Rakusuien in Kofu

I often enjoy the hot springs at Yumura Onsen, but my usual lodging was fully booked, so I decided to stay here.

As I walked through the entrance, I was hit by the smell of incense, but it was so strong it almost felt like I was in a temple. If they're going to offer fragrant hospitality, I'd prefer it to be a faint lingering scent.

After paying, I was shown to the bathroom and the breakfast area the next morning, and then shown to my room.

The room was 8 tatami mats in size and had a futon. There was a carpet in the hallway, but it looked dirty and I had to wear slippers. The refrigerator was small, and the toilet was one step higher, so it was a bit of a hassle to get in and out, but the room was spacious overall and not unlivable.

The room key was a cylinder, so I only had one key, so I had to set a time when I wanted to go to the bath with someone. It was inconvenient.

The bath was equipped with a laundry basket and a lockable locker for valuables, but the locker right next to it was difficult to use from the sink, so I only used the laundry basket. I recommend leaving your room key at the front desk. If you don't, you'll have no choice but to use the inaccessible lockable lock.

Being Yumura Onsen, the water quality was outstanding, with the indoor bath warm and the outdoor bath hot. The amount of water was also good. There weren't many washing areas, but since it's not a hot spring facility, it probably isn't crowded.

I went to my favorite kushiage restaurant that night, so I didn't eat there. There are some good places in Yumura.

It's also nice to lounge in a Japanese-style room after returning home. The refrigerator is small, but it kept things cold.

The next morning's breakfast was a traditional Japanese-style inn breakfast. The rice wasn't cooked to the best of my ability, but it was delicious.

I appreciated the waitress, but I think it would be fine to refill the tea and water myself. The format was too rigid and inflexible. It felt a little awkward to ask for a bottled beer.

Check-out was at 10am, and I paid by card.

To get there and back, take the bus from the south exit of Kofu Station. If you take a taxi from the Yumura Onsen entrance, it's quite a return trip, so it's best to get off at the stop before that. If you're taking a taxi, take the one from the north exit of Kofu Station. It should cost less than 1,500 yen.

It's just under 10 minutes from the inn to the convenience store, so you can do your shopping before heading there, or head there after a stroll.

Yumura Onsen in Yamanashi has the best water quality. I've often heard of Takeda Shingen's secret hot spring, and since this is close to Tsutsujigasakikan, I'm sure he must have visited here.

There were no inbound tourists, so it was quiet.
I think I'll visit again.