A midsummer trip to Izu to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. Since our first visit for our wedding anniversary in the spring, we've returned in a different season.Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-soWe'll be staying in the "Sakae no Ma" room in the detached building "Fujiuraha," where we can spend time with our beloved dog, Chocolat. The garden, which was adorned with cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in the spring, has completely transformed in the summer. The trees, bathed in plenty of sunlight, have become a deeper, richer, and more vibrant green. Spending time in this room while gazing at the summer garden was a very peaceful start to our trip.
While gazing at the lush green garden, we headed to the "Beauty Hot Spring."
After unpacking and taking a breather, the first place we headed to was the private hot spring bath in our room. It's the free-flowing hot spring, known as "Beauty Hot Spring," which is one of the attractions of "Fujiuraha."
Instead of having to go to a public bath after arriving at the inn, you can enjoy the luxury of taking a bath in your own room at any time you like.
Beyond the window lies a garden bathed in the colors of summer. As you surrender yourself to the hot springs while gazing at the lush green trees, you might even forget the heat outside. Enveloped in the comforting warmth of the hot springs, you look out the window and see leaves swaying in the breeze, shimmering in the sunlight. Deep green, sunlight filtering through the trees, a tranquil garden. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, simply soaking in the hot springs and gazing at the garden—it feels like a luxury rarely experienced in everyday life.
After your bath, enjoy a special champagne.
After a relaxing soak in the hot springs, it was time for the much-anticipated drink. I had chilled my favorite champagne, LOUIS ROEDERER, specifically for this occasion. For a special day, a special sparkling wine is essential. Because this trip was to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday, I decided to indulge a little more than usual, bringing along my favorite things to enjoy. As I opened the chilled bottle, the light bubbles gently rose in the glass, and the amber color shimmered in the soft light. I paired it with some light snacks to enjoy with the champagne. This kind of preparation is also an important part of enjoying this special anniversary stay. Unlike a drink in a fancy restaurant, this champagne was enjoyed without any pressure, in a favorite place, with a favorite person.
"Happy 50th birthday."
Just exchanging those words made this drink feel more special than usual. The bubbles soothed my body after my bath, and I enjoyed the summer greenery and the peaceful time I spent with my beloved dog.
Suddenly, I glanced at the garden and saw a swallowtail butterfly fluttering through the shade of the lush green maple leaves. It was as if it were celebrating this special day, gracefully crossing the quiet garden. Its black and white wings stood out beautifully against the deep green, and for just a brief moment, it seemed to be quietly accompanying us in our time.
This is exactly the kind of peaceful moment we wanted to experience. Unbound by anything, simply gazing at the garden, slowly sipping our drinks, and enjoying a leisurely time. Watching Chocolat completely relaxed, her serene expression soothes our hearts and brings a smile to our faces. For us, seeing our beloved dog so relaxed and at ease is the greatest source of comfort.
Chocolat sits demurely on the veranda, gazing out at the garden. The way she looks out through the glass seems to be saying, "I want to go out into the garden."
Since the sun was still quite strong, I waited until it started to set.
Step onto the veranda that leads to a private courtyard garden.
Lush green grass stretches out, trees spread their branches and leaves proudly, and the feel of natural stones and soft soil is pleasant, creating a spacious area where our dog can run around freely. As usual, Chocolat diligently sniffs around the garden, surveying the entire area like a little patrol team.
The summer sun is surprisingly strong, and even just playing in the private garden for a short while can make you break out in a sweat. At times like these, you truly appreciate having a private hot spring bath in your room. To wash away the sweat, you head for a second soak. The ability to enjoy the hot spring whenever you feel like it, without worrying about the time, is a major draw. As you slowly surrender your body, worn out from playing in the summer garden, to the water and soak in the bath while gazing at the tranquil garden reflected outside the window, the heat you felt outside gradually fades away. As the name "Beauty Hot Spring" suggests, your skin feels moisturized after your bath. You feel warm to the core, and even your tense mind seems to gently melt away. "Whenever you want, for as long as you want." This kind of luxury is one of the unique pleasures of having a hot spring bath in your room at Sanyoso.
After your bath, you put on a cool yukata (light cotton kimono) that has been prepared in the adjoining room, which will serve as your bedroom.
She straightened her collar and got ready in front of the dressing table in the makeup room.
At Sanyo-so in the summer, fans were also provided. Beside them was a pamphlet introducing the summer-only menu available in the lounge. Azuki shaved ice made with matcha from the sky, cream soda, and other refreshing summer treats. Looking at the refreshing photos, I couldn't help but wish, "I wish I could go with my dog." Such moments are also summer memories unique to those of us who travel with our beloved dogs.
To cool off in my yukata, I headed to another small veranda where the newly bloomed Japanese anemones were displaying their lovely appearance.
Enjoying a cool summer evening, slowly fanning yourself with a hand fan while gazing at the tranquil garden.
Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-so
Address: 270 Tamegami, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2204
TEL: 055-947-1111
https://www.seibuprince.com/ja/sanyo-so-ryokan
