Yugawara Chiyoda-so

I usually stay at health insurance association retreats or Tokyo ward-run resorts (paying the non-resident rate), but this place was available for about the same price, so I decided to try it. Since it was a weekday, only a few cars were in the parking lot, and it felt spacious and comfortable. In the lobby, there is a coffee machine that guests can use freely. The Room had been nicely renovated, was well cleaned, and provided a relaxing environment. There are three bathing areas that rotate between men and women by time slot. Perhaps out of consideration for nearby buildings, the women’s open-air bath is scheduled from nighttime to early morning, which felt reassuring.Compared with typical retreat facilities, the meals were far more upscale—generous portions and very tasty. The self-serve soy sauce soft-serve dessert is outstanding. Laying out futons in the Japanese-style Room is self-service, but if you don’t mind that, it offers great value for money.The staff were also polite and pleasant throughout. I’d like to stay again soon.

15 minutes from Yugawara Station by local bus. Get off at the Onsenkyo bus stop and walk 1 minute. There is no Shuttle Service, but buses run frequently, so it was convenient.Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, but we arrived around 2:00 PM and waited in the lounge. Coffee and other drinks (available 24 hours) are free refills, so we could relax while waiting. After a short break, we left our luggage and went sightseeing at Fudo Falls, about a 6-minute walk away.After check-in, we could immediately enjoy the free-flowing Onsen. We relaxed in our Room until dinner time. The baths rotate by time between men and women. For the women’s bath, until 6:00 PM and from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, it is an indoor Onsen without an open-air bath on the first floor with a sauna (no windows).From 6:30 PM to 6:00 AM the next day, it becomes an Onsen with an open-air bath—this one was excellent.It’s a Japanese-style room, and you lay out your own futon.Dinner was vegetable-focused. The bean rice is cooked at the table. There is also a mini buffet where you can have as much as you like—drinks, desserts, soft-serve ice cream, and fruit. I was completely full and very satisfied.Maybe it’s part of Noguchi Kanko? It felt slightly upscale and was very nice.We were also able to use a coupon discount and stay at a great price.