Day trip bathing travel journals to hot springs where we visited by train and bus

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House

251, Saijo, Showa Town, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Pref.

The bathing room is flooded with hot water overflowing from an emerald green bathtub that has a fresh source

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house bathing room
Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house exterior Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house bathtub Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house washing area

The bathtub is brilliant emerald green. Relax in your body and soul with the hot spring water flowing from the source.

The three main tubs are set to hot, medium, and luke-warm temperatures, so you can choose a bathtub with your favorite temperature. It is also fun to compare the other baths, such a sauna, a radon bath and so on.

2 minutes walk from JR Kokubo Station. It also has a banquet hall and a break room etc.

The owner of Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House has changed, and it has been reopened to "Sakurayu" on June 7, 2017. The contents of this page are basically those of Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House.

Location

Rating of access

2.0 pt(from Shinjuku)

→ How to rate access train

Area / Railway

Ko-shin-etsu Region
Yamanashi Pref.

JR Minobu Line

onsen

Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. Keio: 1 hr Keio Line ¥ 370
  • Takao Sta.JR: 1 hr 45 min Chuo Line ¥ 1,520
  • Kofu Sta.Walk: 1 hr 05 min 4.9 km (3 mi) Difference in elevation: -18 m (-59 ft)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta.JR: 2 hrs 35 min Chuo Line ¥ 2,640
  •  (Transfer at Kofu Sta.)JR: 20 min Minobu Line ¥ -
  • Kokubo Sta.Walk: 2 min 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta.JR: 2 hrs 35 min Chuo Line ¥ 2,310
  • Kofu Sta. Yamanashi Kotsu Bus: 16 min Bound for University of Yamanashi Hospital / Kajikazawa ¥ 330
  • Kokubo Hacchome Bus StopWalk: 5 min 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. JR express: 1 hr 40 min Kaiji etc. Reserved seat¥ 3,890
  • Kofu Sta.Walk: 3 min 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Business Ryokan Suehiro Bicycle rental: 26 min (electric assisted) ¥ 1,000
    4.7 km (2.9 mi)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate)Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
    (4th floor) Expressway bus: 2 hrs 04 min Kofu Ryuo Line (via Kofu-minami) ¥ 2,200
  • Ise Icchome Bus StopWalk: 38 min 2.9 km (1.8 mi) Difference in elevation: -4 m (-13 ft)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate)Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
    (4th floor) Expressway bus: 2 hrs 04 min Kofu Ryuo Line (via Kofu-minami) ¥ 2,200
  • Ise Icchome Bus Stop Yamanashi Kotsu Bus: 9 min Bound for University of Yamanashi Hospital / Kajikazawa ¥ 240
  • Kokubo Hacchome Bus StopWalk: 5 min 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate)Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
    (4th floor) Expressway bus: 2 hrs 10 min Minobu Line ¥ 2,200
  • Nishi-Yahata Bus StopWalk: 40 min 3.1 km (1.9 mi) Difference in elevation: -11 m (-36 ft)
  • Sakurayu
    (ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)
Routes from Tokyo
  • Shinjuku
  • Keio
  • Takao
  • JR
  • Kofu
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 3 hrs 50 min ¥ 1,890

  • Shinjuku
  • JR
  • Kokubo
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 57 min ¥ 2,640

  • Shinjuku
  • JR
  • Kofu
  • Bus
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 56 min ¥ 2,640

  • Shinjuku
  • JR express
  • Kofu
  • Bicycle rental
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 09 min ¥ 4,890

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Ise Icchome
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 44 min ¥ 2,200

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Ise Icchome
  • Bus
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 20 min ¥ 2,440

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Nishi-Yahata
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 52 min ¥ 2,200

