Naruko Yasuragiso

The hot spring water felt wonderfully smooth. We also had the pufferfish sashimi and hotpot course offered for the 40th anniversary campaign. It was great, though since my family was drinking, I wished there were a few more side dishes. Breakfast was just the right amount. There were lots of older guests around. I’d been looking forward to trying the Famicom, but sadly it didn’t work.

The inn-like entrance and the helpful, friendly staff made a nice first impression. It’s right next to Shintoro no Yu, so getting there is easy. I managed to use the baths as a day visitor on a weekday between noon and 2 pm, though I got lucky, so it may be worth calling ahead. There are indoor and outdoor baths with different-colored water. The outdoor one is roofed, which helps when it rains, though bugs or fallen leaves can get in. The washing area has about six stations and horse oil, plus two sinks and a hair dryer. There’s also a water server outside the changing room.

I went for a day visit in the middle of a three-day weekend, but there were only a few other people, so I could soak in peace and left very satisfied. The indoor and outdoor baths have two different kinds of spring water, as others have mentioned. Day bathing seems to run from noon until 2 pm, and it sounds like the baths open at noon for overnight guests too.

The room and bathroom were clean and comfortable, and the cleaning was thorough. One woman at reception spoke down to me when I asked for clarification, as though I should already know, even though it was my first visit. The next woman at the desk was polite and helpful, which made me feel more at ease. Smoke from the area by the elevator reaches the guest rooms, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to smells. You have to lay out your own futon, and you can leave it as is when you check out. It seems like a good deal for people covered by seafarers' insurance.