Okutenryu Fudouonsen Sawaya

The outdoor bath at night was a real treat, especially under the stars, and I even got to try a cave mixed bath for the first time. There were only a few visitors, so I could enjoy the facilities on my own. The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean, and the ryokan itself was peaceful and well looked after. Though it's tucked away up a hill, driving there was easy thanks to plenty of signs. The service was warm and courteous even though we're foreigners. The local food was fresh and healthy, and I especially liked the apples in wine left in the room. I also appreciated being able to book a plan without breakfast since we didn't need a full breakfast and could spend more time relaxing in the morning bath. I left feeling recharged by the food and hot spring.

After a long time, I got to sit quietly in a safe place and watch the stars from a chair after warming up in the hot springs. The sky was cloudy, but my heart felt clear. I picked Sawaya Inn hoping to rest and recover from work, and the quiet room near the hot spring entrance made it easy to relax and sleep well. The proprietress served apples soaked in wine with tea, and the goheimochi rice cakes for a late-night snack were delicious. Everyone at the inn was very friendly.

They picked me up from Tenryukyo Station on March 26th. I could relax, and both the room and meals were great. Flowers around the building gave it a welcoming feel.

At the large bath, the hairdryers have weak airflow, so I'd use the one in the room instead. With more foreign attendants working at hot spring resorts these days, I do feel reassured by service from Japanese staff. I don't mind having foreign people among a larger group, but a job where they may be the only person guests interact with seems quite demanding for them.