Sora no Niwa Resort

This was our second stay. When we asked to use the “toban-yoku” heated stone bath, we received an explanation and were able to enjoy it. We spent about 40 minutes as a couple, placing our abdomen on the warm stone or soaking our backs while staying hydrated. We worked up a great sweat from head to toe—it felt wonderful. We were also satisfied with the half-buffet dinner afterward.

Couples in our mid-70s tend to prefer familiar Accommodations. This time, with guidance from IKYU, we visited “Sora no Resort” for the first time. We checked in feeling refreshed and immediately enjoyed freshly brewed self-serve coffee. Our Room was on the top floor (4th floor), and the view truly felt like a “garden in the sky.”Dinner was a half-buffet. Soon after we were seated, appetizers, chilled sashimi, and freshly fried tempura were served—each dish seemed to say “welcome.” Salads, side dishes, rice, and miso soup were buffet-style with free refills. The watermelon was especially sweet, and the soft-serve ice cream was smooth and soothing.The Onsen included both an indoor public bath and an open-air bath. The acidic spring water felt great for our skin, and soaking helped relieve our driving fatigue.Breakfast was a buffet as well; I had rice porridge. For me, “dried whitebait with grated daikon” is essential at breakfast, so it was my only disappointment that I couldn’t find it.Because of the rainy-season front and two approaching typhoons, we couldn’t go for walks or sightseeing. I now wish we had asked about the best season—flowers or autumn leaves…