Baikunro

We reserved the private plan for four people, advertised as one group per day, at 1,000 yen each. Our visit was meant to be between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. I was running a little late, so I called ahead to ask about reservations. The person who answered was clearly the same person who had taken ours. They said they'd get things ready and told us to come, so we went. After being shown where the baths were, we found men's and women's baths, plus two private baths. There were other groups there, including three women. I thought this plan was private and limited to one group per day, so what was that supposed to mean? I asked about it again as we left, but got no useful explanation. When I pointed out that the website said one group per day, they just asked, sounding annoyed, "Where?" It was obviously our reservation. They gave a wry smile and said, "Sorry, but so what?" We'd traveled a long way to enjoy the hot springs, and I was very disappointed. The springs themselves were excellent, no question, but because of this experience I can't rate the visit.

I booked by phone on October 20th for October 27th under the One-Group-Per-Day Plan. The sign said the plan ran from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and was limited to one group, but another group was there too. When I told the receptionist on my way out that I'd booked because it said one group per day, he replied, "That's why it was only one group per day." He looked completely dumb, asked when I'd made the reservation, and finally said, "It can't be helped." Doesn't it bother them to sell it in a way that feels like a scam? If I'd known, I'd have gone elsewhere. 😂 Give me my precious vacation time back! Be careful if you're thinking of booking this plan. 😢

2025/1. This was my second visit in 15 years, and the bathing fee was 500 yen. It's a participating facility in the Shizuoka Prefecture-only Wakuwaku Onsen Stamp Rally 2, running November 26, 2023 to March 31, 2025. After paying at reception, you go outside and cross the road through a narrow passage with a curtain. Beyond it are two family baths and a separate indoor bath. The building marked "Meigoan" is a lounge with a TV and chairs. It looks like they've added a glamping facility too.

This was my second stay at a hot spring inn in Umegashima, and my first time seeing "Yunohana" (hot spring mineral deposits). At first there seemed to be so much impurity that I wasn't sure I could get in, but the explanation in the changing room helped me understand it. My skin felt really smooth afterward. The stairs to the bathhouse are quite steep, so they could be hard for older people or anyone with mobility issues. They don't provide amenities, so bring your own. The rinse-in shampoo made my hair very dry, and I wished I'd brought a small bottle of my own. There are two private baths that look like home bathrooms. They're small and dark, and I wouldn't go into one alone, though they might work well for couples. Our Japanese-Western room felt homey thanks to the kotatsu in the Japanese-style section.