[Access] About 30 minutes by car from Tomei Gotemba IC

The day-use hot spring Yuyu-no-Sato Nanpōen offers a quiet retreat. Although there’s a dining area on-site, it’s currently closed, which may contribute to the subdued atmosphere. The onsen water here is sourced from Ōwakudani Onsen, known for its artificial hot spring process where volcanic gases are infused into regular water. On this visit, the water was unusually thick and milky-white, creating a mysterious and unique bath experience (I wonder if it’s always like this?).

Nanpōen features an open-air bath with views of a Japanese garden. In its heyday, it seems guests could enjoy kaiseki meals at the dining facility, pairing fine cuisine with hot spring relaxation. Now, the facility feels somewhat deserted, which is a bit of a shame.

At the summit of Mt. Kintoki, the view was clear, but as often happens, Mt. Fuji was shrouded in clouds – no exception on this day. Inside the summit tea house, I can find nameplates of regular visitors who’ve climbed countless times. Their dedication is impressive! On chilly days like this, the warm miso soup served at the tea house is a simple but perfect treat.