Chitose Hotel

Chitose Hotel sits in Odate's Otaki hot-spring area, right on the Yoneshiro River. Its single large communal bath alternates between men and women, so check the changeover times, and the hot spring water is kept flowing fresh. The bathing hall looks out over the river. The building itself is old, with a Showa-era feel that's been renovated bit by bit over the years; an Akita dog and cats doze around the halls, and a day care for elderly locals runs on the ground floor. Day visitors can also stop by for lunch or prepared deli dishes on a limited weekly schedule.