TRAIN ONSEN Travel Journals to Hot Springs in Japan

It was the end of May 2020, when the 1st declaration of a state of emergency due to COVID-19 was finally over.

I couldn't go anywhere this spring. For now, I want to go somewhere.

I agree. But still, I don't feel like going too far.

Then, is there a good hot spring nearby?

Maybe Nanasawa Onsen is good. It's close.

So, Nishi-san and Kita-san headed to Nanasawa Onsen-kyo in the middle of July, when the rainy season was about to end. Take a bus from Hon-Atsugi to Nanasawa, the final stop, and head for Kabutoyu-onsen Sansuiro.

Is this area in Atsugi City? It's a pretty nice forest, you know.

Exactly. Also Kanagawa, it's so rich in nature just by taking a short bus. ... Oh, on the left road here.

As soon as you walk on the side road, you will arrive at Sansuiro.

Oh, a house in the forest!

Not bad, like a secluded hot spring.

Immediately into the building.

I wonder if it's an old building. ... Oh, a stuffed deer. ... Well, in the hot spring inns in the countryside, they often display stuffed animals, right?

In short, I guess, in the old days, stuffed animals were like a luxurious interior for them. Now ... how about? Personally, I don't like it, though.

Now, it's NOT a good taste, you know.

While saying that, they've come to the bathing room.

A bit of small ...

Exactly. But it's more beautiful than I expected.

They got into the bathtub for the time being.

Phew, the onsen is great after walking a lot in the forest.

No, you haven't walked so much, eh? ... But, it's good hot water, as you said. It feels soft.

Gee, this is the hot water spout. What kind of shape is it? ... Ah, helmets! Because it's Kabutoyu-onsen?

Oh, I see. ... But this design is terrible.

Next, they have got out to the open-air bath.

So small! How strange the shape, too!

Exactly. It looks like they've try too hard to make an open-air bath here.

It's better than nothing, though. Well, you can see the scenery of the forest, and breathe in the outside air.

But, I don't feel calm down ...

Hmm, after all, the bathtub is too small ...

While saying such things, Nishi-san and Kita-san were able to completely refresh themselves with the oxygen-rich forest air and the hot water of Kabutoyu-onsen Sansuiro. From the afternoon, after a short walk on the hiking road and enjoying the feeling of forest therapy, they plan to head to the next hot spring. (→ Continue to Nanasawa Onsen Motoyu Tamagawakan)

(July 2020)