I Stayed at Japan's Most Isolated Hotel | Feat. @CDawgVA

Head to Oraya Ramen, a spot created to give Oga its own regional ramen flavor. The queue out front shows it's working! I found the broth really smooth and light, unlike the heavy ramen that usually puts me in a coma. The pork is especially good, almost like beef you'd get in shabu-shabu, not the cheaper, fattier chashu. It's perfect for a cold winter day, cozy and warm with steam everywhere. Don't be like me and mix it all up immediately; savor it! I finished mine in 50 seconds, it was that easy to eat.

Just a few steps from Oraya Ramen, you'll find Inagura Brewery. Here, you can taste craft sake, which differs from traditional sake by adding extra flavors like hops, fruit essences, or agave syrup. I got to try several varieties, and it was really nice, with flavors I'd never experienced before. It's a great way to experience a local business trying to revitalize the community. Just be careful not to drink too much if you're driving, unlike me who had a driver!

Prepare for a deep dive into the wilderness at Lamp no Yado, an inn with no electricity, Wi-Fi, or internet. You can't drive directly there; you park your car and take a special bus up the snowy mountain. The rooms are lit by incredibly dim kerosene lamps, which give off a potent smell that can cause a headache. You also have to make your own bed, which is a traditional futon. There are no plug sockets anywhere. The inn strives to live simply without electricity, as it was for decades. I found the futon surprisingly comfortable, with thick blankets. You have to keep the lamp on all night, which is dim but still bright enough to affect sleep if you're sensitive to light. Despite the challenges, I woke up feeling refreshed, looking out at the mountains and listening to the stream, realizing I didn't miss doom-scrolling on my phone. It's a truly unique and peaceful escape from civilization, though Connor found it challenging due to the lack of internet and the cold outdoor onsen.

At 6 PM, it's time for a traditional dinner in the dining hall. The most prominent feature is the irori, a sunken stove in the middle of the room, which provides heat and a place to cook over an open flame. We were served shioyaki, or sweet fish, which was delicious and smoky. The room reminded me of Hogwarts' banquet hall. You also get unlimited miso soup. It's a truly authentic experience, showing the passion of the inn's staff for their traditional way of life.

Head to Oraya Ramen, a spot created to give Oga its own regional ramen flavor. The queue out front shows it's working! I found the broth really smooth and light, unlike the heavy ramen that usually puts me in a coma. The pork is especially good, almost like beef you'd get in shabu-shabu, not the cheaper, fattier chashu. It's perfect for a cold winter day, cozy and warm with steam everywhere. Don't be like me and mix it all up immediately; savor it! I finished mine in 50 seconds, it was that easy to eat.

Just a few steps from Oraya Ramen, you'll find Inagura Brewery. Here, you can taste craft sake, which differs from traditional sake by adding extra flavors like hops, fruit essences, or agave syrup. I got to try several varieties, and it was really nice, with flavors I'd never experienced before. It's a great way to experience a local business trying to revitalize the community. Just be careful not to drink too much if you're driving, unlike me who had a driver!

Head to Aomori Fish Market for a unique breakfast experience. For 2,000 Yen, you get 12 coupons. You then exchange these coupons at different stalls for various seafood toppings to create your own custom Nokke-don rice bowl. It's a really cool and interactive vibe, making fish markets more inviting than usual. I went for a tuna-heavy bowl, using 60% of my tickets on three slices of delicious fatty tuna (otoro). Connor, on the other hand, distributed his tickets to many stalls, getting shrimp, salmon, scallops, and even unagi. Remember to mix your soy sauce and wasabi and pour it over your bowl for the best experience. It's a great way to experience the local side of Northern Japan, with friendly stall owners. I want to relive that moment again!

Prepare for a deep dive into the wilderness at Lamp no Yado, an inn with no electricity, Wi-Fi, or internet. You can't drive directly there; you park your car and take a special bus up the snowy mountain. The rooms are lit by incredibly dim kerosene lamps, which give off a potent smell that can cause a headache. You also have to make your own bed, which is a traditional futon. There are no plug sockets anywhere. The inn strives to live simply without electricity, as it was for decades. I found the futon surprisingly comfortable, with thick blankets. You have to keep the lamp on all night, which is dim but still bright enough to affect sleep if you're sensitive to light. Despite the challenges, I woke up feeling refreshed, looking out at the mountains and listening to the stream, realizing I didn't miss doom-scrolling on my phone. It's a truly unique and peaceful escape from civilization, though Connor found it challenging due to the lack of internet and the cold outdoor onsen.

At 6 PM, it's time for a traditional dinner in the dining hall. The most prominent feature is the irori, a sunken stove in the middle of the room, which provides heat and a place to cook over an open flame. We were served shioyaki, or sweet fish, which was delicious and smoky. The room reminded me of Hogwarts' banquet hall. You also get unlimited miso soup. It's a truly authentic experience, showing the passion of the inn's staff for their traditional way of life.