What's the most unforgettable activity for my inaugural Japan trip (to Hokkaido)? My answer will be the amazing hot spring experience at the onsen heaven in Dai-ichi Takimotokan!
As photo-taking is disallowed in the onsen, i could only rely on this scaled down model that's pretty accurate on the different baths i encountered in my two visits.
Before you step into the respective male / female onsen, collect the towels from the main counter in the middle of onsen heaven. As Takimoto Inn is the sister accommodation of Dai-ichi Takimotokan, you just need to show your room key to exchange for the towels and gain access to onsen heaven.
The men's area - right side is the changing area although i do remember a line of lockers where we can lock up our valuables like mobile hands, wallets. Section in the middle would be the washing area before you enter the baths; do pamper your body and hair by making use of the luxurious horse-oil shower gel and shampoo that were provided for free!
For details and benefits on the seven bath types available in onsen heaven, click here. Temperature for most was acceptable except for the demon spa (arrow red) - i can feel that my foot were being slowly cooked when i tested the water which was piped directly from hell valley; if i recall, the temperature was about 42 degrees celcius although it felt way higher!
There's also another level before with an outdoor area. It can be quite chilly if you go at night, as we did on our first visit. Pity we didn't thinking of checking out the next morning as i have the feeling we might be able to soak in the scenery of hell valley.
After cleaning up at the washing area, you may dress up quickly (the female housekeepers prowl the area without a care of whether you are fully naked) and take advantage of the dressing counters where you can find hair tonic, hair dryer, disposable shavers, toothbrushes etc. I basically can throw myself into bed without a final wash!
Body and mind were satisfyingly relaxed after the onsen.
To further cleanse the soul, step into the traditional Japanese garden of Dai-ichi Takimotokan and soak in the soothing outdoor environment!
Super shiok!
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Location
Noboribetsu-onsen, Noboribetsu,
Hokkaido, Japan 059-0595
Website
To read more about our 8 days, 7 nights' itinerary to Hokkaido in summer, click here.
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