Thermae-Yu

A Bad Experience... I usually don't write reviews unless I experience something really exceptional or something pretty disappointing. A friend and I arrived around 11pm on a weekday night and was explained that there would be an additional fee since we would be leaving after midnight. We asked why there was an additional charge, perhaps certain amenities would be open only during these late hours. Reluctantly, we agreed and went inside. The facility is nice, certainly not co-ed if that is your thing. But a decent setup, although there are much better for the price. However, it became pretty clear that a lot of the facility was closed during this time. Specifically, the gravel/rock rooms, the lounge, and part of the hot springs. We really just wanted to get a drink at the lounge but to our surprise (maybe its our fault but it was certainly a surprise) that there were dozens and dozens of people sleeping there, many snoring. It just seems that many locals are sleeping there overnight and go to work the next day, because it was very late in the night at this point. And we couldn't have a conversation as to not disturb the sleepers. So we checked out and asked why there was an extra charge for late night attendance, and did not get any reason. And what finally made this a one star experience was a very weird guy came from the back room as we were asking the woman attendant about the charge and demanded (screaming like he was dying) we remove our shoes (out of nowhere, which was a mistake on our part as we were walking out) but was so adamant about it that he walked back to the back room and told us he was calling the police and said ("oh my god, I have to deal with this"). This was after we had politely agreed and removed our shoes. It was the only english he spoke to us. Still no explanation on the final charge, and no apology for the rudeness.

I think it's just a classic case of rudeness to us as foreigners. I love Japan and am treated so nicely there but this was an exception. I've been to spas all over the world, and hadn't had someone so openly want us to leave. I honestly think that for a local, the place is probably great. And perhaps we did make a faux pax, but I don't consider any of that over the line. So I submit this review for the purpose of nothing more than hopefully providing one person's perspective on how a great night turned into a ruined night, and it certainly was not necessary. Good luck on your visit.