[Access] 1-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station
[Webpage] Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

A few days into my pilgrimage, I realized that the henro trail toward the 18th temple, Onzanji, passed right near JR Tokushima Station around sunset. Thinking it’d be nice to treat myself to a good meal, I searched for a hotel near the station and found one with natural hot springs – Hotel Sunroute Tokushima. After crossing the challenging henro-korogashi terrain of the 12th temple, Shosanji, fatigue had been lingering, and my need for a hot spring soak was at an all-time high 🙂

The spring here is a sodium-calcium chloride cold mineral spring, with a rich brown color that screams “authentic onsen.” It was a pleasant surprise to find such a quality hot spring at a business hotel by the station. The baths are open for day-use visitors, so locals might also stop by to enjoy the onsen. For a weary body, the rejuvenating warmth was a true blessing.

After the bath, I initially planned to explore the city for something delicious, but fatigue hit hard, and I ended up at an izakaya just in front of the hotel. Even so, it turned out to be a great choice, as they served Tokushima specialties like fish cutlet from Komatsushima and Tokushima gyoza with yuzu pepper sauce. These paired perfectly with a cold beer. It seems tonight will bring a deep and satisfying sleep.