Hakone Sengokuhara, bathed in the gentle sunlight of early summer. The place where I stayed this time wasHotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaWhat I was most looking forward to was spending time in the hot springs while enjoying the changing seasons.
The room where I stayed with my beloved dog, Chocolat, had an open-air bath, but if you visit this inn, you absolutely must try the large public bath. The large public baths in the inn are rotated between men and women, so one of the attractions is that you can enjoy different baths on the day you arrive and the following morning. Each bath has a different atmosphere, and the inn is designed so that you can enjoy the pleasure of "hopping between hot springs."
Rock bath "Golden Hot Spring"
Men-only hours: 14:00-24:00 / Women-only hours: 5:00-10:00
This hot spring is a calcium sulfate spring (hypotonic alkaline high-temperature spring). The gentle water warms you from the core, and the feeling of warmth lingers long after you get out of the bath. It's said to be a welcome spring for those who suffer from cold hands and feet or fatigue, and it provided a comforting feeling that slowly soothed away the fatigue of travel.
Both men's and women's sauna rooms are available, and a cold plunge pool is provided in front of them.
Shower booth
The "Golden Bath" in the rock bath offers a dynamic atmosphere that makes you feel even more at one with nature. As you soak in the bath while gazing at the garden, you'll feel as if you're being enveloped by the nature of Hakone.
What was particularly impressive about the open-air rock bath at "Golden Hot Spring" was the beautiful tile art painted on the wall. The image of "Red Fuji" bathed in the twilight was breathtakingly beautiful. The scenery that emerged through the soft steam boldly depicted the grandeur of Red Fuji, making the hot spring experience even more special.
The open-air bath also features a silky bath, known for its soft texture. The milky white water of the silky bath creates a feeling of being enveloped in the warmth. Fine bubbles gently caress the skin, leaving it feeling moist and smooth after bathing.
Furthermore, there's a barrel bath with slightly hotter water set at 42℃, allowing you to enjoy a variety of baths depending on your physical condition and mood that day, which is another great feature.
In front of you lies a tranquil garden landscape where you can feel the nature of Hakone. As you soak in the bath while feeling the pleasant breeze, even the passage of time seems to slow down.
Hinoki wood bath "Hyakka no Yu"
Men-only hours: 14:00-24:00 / Women-only hours: 5:00-10:00
The "Hyakka no Yu" cypress bath is a calming space enveloped in the scent of wood. The gentle aroma of cypress that wafts with the steam is soothing, and from the moment you step into the bath, you feel the tension in your body melt away.
The walls of the open-air cypress bath at "Hyakka no Yu" are adorned with fantastical tile art depicting the "pampas grass fields" that symbolize Sengokuhara, offering a different atmosphere from the red Mt. Fuji. Soaking in the bath while gazing at the pampas grass swaying in the wind under the night sky illuminated by the crescent moon, you feel as if you are being gently embraced by the nature of Hakone. The calming colors of the bath and the tranquil atmosphere are also impressive, making it a healing bathing spot where you'll want to forget about time and relax.
After your bath, relax in the rest area and slowly cool down your body.
I was pleased to find that they offer free services, which shows thoughtful hospitality.
A refreshing vinegar drink that soothes the throat and provides a delicious taste that permeates the body.
Ice pops come in a variety of fruit flavors, vanilla, and more.
After relaxing in the hot springs, I went to pick up Chocolat who was waiting in the room.
We took a stroll through the courtyard garden together.
The garden in the center of the building is adorned with trees and flowers that change with the seasons, and early summer is a particularly beautiful time with its lush new greenery.
Walking through the lush natural scenery, you are enveloped in a stillness that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a forest.
If you head to the right from the garden, you'll find a promenade leading to the hotel entrance, and the fact that you can take your dog along for a stroll is a unique charm of this dog-friendly inn.
Chocolat seemed to be enjoying her walk, occasionally stopping to take in the scent of the wind or admire the fresh greenery, looking very happy.
We took a short break in a gazebo along the walking path, seeking shade from the sun. Giving Chocolat her favorite salmon chips made her even happier.
The walking path is lined with flowers of all seasons.
In mid-May, the pure and lovely white azaleas bloomed beautifully, adding a gentle touch of color to the fresh green scenery. The white flowers stood out against the vibrant green, creating a very elegant and refreshing scene typical of early summer that soothed the soul.
We walked along the promenade and arrived at the sign for the hotel entrance. It's a great walking path, perfect for small dogs.
You can bring your dog inside the museum, either in your arms or in a pet stroller, and even enjoy viewing Japanese paintings together.
Stepping out onto the third-floor outdoor corridor, which offers a panoramic view of the lush natural scenery, you can look down on the courtyard and enjoy the pleasant evening breeze.
After enjoying a stroll in the courtyard, we headed back to our room. Since we had booked the later of the two dinner sittings (starting at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM), we still had plenty of time before dinner. We decided to relax with Chocolat and soak in the private open-air bath once more. The time spent gazing at the swaying greenery outside the window and feeling the gentle breeze felt like the ultimate luxury.
Chocolat seemed completely relaxed, and was in full cuddle mode on my lap. Being able to spend time with my beloved dog at my own pace, without being rushed for time, is one of the biggest attractions of this inn.
Relax your mind and body in the hot springs, and take a leisurely stroll through nature with your beloved dog. Perhaps these simple moments are the greatest luxury of staying at this inn. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a stay where you can take a deep breath in the quiet of nature.Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaThis is a hot spring resort for adults where you can truly experience the meaning of "healing."
Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara
Address: 817-444 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 0120-489-166
https://www.morinokaze-hakone-sengokuhara.com/
