Published date: June 25, 2025
“Japanese Travel” in the City: A Weekend of Relaxation
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
Located about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, ONsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku was a place I had been interested in for a while, so I stayed for a night.
I arrived just after 4 PM, but the front desk was still a bit crowded. I waited for about 5 minutes to check in. The check-in was done at a self-check-in machine, and I was also able to purchase breakfast tickets at the time. Ladies should remember to pick up the card key needed for entering the women’s large bath as well.
I reserved a twin room. It was just right for solo travelers. The amenities were housed in a box made of bamboo. Only water bottles were provided in the room; there were water dispensers on the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 18th floors for refilling. Skin care products like makeup remover, face wash, lotion, and emulsion were only available in the large bath.
The large bath is on the 18th floor, the top floor. As mentioned, a card key is required to enter the women's large bath, so don’t forget it. You can use the bath from 3 PM to 2 AM and from 6 AM to 10 AM. You can check the congestion status on your smartphone or similar devices. In the evening and in the morning, it was not crowded. There were hair ties available in the large bath, so even if you forget to bring one, you are safe. The hot spring is only in the outdoor bath; the indoor bath does not seem to be a hot spring.
In the refreshment area, you can enjoy ice candies from 3 PM to 2 AM. When I visited, there were items like Shirokuma ice bars and matcha azuki bars. Additionally, there was a vending machine for milk bottles, which is rare to see these days, and I was happy to have some fruit ale to drink.
In June 2025, there was a lounge event held every day from 10 PM for 45 minutes at the restaurant Natsukashita Fuyuue. In addition to nostalgic snacks, nuts, bamboo dumplings, Momiji manju, and homemade tofu, we could self-serve not only food but also beverages like herbal soup, red and white wine, and sake without any cost. Due to the 45-minute time limit, many guests took advantage of it.
Breakfast was also at the restaurant Natsukashita Fuyuue. When I handed the breakfast ticket to the staff near the entrance, I was guided to an available seat. It took about 10 minutes for the Japanese breakfast set to arrive, so it's good to have some time to spare. Salads and drinks were self-service.
Since it was June, seasonal flowers, namely hydrangeas, were arranged at the entrance and relaxation area, which felt nice. Despite being a hotel in Shinjuku, it felt like a ryokan, and it was a weekend that allowed me to relax.
Experiences during the trip
■Dinner at Natsukashita Fuyuue
For dinner, I went to the hotel’s restaurant, Natsukashita Fuyuue. Since I couldn't make an official reservation online as I was alone, I was a bit nervous, but I was able to dine without any issues. It had a hidden restaurant feel with a calm atmosphere, which was nice. Natsukashita Fuyuue is available for non-staying guests as well.
I was unsure of what to eat, but I opted for the course meal only available to guests. For the main dish, I could choose between two types of rice, and I chose the bar sushi. I was able to enjoy sashimi and tempura, and overall, the portions were just right and delicious. The pickled cucumbers could be refilled, and when my plate was empty, the staff kindly asked if I wanted a refill (I asked for a refill once, lol). The dessert, a sweet summer Basque cheesecake with a hint of black pepper, was impressive. Eating it together added a little spiciness that was interesting.
■Shinjuku Gyoen
After checking out, I went to Shinjuku Gyoen for the first time!
Since it was early to mid-June, the hydrangeas were beautifully in bloom. Although the spring roses were past their peak, they were still blooming beautifully.
After strolling through the Mother and Child Forest, the Japanese Garden, the Formal Garden, and the Landscape Garden, I took a short break at Starbucks for a drink and cake. After the break, I visited Tamamo Pond, the former Western-style rest house, and the greenhouse, and before I knew it, time flew by.
Personally, I enjoyed viewing the hydrangeas in the Mother and Child area and the greenhouse.