Okutamaji

“Traditional Japan Hospitality at its Best - Okutamaji”

Accessible by a short train ride from metro Tokyo, the Okutamaji Onsen Hotel is situated right on the Okutama River, which surrounds the hotel on 3 sides. The staff were very warm and welcoming. We called them from the station, and they drove us to the hotel, which is about .5 miles from the statio… more

Accessible by a short train ride from metro Tokyo, the Okutamaji Onsen Hotel is situated right on the Okutama River, which surrounds the hotel on 3 sides. The staff were very warm and welcoming. We called them from the station, and they drove us to the hotel, which is about .5 miles from the station. The location is at the beginning of the beautiful Okutama river valley west of Tokyo. The Ishigami hot spring is located on the property, near the river (but you can only see the pump house). Further into the valley there are things to do such as visiting Mount Miyatake, etc. Some rooms, the dining area and the hot springs bath all have peaceful river views. As a traditional hot springs hotel, there are no showers or tubs in the rooms, although there is a toilet and sink. The traditional Japanese rooms have tatami floors and futon bedding, which is laid out when you are at dinner. There are some Western rooms as well, with beds. The rooms and facility are very well maintained and spotlessly clean. As you enter the bath, there is a changing area with sinks for grooming. In the bath itself are places to wash off before slipping into the soothing mineral water. It was hot, but not excessively so. Wonderful to sit back and look out of the window while your stress melts away. It would be best to understand the simple manners associated with a Japanese onsen bath before venturing in. You have the option of including breakfast and dinner with your room reservation. This is highly recommended in order to enjoy the expertly prepared, locally sourced dishes, which are simply exquisite in presentation, taste and balance. Much of the dinner is served one dish at a time, although some things are cooked right at your seat. While the servings are small, at the end of the meal we were completely satisfied but not bloated. The hotel has a gift shop in the lobby, with unique items from the Okutama area. It was difficult to limit our choice to just a few items. The reasons to stay here at least one night are the exceptional meals and the hot spring bath, along with the natural and tranquil setting: traditional Japan hospitality at its best.

less