Ryugujo Spa Hotel Mikazuki
It was immersion in Japanese-style fun and relaxation at our hotel, Ryogujo Spa Hotel Mikazuki on Tokyo Bay in Kisarazu City, the top hot spring in Chiba (from 27,400¥, about $325). Day visits to the spa are possible, but for the full experience, plan to stay overnight and soak in the atmosphere.
Japan is known for its communal bathing in its hot springs. This destination spa just outside Tokyo is a popular one for good reason.
At check-in we opted for full-length yukata, a lightweight cotton kimono, pink for the ladies and blue for men, to wear during our stay. The alternatives, a two-piece, knee-length pajama-style for men and mu-mu style dresses for women, both in splashy prints, seemed to be the more popular choice.
The guest room overlooked Tokyo Bay. It had both a western-style bed and tatami mat area for sleeping on the floor. There was a low table with a thermos of hot water, tea leaves and cups. Slippers and socks were provided for use inside the hotel, but had to be removed when crossing from the hotel to the building for dining and the spa.
Slipper etiquette also requires a switch to the special toilet slippers in the guest room and provided in the public restrooms.
Leave it to a country that leads the world in electronics to have high-tech toilets with heated seats, sound effects for privacy, and aquatic options based on gender, often with colorful descriptions. Some have lids that open upon approach and close on departure.
Swimsuits are worn in the hotel pools but not for communal bathing in the gender-separated hot springs or individual gold or silver tubs. Guests are given a bath towel to be kept in the locker and a hand towel to cover essential areas then fold and place atop the head while bathing. Photography is not allowed.
According to the hotel literature, the Kisarazu Mikazuki hot springs are good for “neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia, subacromial bursitis, physical fatigue, women’s diseases etc…”
This spa hotel is an ideal family getaway, with an assortment of playrooms and amusements, video and game machines for kids, games of chance, a unique collection of statuary, and karaoke booths.
The locker key–blue for men and red for women–can also be used to charge items in the stores, restaurants, esthetic and massage salons, and souvenir shops.
Meals include a fascinating assortment in the all-you-can-eat buffet dining room that overlooks the bay.
There are Chinese and Japanese restaurants and plated, multiple course dinners served with flaming style in the banquet hall.
We experiences a Keiseki style dinner at a low table in a private dining room.
