Nothing beats a warm bath in the cold season!
With that in mind, I visited "Tamagawa Onsen" in Saitama Prefecture.
Time Slip to the Showa Era
Looking at the building from the outside, you see things not commonly seen today, like a red postbox and bicycles... It's like time-slipping back to a bygone era.
Such ambiance reminiscent of the Showa era (1926-1989) is referred to as "Showa Retro."
Beyond the windows is a dining hall with a kotatsu. A kotatsu is a traditional Japanese heating appliance.
It's placed in a tatami room or on the floor, and you warm yourself by putting your legs and body under it.
Inside, Pure Showa Retro
The store sells lots of old-fashioned sweets and toys like menko cards and B-dama that children used to love.
Rubber ducks for playing in the bath are also popular.
But remember, it's bad manners to use them in the hot springs (haha).
In the dining hall, you can eat things commonly enjoyed during the Showa era, such as ham cutlets, fried bread, and cream soda.
Showa Retro Tamagawa Onsen is a day trip hot spring, so no overnight stays, but it's an exciting and enjoyable place.
After 8 PM, the price is discounted to 500 yen, and it's less crowded, so I recommend it!
If you're interested in the Showa era of Japan, you should definitely visit.
Showa Retro Hot Spring Bathhouse: Tamagawa Onsen
◉ Address: 3700 Tamagawa, Tokigawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture 355-0342
◉ Phone: 0493-65-4977
◉ Business Hours Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
Weekends and Holidays: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
Morning Bath: 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Weekends and Holidays only)
★ Today's Japanese Point ★
"Showa Retro": A feeling of nostalgia or longing for the Showa era. Refers to items created to evoke that time.
"Kotatsu": A low table with an electric heater, covered with a blanket, under which you warm your feet and body.
"Menko & B-dama": Menko are cards with pictures or characters, and B-dama are colorful glass balls. You play by flicking your own against your opponent's.
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