Shiro
The inn’s official website had a special feature on the Onsen Musume characters, and it seemed they were putting real effort into them. I’d been looking online for Onsen Musume merchandise from Togura Kamiyamada Onsen. Driving from National Route 18 towards Manyo Bridge, I noticed a long, narrow orange sign with the inn’s name. Of the inns and hotels in Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, this was the one I’d seen featuring Onsen Musume on its website. The parking right in front was for hotel guests, while a sign directed merchandise shoppers to a second lot a short way off. I’d checked where it was beforehand and walked over. I arrived outside the merchandise sales hours, but thought I’d try anyway. In a lobby corner, there was a display of panels and items donated by other fans. Some were handmade doll-like pieces, which showed how much interest there is in Onsen Musume in Togura Kamiyamada Onsen. After taking pictures of the panel and the area around it, I tried to ask staff about merchandise. The lobby was empty at first, so I wasn’t sure what to do, but then a staff member came out and spoke with me. They said they only sold acrylic stands, and those were already sold out. They also said merchandise sometimes requires a reservation. I realized I may need to do more than just check stock without reserving anything.
