Rurikei Onsen — Hotel in Nantan

I stayed at Rurikei's Hanaakiri hotel and it exceeded my expectations!

My partner and I are studying abroad in Japan and wanted to experience onsen, but we are both transgender, and going to normal onsen is not easy. In this onsen, there are gendered changing rooms, but you can wear a swimsuit and swim in co-ed areas. In addition, my partner (who is too shy to swim in public, even in a swimsuit) could use the private onsen with me because we stayed overnight at Hanaakiri. This is the reason we picked this onsen.

I was willing to spend a lot of money just for that, and I was happy with the price. But it turns out that the amount we got was much, much more. We recieved so many "presents" and other free items. We had an incredible kaiseki dinner, a free drink service, some cheesecake, a face mask, yukata for use in the rooms, free breakfast the next day (elaborate, carefully constructed Japanese-style breakfast) and more things that we didn't take advantage of, like a bonfire at night, an illumination show, and many things at the bathhouse. Speaking of the bathhouse, there are normal no-clothes gendered onsen, and then the "バーデ Zone" with many co-ed swimsuit baths (this is the place I spent most of my time). I also briefly checked out the Lantern Terrace where there are many comfy places to read manga and relax in the provided loungewear. I didn't get to check them out, but it seems there are many rooms with various features there, like a place you can take a nap. All those features are free for people staying there. I also had a smoothie and had some "fish therapy", but that cost money.

Anyway, it was much more than I expected it to be for the price. The value is incredible.

Finally, for other English-speakers- I recommend knowing some Japanese if you go here. I'm not very good at Japanese but I think the limited amount I had was important. When I didn't understand, which was very frequently, I could use Google Translate to bridge the gap. Also, the cultural gap can be difficult, so research before you go (how kaiseki works, onsen manners, the rules, medical warnings, etc.) Especially since most signs are in Japanese only, and in the baths for example you cannot being your phone to translate, you simply have to read the room and make educated guesses sometimes. Good luck,...

A special thanks to the host and the wonderful receptionist, who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Upon arrival, each lady was given a thoughtful gift pack, and we were warmly welcomed to our room with complimentary cakes and delicious homemade cookies. We opted for the half-board package, which included a sumptuous dinner and a stunning breakfast to start the day. To add to the experience, a delightful dessert was delivered to our room after each meal. One of the highlights of our stay was the Illumination Synesthesia Hill, located right next to the resort. The fairy-tale-like illuminated park is free for guests and made for a perfect after-dinner stroll. The staff prepared our futons in the room before bedtime, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. The scenic outdoor surroundings also provided countless photo opportunities, making the stay even more memorable. We manage to spot some wild deer during mid night. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite and most unforgettable...

Nice little resort in a beautiful area. Bath area quite small and more swim hall than spa resort feeling, but great for families and couples as you can bathe together with swimsuits. Access is a bit inconvenient as lodging guests must enter through the same area as day trippers which is a bit of a process but you can go in and out as many times as you want. Towels and relax wear are provided. Main buidling restaurant is excellent but write your name on the waiting list in good time. There is also an outdoor BBQ restaurant and a smaller café. The nearby park is as beautiful in the day as in the night when it's lit for an "aurora experience". There is english speaking staff and booking through email is...