Soak in the Nostalgia of Retro Japan
If you are looking for a different onsen experience, Tamagawa Onsen, nestled in the Tamagawa Country Club in Saitama Prefecture, carries a Showa-era (1926-1989) vibe that is a throwback to the past.
At the entrance, you will be greeted by an old three-wheel drive and a Showa-era mailbox. Venturing into the establishment will take you further back in time, with many noticeable mementoes from the past peppered along the area: an old-school soda machine, Showa-era posters, and the faint sounds of 1960s Japanese music on the second floor.
The souvenir shop is filled with many Showa-era snacks, glass bottle sodas, and other retro paraphernalia that are sure to send a wave of nostalgia for many folks who grew up during the period.
There are two hot spring areas in Tamagawa Onsen, Akira No Yu and Nagomi no Yu, and they rotate the gender designation of both hot springs between men and women on a weekly basis. The spring water used here is pumped from 1,700m under the earth’s surface and is alkaline, which is believed to be stress-relieving and benefits the skin.
Other than Tamagawa Onsen, you can also find other facilities here such as a wood-panelled library with a comfortable reading area with chaise lounges, the local onsen cafeteria Tamagawa Shokudo that serves Japanese home cooking made with fresh local produce, and even an outdoor area with hammocks.
Taking a respite at Tamagawa Onsen after a hiking trip around Saitama is also a popular way that visitors enjoy this destination!
Address: 3700 Tamagawa, Tokigawamachi, Hiki District, Saitama 355-0342, Japan
Website: https://tamagawa-onsen.com/ (Japanese Only)
Access: From Ikebukuro station in Tokyo, take the Tobu-Tojo Line to Musashi-Ranzan Station, then take another bus to Fureainosato Tamagawamae Bus Station, followed by a 17-minute walk to the onsen.
