Published date: May 11, 2025
A Relaxing Stay at a Historic Hot Spring from 1300 Years Ago
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
A nostalgic old inn standing by the historic Yugano Onsen. We stayed on a room-only plan, but the attentive guidance and kind service from the front desk staff were noteworthy. The room offered a serene space with a traditional Japanese ambiance, and to our surprise, the TV had a Super Famicom 2 built-in! It was a joy to relive childhood moments through gaming.
The hot spring water is known for its ‘beautifying properties’ and had a soothing consistency, alleviating travel fatigue quite adequately. Though the property and amenities felt a bit aged, this inn is perfect for those wanting to unwind in a tranquil environment.
Experiences during the trip
A Healing Journey Spending Time Luxuriously in Hirugami Highlands, Yugano, and Sakoshi
Driving from Osaka to the Hirugami Highlands during the vibrant spring season! Despite it being Golden Week, the journey was surprisingly smooth, making for a comfortable drive free of traffic snarls. Upon arriving at the Hirugami Highlands, we were blessed with beautiful weather, allowing us to experience the richness of nature among the green mountains and the leisurely grazing cows and horses. The local specialty, Genghis Khan, was aromatic and juicy—who knew lamb could be so tender? The rich Jersey milk soft-serve was also incredibly delicious.
We extended our trip to the "Onna-no-kata Observation Deck," where we were greeted with a breathtaking view of Mt. Daisen framed by cherry blossoms in full bloom—a perfect photo opportunity to remember the journey.
Our accommodation for the day was the "Yugano Grand Hotel" in Yugano Onsen. This historic hot spring, discovered by the monk Ennin around 1,200 years ago, once flourished as a hot spring resort. However, the town appeared somewhat deserted; many businesses were closed, creating a surprisingly quiet atmosphere that didn't feel like peak tourist season at all. Paradoxically, this tranquility gave a sense of nostalgic calmness, making it a perfect retreat for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.
We decided to visit "Soba-dokoro Yamaki," about a 10-minute drive away, and it was an excellent choice! The fragrant soba with freshly fried tempura and a delicate white sesame salad was simply divine. Upon chatting with the owner, we learned he was the former head chef of the Yugano Grand Hotel! No wonder it tasted so good. We also ordered some grilled squid to take back, stopping by a convenience store for some drinks. The grilled squid was astonishingly tender and delicious, truly a delightful surprise.
The waters of Yugano are known as "beautifying waters" and totally relieved the fatigue of our travels with their silky feel. To our surprise, the TV in our room had an old Super Famicom 2 built-in! I couldn’t help but revert to my childhood, becoming engrossed in Super Mario 3 and laughing as the night went on.
The next morning was unfortunately rainy, but soaking in the open-air bath amidst the moist air was exceptional! As the friendly staff bid us farewell, we headed towards Sakoshi for the last stop of our journey. We aimed to revisit the oysters we had loved from our previous visit, but sadly, many restaurants were closed due to the season ending. Nonetheless, at "Yaki Kaki Daiho," we relished an all-you-can-eat experience of plump, juicy grilled oysters, which left us completely satisfied with both flavors and portions!
We began our return journey to prepare for work starting tomorrow.
This trip, filled with relaxation amid nature, hot springs, and delicious food, was surprisingly laid-back for Golden Week. Each location makes me want to revisit in different seasons; we had such a lovely time. I’ll be starting my diet tomorrow. Wishing everyone a great trip!