Maguse Onsen

Tyler, Mari, Andy and Mio were fantastic hosts, The kaiseki-style food was amazing (I opted for the half board; the ultimate way to go). From the moment I had walked into the ryokan, I had felt like my dreams had come true. From what I had only imagined and seen in anime/videos to actually experiencing a traditional ryokan with traditional Japanese-styled rooms. Equipped with tatami mats, shogi screens, and breath-taking views (I had the second floor room with a view of Mt. Hattoh). The room was kept exceptionally clean (I forgot to include photos of the room, but they are online to look at) and the provided yukata and geta sandals really rounded out the experience (there weren’t that many people walking around in the first place, so a foreigner in a yukata and geta sandals felt out of place at least for me; I walked around the town and no one paid any mind to what I was wearing and actually complimented it). Since Kamesei Ryokan was my very first venture into using an onsen (they do allow tattoos in their onsen, but if you’re not comfortable you can rent a private bath), I didn’t know the etiquette. I did use it; the natural hot springs felt fantastic on my body, relieving every aching muscle that had been used for walking over 20k steps a day, and the 100-year open air bath was amazing even at midnight. Make sure you immerse yourself in the experience there; wear the yukata, bathe in the onsen, and enjoy yourself; I travelled solo this time, and i will come back.