Category: Chubu

When I was a child, my grandparents often took me on the Oigawa Railway’s steam locomotive (SL), and I vividly remember seeing the small, bright red trolley train at the terminal station, Senzu Station. Ever since, I’ve always wanted to take a leisurely ride on that trolley train and explore the Oku-Oi area. This time, I planned a small family trip with my child and parents as a way of showing my gratitude to them. We stayed at Onishiya Ryokan, a mountain retreat that features natural hot spring water from Ikawa and serves delicious wild game cuisine.

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Shimoda Yamatokan is in an amazing location, right in front of Tatadohama Beach. Shimoda Onsen features clear, simple hot spring water. As shown in the photos, you can enjoy stunning views of Tatadohama Beach from both the indoor and outdoor baths. The outdoor bath, in particular, offers an open, unobstructed view of the vast ocean, making it a truly remarkable experience.

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Tenryo is a public bath located in Ichirino Onsen, we stopped by when we visited the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. It seemed like quite a large facility, but since the Hakusan Super Forest Road had not yet opened at that time, the place was quiet with few visitors.

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Located right in front of Mount Asama, Tokyu Harvest Club Karuizawa Kogen features a golf course, ski resort, and tennis courts. Being in the highlands, it stays pleasantly cool and comfortable even in summer. I didn’t have high expectations for the bath, but it’s a natural hot spring with its own source on-site. The outdoor bath is amazing with the green grass and crisp summer air. Plus, with a sauna, mist sauna, jacuzzi, and massage showers, the whole place is clean and super relaxing.

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Since my plan to fully enjoy Shibu Chojuyu didn’t pan out, I decided to drop by Shibu-Tatsunokan, which is just about 1 km down the road. The entrance had such a dignified look—not too flashy, but with that perfect touch of rustic charm that makes you instantly want to stay the night.

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I’d known about it for a while, but never really knew what it was like… With Takeda Shingen’s “hidden hot springs” being featured on TV so much lately thanks to the NHK drama Furin Kazan, I finally thought of Oku-Tateshina. After a little research, I found out there’s a place called Shibu Choju-yu where a cold spiritual spring bubbles up naturally. I was so intrigued that, even though it was Golden Week, I decided to take a little trip out there.

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I’d always pictured Atami as a somewhat run-down entertainment district and kept my distance, but a recent trip nearby changed my mind. I discovered a side of the town rooted in local life and ended up visiting the Kamijuku-Shinjuku Community Bath, a hidden gem of a public bathhouse.

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I headed to Niigata to see the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field and visit Matsunoyama Onsen. As part of the art festival area, the town greets you with quirky installations and stylish signs, all while maintaining a cozy, traditional vibe.

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After some trekking in Hakuba, I stopped by Hakuba Happo Onsen. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the water! It felt quite hot at first, but that “silky smooth” sensation kicked in immediately, making me smile.

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Visiting Tekkosen Honkan in the Shimosuwa Onsen resort. When I asked about day-use bathing, the landlady kindly checked the large bath for me. Since it was only half-full, she offered the smaller tub instead—and I was just happy to be able to soak.

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