the deliciousness of the well-cooked fish.

On the morning, Seiko Grand Hotel serves a traditional washoku Japanese savory breakfast. Don’t leave without taking time to relax at the hotel’s shared baths between the meals, especially at the rotenburo bath on an open-air terrace.