[Sponsored Article] This is the second part of our stay at Club Wyndham Chikumakan in Kamiyamada Onsen, Nagano. In our first article, we introduced the guest rooms and shared which room types may be more comfortable for travelers who prefer Western-style beds and easier movement. Read our Club Wyndham Chikumakan room review This time, we are focusing on the hot spring baths and dining experience. Kamiyamada Onsen is well known among hot spring enthusiasts, so we were especially excited to experience the baths. Four Hot Spring Bathing Areas at Club Wyndham Chikumakan Club Wyndham Chikumakan has several indoor and open-air hot spring baths arranged across four bathing areas. The men's and women's bathing areas are divided, so during a one-night stay, the baths available to each guest may depend on the bathing schedule. Here are the bathing areas we experienced and viewed during our stay. Zozan-no-Yu and Choryu-no-Yu: Indoor and Open-Air Baths with a Waterfall View Zozan-no-Yu is an indoor bath with a view of a pond and waterfall through large windows. The water felt around 40°C to us, making it pleasantly warm without feeling excessively hot. This is the open-air Choryu-no-Yu bath. The surrounding scenery was beautiful. There were even koi swimming in the outdoor pond. When we visited in the morning, we could soak in the open-air bath while enjoying the fresh air and watching the koi. It was a wonderfully peaceful way to start the day. The combination of hot spring water, the sound of the waterfall and the garden scenery made ...
[Sponsored Article] We visited Kamiyamada Onsen in Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture for the first time and stayed at Club Wyndham Chikumakan. Club Wyndham Chikumakan is a traditional Japanese ryokan with a classic atmosphere. Kamiyamada Onsen has long been known as a hot spring area associated with travelers visiting Zenkoji Temple. One of the main attractions of the ryokan is its simple sulfur hot spring water, which can be enjoyed as free-flowing natural hot spring water. Meals feature kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients from Shinshu. In this article, we share our experience of the rooms, hotel atmosphere and facilities at Club Wyndham Chikumakan. Club Wyndham Chikumakan: Basic Information Here is the basic information about Club Wyndham Chikumakan. Location: 2-2-2 Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma, Nagano Access: Around 40 minutes by car from Zenkoji Temple Features: A long-established Japanese ryokan with free-flowing hot spring baths Parking: Free parking was available during our stay Official website: Club Wyndham Chikumakan Official Website Traditional Japanese Atmosphere in the Lobby The entrance immediately gave us a sense of traditional Japanese hospitality. There were beautiful koi swimming near the entrance. When we tried to take a photo, one even came closer to us. Very cute! In front of the check-in counter was a sofa area with a small decorative bridge that added to the traditional atmosphere. This is the ground floor. During our stay, parts of the property were undergoing renovation, but the ground-floor area we used looked clean and well maintained. The public baths were located farther inside the building. There was also ...
We stayed atItsukiri, an onsen resort in Isumi, Chiba Prefecture. Itsukiri opened in July 2023and is surrounded by the peaceful countryside of the Boso Peninsula. The resort is known for its natural black hot spring water, private villas, BBQ dining and spa facilities. According to the current official information, all accommodation types include access to natural hot spring baths, while some villas also feature private pools and saunas. Our stay was in one of the resort’s large two-story private villa-style suites created by renovating a traditional Japanese house. The villa included natural hot spring baths, an open-air bath, a private pool, and a sauna. For travelers in their 60s and beyond, families, or multigenerational groups, the spacious private setting makes it easy to relax at your own pace. Welcome Drinks at Itsukiri When we stayed at Itsukiri in 2023, we were welcomed with champagne. We mixed ours with orange juice, which made the start of the stay feel especially relaxing. Wine and other drinks were also available during our visit. There was also a coffee machine. Because we visited shortly after the resort first opened, everything felt especially new and clean. Ice cream was also available during our stay, which was a nice treat on a hot summer day. Amenities and complimentary services can change, so check the latest details when booking. Inside Our Two-Story Private Villa We stayed in one of Itsukiri’s large private villa-style suites. The current resort lineup includes premium two-story suites created by fully renovating traditional Japanese houses. These high-end villas ...