  • The price of JR Express is "Base fare" plus "Express charge". (These are determined according to the distance.) In case of JR Express on Chuo Line, "Express charge" has two types: "Reserved seat" and "Undecided seat". Both have the same charge, which do not change depending on the season. However, the price will vary depending on where you buy. (Internet < Station < Inside the car). If you have an "Undecided seat" ticket, you can sit in any vacant seat, but you have no priority. So, if someone comes who has a "Reserved seat" ticket for the seat you are sitting, you have to give up the seat to him / her.
  • On the JR Minobu Line, you cannot use the IC card tickets such as Suica, PASMO and so on.
  • The buses, what of Yamanashi Kotsu Bus passing through Kokubo Hacchome Bus Stop, has the system number 53 or 56.
  • Kofu City Bicycle Rental is operated in cooperation with Kofu City and the Kofu Hotel Ryokan Cooperative. You can rent an electric assisted bicycle at some hotels around Kofu Station. From 9:00 to 18:00 (from November to March until 17:00), ¥1,000, ID card required, return to borrowed place. Inquiry: Kofu City Sightseeing Department 055-237-5702
  • The above fares are based on cash. When using an IC card, the fares may differ slightly.
  • The above times and distances are approximate. Does not include transfering or waiting times.

How to get to Sakurayu
(ex Kokuboekimae-onsen)

(Directions from Kokubo Sta.)
  • Exit the station and 140 m (459 ft) on the road diagonally to the left
(Directions from Kokubo Hacchome Bus Stop)
  1. If you are coming from Kofu Station, proceed in the direction of the bus and immediately enter the left path. (Where the mirror is)
  2. Turn right after exiting a large street. About 100 m (328 ft) from there

bus stop: bus stop

Click the map to open Google Map

Travel journal of day trip bathing to hot spring

Characters

Nishi-san
Nishi-san
He is an orthodox hot springs lover and particular about quality of springs. He loves the hot springs flowing from the source, the hot water with a presence, and the rustic atmosphere.
Kita-san
Kita-san
He doesn't care much about quality of hot springs. He loves the open-air bath, and prefers hot springs that have visible features such as good views.

(→ Continuation from Kokubo-onsen)
After Kokubo-onsen, Nishi-san and Kita-san have headed to Kokuboekimae-onsen, a 2-minute walk from Kokubo Station. The two walk straight from Kokubo Station, then they have arrived.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house exterior

Exterior

As the name says in front of the station, it's really close.

But, as you can see, I think it's an outdated building and a run-down atmosphere ... Besides, it's name is "Kenko House", you know. Naming of "Kenko House" is rare these days ...

I'm sure everyone will be healthy by this hot spring. There is no problem as long as the hot water is good.

Anyway, to the undressing room. The undressing room is lined with lockers, and it is spacious and beautiful. And finally to the bathing room.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house bathing room

Bathing room

Wow! It's water on the whole floor.

It's overflowing hot water. It's quite luxurious.

The inside is a bit outdated too, but bigger than I thought.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house Relaxing Bath / Ultrasonic Bath

Relaxing bath (back)
Ultrasonic bath (front)

The main tub here is three tubs arranged along the wall. The left is a relaxing bath, the center is an ultrasonic bath, and the right is a jacuzzi. There is a small room with a frosted glass, and a cold bath and sauna, too. First, they take an ultrasonic bath.

They're pouring a lot of water. It's fresh and a bit slimy.

The water is greenish, you know. Kokubo-onsen was brownish though. It is so close, but different.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house jacuzzi

Jacuzzi

Next, they enter the relaxing bath where the source is poured vigorously, and the jacuzzi popular with locals. Nishi-san likes the relaxing bath where water is fresh. Kita-san's favorite is the jacuzzi, which has a lukewarm water.

After all, the relaxing bath is the best for the freshness of the water. It's different because of the strength of the hot water from the spout.

But it's a bit hot. This jacuzzi is the best as temperature.

After going back and forth between the three main tubs, they try to get into a small room where the inside is not clearly visible with frosted glass. Nishi-san and Kita-san opened the frosted glass door.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house Radon Bath

Radon bath

Radon bath.

Is radon radioactive radon? Is it good for your health?

In short, radioactive springs are said to be a hot water that is effective against all diseases. So they seem to create it artificially. I guess they made it because this is the Kenko House.

Kenko House ... it's fishy, though ... Anyway, let's get in it ... Oh! Hot! It's a little hot!

