Pension Yummy

We stayed August 26-27, 2022, when COVID-19 meant the pension was rented to just one group, with no meals. The building isn't new, but it was well maintained, and having the place to ourselves meant we could stay together without worrying about other guests. There are plenty of rooms, but bedding is limited to the number of people booked, and extra use costs more. The manager isn't always on site, so you need to arrive at the agreed check-in time. They explained how to unlock the front door and the house rules, and collected the bathing tax in cash. The outdoor bath is outside the pension and can be used any time. The kitchen has a commercial fridge and freezer, and tableware is provided. There aren't restaurants within a few minutes' walk, so plan ahead if you want to eat out for dinner. We ate out, but bringing food and having a party there would be fun. Stairs connect the parking area and pension, and with no streetlights it was pitch dark at night. Take a flashlight from the front desk if you go out.

The clear stream nearby is so calming, and the place is easy to locate with navigation. I especially liked that there’s a relaxation area for families, plus an indoor bath you can use any time of day. The two outdoor baths need to be booked, first come, first served. The pension is a manageable size, so meals came out at just the right pace. I’m a pretty picky eater, but I finished every bit. I’d happily come back.

We found this place to be decent value for the price, and the open-air bath was a lovely spot to unwind under the night sky. The indoor public bath is there too. Dinner was delicious, with an appetizer, soup, steak for the main, and dessert, and they also had a meal for children. The room was clean and had a heater, so it stayed warm, but the cigarette smell was very strong and still there when we checked out. I’d prefer rooms that are completely smoke-free. Wi-Fi worked in the hallway but dropped in our room, so a new router might help. There were ladybugs inside, perhaps because it was autumn, so this may not suit anyone who dislikes insects. The large parking lot at Nikko Toshogu Shrine is about a 10-minute drive away. With a bit more attention to the room environment, I’d recommend it.

Snow had covered everything by morning, all bright white \(//∇//)\, and my daughter got a little birthday celebration that really moved me. We stayed one night over two days and felt so welcomed. It was the kids’ first pension stay, and they enjoyed seeing how it differs from a traditional inn. We borrowed games like a PS2 and watched DVDs, which made for a relaxed family visit. The playroom is more suited to little kids, so families with elementary school children might find it less fun. There were about 10 rooms and the place was full. The reviews were good and the price for two adults and three kids was reasonable. I’d definitely stay again.