There is a big hotel on Lake Hamana. It is a Mercure, and it is the kind of place that makes you wonder why something like this is way out in the countryside. From what I gather, the old hotel that used to be here changed hands, got renovated and reopened, so the layout is a bit dated, but the service inside seemed pretty good.

The lounge

It is a lounge with two free-flow beer sessions. There is food to go with it too.. just a few beers here and it feels like you have already got your money’s worth.. having traveled all the way out here, a service like this is very welcome..

The atmosphere inside

It was packed. The room rate is not all that expensive either, so with this level of service it is no wonder the place is popular..

Inside the hotel

A little dated, but the space is enormous. Even in Japan, come out to the countryside and there are hotels with great value for money..

The terrace

It was winter and the wind was incredibly strong, with migratory birds flying around.

Migratory birds

Quite a sight.. though the wind being so strong was a problem..

The trees

It has a bit of a resort feel to it, but the wind was so strong that I felt sorry for the trees..

The pool

Being winter, only traces of it..

Since I was driving around the whole time, I never really got a chance to take a photo of the hotel from the outside. Just that it is fairly big in scale.. I am not quite sure what everyone comes all the way out here to see, but there is the hotel and there are hot springs, so a trip out here is enjoyable enough in its own way.

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