Blend in with nature to refresh and revitalize for spring 

A corner written by Yumiko Itakura, a travel and spa journalist who covers hotel spas around the world and continues to experience the roots of health and beauty in each region.
This year, each month, we will focus on one region in Japan and unravel the wellness methods rooted in that region, such as “grandma's bag of wisdom” from hot springs, spa treatments, cultural experiences, and more.
Why don't you travel Japan together while exploring the local health methods, healing, and nutritious foods?
This time, it is about "Hatsuhana" in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture.

A quiet hideaway that can be reached in about an hour and a half from the city center

Hakone is one of the hot spring areas familiar to people living in the metropolitan area. The opening of the hot spring dates back to the Nara period. Today, there are so many hot spring resorts that it is said to be the “Twenty Hot Springs of Hakone,” but Okuyumoto is the place where you can feel the healing of ancient times.

"Hatsuhana" is located in a quiet place where you can see Mt. Yusaka, where hot springs have been bubbling up for more than 1200 years, and the Sukumo River flows below.

Since its opening in 1993, the hotel has earned a reputation for its heartwarming hospitality, but in September of last year, it was reborn as a luxury hotel with an emphasis on privacy, based on the concept of "a quiet time filled with heart and five senses."

At the back of the lounge is the hotel's iconic Observatory Terrace, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hakone in every season, such as pale pink mountain cherry blossoms in spring and golden autumn leaves in autumn.
All 35 rooms of 13 types are equipped with private open-air baths. The interior is designed with gentle colors that represent the image of cherry blossoms in the sky, white, and earth.

In the private dining room of Hanaemi, you can enjoy delicious organic vegetables from Kanagawa Prefecture, Soshu beef, and Odawara rice cooked in an earthen pot. In addition, the hotel is environmentally conscious, with no disposable amenities, beds made from marine plastic, and chopsticks and coasters made from thinned Hakone timber.

Be indulged in the beauty hot springs, and be in shape with hot spring therapy

The biggest attraction of staying here is being able to tour the hot springs while enjoying every scene.
In addition to the open-air baths in the guest rooms, there are 2 large public baths and 4 private baths with different tastes (1 time is 45 minutes free, reservation required). At Minamo no Yu, one of the private baths, you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of Hakone's nature on the surface of the water.

The hot spring water is a simple alkaline hot spring with a pleasant light feel and exfoliating effect, making your skin smooth.

At "Relaxation Mahoromi", you can experience the "Mahoromi Treatment", which is based on the concept of "hot spring therapy", and achieves purification, tuning, and circulation during a one-night, two-day stay.

First, take a sip of hot spring water and start with a foot bath using purified salt. When you lie down on the bed, a tuning fork sounds to purify the place.
This is followed by a full body massage using a blend of frankincense and other essential oils.
Especially from the soles of the feet to the hip joints, the swelling is improved because it is carefully cared for with strong pressure. After the treatment, you will feel lighter and recover from fatigue.

summary  

While feeling the arrival of spring little by little, there are probably many people who are tired from the long winter and find it difficult to be active.
First, visit Hakone for two days and one night, and enjoy the power of nature while enjoying hot springs. In addition, why not prepare your body and mind with a treatment that smoothes out the body's water stagnation.
Next month, somei-yoshino cherry blossoms and other cherry blossoms at the entrance of the hotel should welcome you gently. Spring is almost here!

Hatsuhana
20-1 Sukumogawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
℡0460-85-7321 (reception hours 10:00~19:00)
Price: From ¥48,000 per night (per person when two people use one room, tax and service charge included, dinner and breakfast included)
Spa: Mahoromi Treatment 60 minutes ¥19,000 (tax included, 90 minute and 120 minute courses also available)
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone Yumoto Station. About 15 minutes by route bus.
https://www.hakone-hotelhatsuhana.jp/

Travel & Spa Journalist
Yumiko Itakura
Yumiko Itakura

After working as an editor for magazines such as 25ans, he assumed his current position. Traveling the world, proposing and writing travel plans that appeal to the five senses in various media, with themes of healing, health, food, and culture that live in the land. He also speaks at international government organizations, tourism bureaus, and corporate seminars. Also known as an Italian lover, he composes and writes "Italian Mamma's Recipe" (published by Sekai Bunka Publishing). Also, in the global campaign of the Japan National Tourism Organization, which started in November last year, as an expert in the field of relaxation, he talks about healing in Japan.Expert Insights Go Deep Into Japan  

photos: Yumiko Itakura

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