"Ekimae" means "in front of the station". Even if you say "in front of the station", it does not mean that you can see it as soon as you leave the station. Rather, it is not visible at all until just before arrival.

Well, yeah, it's a bit hot.

I'm not sick for now, so radon bath is no need.

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house washing area

Washing area

So Nishi-san and Kita-san left the small room of the radon bath soon.

The whole building is getting worn out, but the hot water is good.

Could be. But I wish it had an open-air bath, that was close. And it's better to change the name to something more cool.

You change "Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House" to cool name? How?

"Kokubo Station Spa Kenko House".

Oh, you don't change the "Kenko House" ... You really like that part ...

In that way, Nishi-san and Kita-san enjoyed the hot water of Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko House for about an hour.

(April 2015)

The temperature of each bathtub (estimated) is:
radon bath is 45℃ (113℉),
relaxing bath is 44℃ (111.2℉),
ultrasonic bath is 42℃ (107.6℉),
jacuzzi is 40℃ (104℉).

Impression & rating

The onsen water has been lavishly flowing. Hot water that has a high freshness and a refreshing feeling after bathing.

3.0 pt

Impression & rating

There is a feeling of run-down, but it is good that it's big and has various bathtubs with different water temperatures.

1.5 pt

→ How to rate

The Onsen facility

Kokuboekimae-onsen Kenko house

Address
251, Saijo, Showa Town, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Phone
domestic: 055-275-7132
international: +81-55-275-7132
Website
None
Bathing hours
10:00 - 24:00
Business days
Open everyday
Charge
[3 hours]
Adults: ¥ 570 / Elementary school students: ¥ 310
[1 day]
Adults: ¥ 1,000 / Elementary school students: ¥ 500
Baths
Gender-separated indoor bath

Sakurayu

The following is about "Sakurayu" after reopening on June 7, 2017.

Address
251, Saijo, Showa Town, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Phone
domestic: 055-268-3088
international: +81-55-268-3088
Website
Sakurayu
Bathing hours
10:00 - 23:30
(Last entry at 23:00)
Business days
Open everyday
Charge
Adults: ¥ 500 / 4 years old - Elementary school students: ¥ 300 / 3 years old and under: free
Baths
Gender-separated indoor bath, Gender-separated open-air bath

The hot spring data
(According to hot spring analysis report etc.)

(Survey date: Jul. 30, 2013)

Spring quality
Simple hot spring (Hypotonic Neutral High temperature spring
Gushing place
251, Saijo, Showa Town, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Temperature
43.7 ℃ (110.7 ℉)
[air temperature: 29 ℃ (84.2 ℉)]
Water volume
168.2 L / min (Pumping)
pH value
7.4
Total ingredients
0.8031 g / kg
Perception
Light yellow clear, tasteless and odorless

Sakurayu

The following is about "Sakurayu" after reopening on June 7, 2017.

(Survey date: Mar. 15, 2017)

Spring quality
Simple hot spring (Hypotonic Weak alkaline High temperature spring
Source
251, Saijo, Showa Town, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Temperature
43.6 ℃ (110.5 ℉)
[air temperature: 11.8 ℃ (53.2 ℉)]
Volume
199 L / min (Non-powered spouting after drilling)
pH value
7.9
Total ingredients
0.850 g / kg
Perception
Pale yellow tasteless odorless

Today's Detour

Anko maker Itsumi-an exterior

Itsumi-an, Anko Kobo (sweet red bean paste maker)

Itsumi-an is a direct sales shop attached to the Anko production section of Itsumiya. "Kamaage Anko" which sell homemade fresh anko by weight, "Ohagi" and "Kimihime Daifuku" are popular. It is about 8 minutes on foot from Kokuboekimae-onsen. (→ Itsumi-an _ Facebook)

  • The descriptions on this page contain personal opinions and are not necessarily objective facts.
  • The information may have changed at present. In particular, the charge and price etc. has often not updated from the time of travel, so check the latest information on the official website.

Onsen List

Tohoku Region

Kanto Region

Kyushu Region

  • Fukuoka Pref.
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