What can I say about the STAFF and HOTEL (ryokan) experience that I had at the Tamatsukuri Choseikaku Grand Hotel??
All I can say was AMAZING. I arrived prior to the check-in time, as my train schedule was fairly rigid this day. The wonderful staff had no issues in storing my backpack in their storage area until the official time I could check in.
This allowed me to explore the area of Tamatsukuri, which is a fabled, old, traditional onsen area of Northern Japan. It is well located between Isumoshi and Matsue cities, and near the magnificent Lake Aishi. It is a quiet onsen town, with many older ryokans located along the small stream which is water that bubbles up heated near the ryokans. The general location is ideal for a quiet, reflective and peaceful stay. Exactly what I was looking for after 4 frantic days in the Tokyo/Chiba region. I loved watching the other guests from the 6 or 7 ryokans (including the one I stayed in) walk up and down the small stream's sidwalks in their Yukatas.
The Grand Hotel is just a bit "dated", BUT is that a "bad thing" for a fabled ryokan?? NO! It adds to its charm, in my opinion. The onsen area of the hotel is wonderful, and the room was impeccably clean and well maintained.
But, as usual, it was the STAFF at the Hotel that made the experience perfect for me. In particular, the acting manager of the hotel literally RAN around to assist me in any and all of my needs. He and his staff are SIMPLY THE BEST IN JAPAN.