Although more and more people are using SNS to gather information about their travel destinations, even in this day and age, we are still interested in the recommendations of local people. In this section, we ask people who work at lodging facilities throughout Japan to introduce points of interest at the lodging facilities where they work and their favorite sightseeing spots in the surrounding area.
For this interview, we spoke with Yoshinori Hamano, manager of the reservation section of the Sales Department at the Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hotel Okada.
Name: Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hotel Okada
Location: 191 Yumotochaya, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
–Please give us an overview of the facility.
Located in a quiet area surrounded by the Sukumo River and Mt. Yuzaka, this Japanese-style resort hotel offers an abundance of hot spring water. Natural hot spring water gushes out at a rate of 270 liters per minute from five sources on the premises. The adjacent day-trip hot spring “Yunosato Okada” can be used free of charge, allowing guests to enjoy 13 different types of hot spring baths. Guest rooms with open-air baths, each with a different atmosphere, are also recommended.
–What are some of the highlights or experiences that you would like to see or experience that you can’t find anywhere else?
The footbath on the 8th floor overlooking Mt. Futago is a special place where you can feel the healing power of the warm water on your feet along with the breathtaking view of the lush green mountains. The warmth of the soothing hot water will ease the fatigue of travelers and allow them to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. It is also a great spot for travelers to gather and talk about their journeys.
–What are your personal recommendations for nearby attractions?
In honor of the Year of the Dragon, we recommend the Kutouryuu Shrine, which enshrines the Great God Kutouryuu. The shrine offers blessings for the fulfillment of love, financial fortune, and prosperous business. The shrine is especially popular as a god of marriage, and has become a sacred place for those who pray for a good marriage. Why not visit both shrines in combination with Hakone Shrine, which is a place to open your luck? You can experience the power spots of Hakone.
–Finally, any last words for our readers?
Thanks to the support of our customers, we have been in business for over 70 years and are loved by guests of all ages, from the elderly to babies. We have renovated our guest rooms to include more rooms with open-air baths, and we offer a choice of buffets and Japanese kaiseki meals to suit your tastes. This fall, we are planning to open a new guest room with an open-air bath on the top floor, so please come and visit us.
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