After the Snow Monkeys, we were dropped off at our next hotel, Hotel Tsubakino, in Yamanouchi, an onsen town in Nagano Prefecture. Our room wasn’t completely ready so we walked the street of the quiet town and stumbled upon one of the best smash-burgers we’ve ever had. Made by an American originally from Minnesota, but living in Japan for 20 years. Next, it was time to check in to our hotel, which was very traditional. We opted for a complete package including an en suite sauna and hot bath, dinner and breakfast, a time in their private roof top onsen, in case we weren't allowed to go into the public one. We didn't even ask. Our room and amenities were incredible. It basically was an apartment, with two toilets, a sitting area and separate bedroom, in addition to the onsen bath and a sauna. It felt great to relax after our whirlwind few days. Dinner was multiple courses in a private room. I only wish we got the memo that you could wear your onsen clothes and slippers down to dinner! That would have been fun, but dinner was still a treat. Our time at the rooftop wasn’t until late so took advantage of their free sake bar from 20:00-22:00. By the time we made it to the rooftop, it was freezing cold and snowing like crazy. The initial shower was brutal but the tubs were heavenly. The entire stay was such a cool experience.
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The tent was by the train station for people soak their feet in the onsen water. We did not do that. That beef was apple-fed. It was fantastic. Just melted in your mouth. The private onsen had two baths. One was uncovered. One was a little covered.
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