A rainy day trip to a hot spring resort: How to enjoy yourself inside the resort, in the hot spring town, and through dining.

8 things to check first when planning a hot spring trip on a rainy day

Planning the entire hot spring tripWhen changing your plans for rainy weather, consider not only the rainfall figures but also warnings, traffic conditions, travel times to accommodations, and the amount of time you can spend indoors.

I choose accommodations that not only offer enjoyment even in the rain, but also allow me to change my plans if a safety warning is issued. Even if there are many indoor facilities, the trip is impossible if the roads or trains leading to the accommodation are unusable.

We compare eight aspects of accommodations and ways to spend your time on rainy days.

Facilities vary from hotel to hotel, and lounges and experiences are not always free for guests. Do not judge solely by photos; check operating days, reservations, additional charges, child-friendly options, and whether they are available before or after check-in. The hotel itselfHow to choose a hot spring innWe will compare them using this method.

8 steps from the day before to the day of

1. The previous morning:Check the weather forecast and early warning information for both your travel destination and your home.
2. The previous evening:Check train, bus, and road services, accommodation availability, and outdoor facilities.
3. luggage:Prepare a waterproof bag, a change of socks, a quick-drying towel, and a means of charging.
4. Alternative:Replace outdoor sightseeing with indoor activities to increase the amount of time spent at accommodation.
5. That morning:Reconfirm warnings, Kikikuru (a local transportation service), traffic conditions, and accommodation information.
6. move:I chose an earlier flight to allow for time for transfers and dinner.
7. arrival:Check with the inn about wet items, the open-air bath, and transportation for the next day.
8. next morning:Check the train schedule and rain clouds for the return trip, and avoid unnecessary sightseeing.

Because forecasts can change, we don't just check them once the day before and leave it at that. We check the latest information from the transportation companies, local governments, and accommodations we'll be using at the same time, and share our decisions and alternatives with our travel companions.

Determining the boundary between rainy days and heavy rain/typhoons.

The Japan Meteorological Agency's warnings and advisories, along with Kikikuru, provide information to check the level of danger in each region. Travel articles cannot guarantee local safety. Avoid approaching riverbanks, cliffs, streams, underpasses, and flooded roads, and prioritize guidance from your accommodation or local government if evacuation orders are issued.

Check the transportation options for your return trip and choose an earlier train.

Rain can cause delays to trains and buses, which can affect hotel transfers, dinner, and final check-in. Before departure, check your train schedule, transfers, last train/bus departure times, and hotel contact information, and choose a train/bus with some flexibility.Hot spring trip by trainThe busHot spring trip by busThis will be made concrete.

When traveling without a car, check for sections where you might get wet from the train station to your accommodation entrance, the availability of covered bus stops, and taxi arrangements.Hot spring trip without a carwithHot spring inn without shuttle serviceThis will complete the final section. Even when traveling by road, do not attempt to overcome flooding, landslides, or road closures based on your own judgment.

Carry your belongings, umbrella, and wet clothes separately.

Carrying a large bag while holding an umbrella makes navigating stairs, getting on and off buses, and narrow sidewalks difficult. Using station lockers, early arrival/late departure luggage storage at accommodations, and delivery services can help reduce the amount of luggage people carry.Luggage storage for hot spring tripswithLockerCheck the size and time.

Separate wet umbrellas, shoes, and clothes from dry items and place them in waterproof bags. Prepare a change of socks, a quick-drying towel, and a folding umbrella or rain gear. Place medicine, valuables, and electronic devices in a separate waterproof bag. Check if your accommodation has a shoe dryer, umbrella stand, towel rental, and laundry facilities. All your belongings are...What to bring on a hot spring tripWhat.

The open-air bath allows you to observe not only rainfall but also wind, thunderstorms, and rising water levels.

Even open-air baths that can be used in light rain may be closed due to wind, lightning, rising river levels, falling branches, equipment inspections, or slippery floors. Please follow the hotel's instructions and do not enter closed facilities or restricted areas. Covered open-air baths do not guarantee safety.

On rainy days, I primarily use the indoor bath, considering the open-air bath an added bonus if available. I check the outdoor pathways, stairs, footing, and operating hours to reach the bathhouse. I drink water before and after bathing, and I don't force myself to bathe if I'm feeling unwell, have recently drunk alcohol, or am tired from traveling. Regarding health...Health management during hot spring tripsWhat.

I'll limit my exploration of the hot spring town to a short distance that will allow me to return to my accommodation.

Choose one or two indoor locations, such as covered shopping streets, museums, art galleries, craft workshops, or cafes. Check official information for opening hours, reservations, last entry times, umbrella storage, and child-friendly policies. Include not only travel time but also places to rest and restrooms after getting wet.

Hot spring town guidewithCafe in a hot spring townI look for suitable locations, avoiding riverbanks, stone steps, slopes, cliffs, and flooded waterways. I don't approach dangerous places to take pictures, and I return to my accommodation if the rain gets heavy.

The hotel focuses on hot springs, guest rooms, and meals.

In case of rain, instead of adding more sightseeing spots, we allocate time to resting after check-in, using the indoor bath, dinner, staying in the guest room, and enjoying the hot springs the following morning. Reading, lounge access, in-house exhibits, craft experiences, and local tea are only included in the plan if the inn has the necessary facilities and is open for business. We also consider quiet time to be an important part of the travel experience.

Having dinner and breakfast at your accommodation reduces the amount of outdoor travel, but you'll still need to be able to get to your destination on time.Dinner at a hot spring innwithBreakfast at the innThen, we check the compatibility of the venue, time, food, and arrival time.

When accompanied by children or the elderly, prioritize routes that keep you dry.

For those traveling with children, include items such as a change of clothes, stroller, umbrella, toilet facilities, and a place for a nap. For those traveling with elderly individuals, check for slippery floors, slopes, stairs, and the route from the station to the accommodation. If travel is complicated even with increased indoor facilities, staying at the accommodation may be less burdensome.

Family hot spring trip,Hot spring inns that cater to the needs of the elderly,Barrier-free hot springNext, I will check the flow of movement within the building. I will ask the hotel about entrances that can be used in case of rain, covered parking areas, towels available for loan, and waiting areas for early arrivals.

Make the waiting area before and after check-in a booking condition.

On rainy days, it's important not only to know when you can enter your room, but also where you can wait if you arrive early. Even if you can leave your luggage, you may not be able to use the lobby or lounge. Check with the hotel about things like a covered entrance, umbrella stand, a place to dry shoes and clothes, toilets, places to sit, and whether food and drinks are allowed. The procedure before using your room is as follows:Check-in at the innLet's organize it.

After checking out, confirm whether you can wait with your luggage until your return train or bus. Make sure to arrange the time the hotel can hold your luggage, the shared rest area with day-trippers, and any transportation or taxi arrangements to return to the station.Check-out from the innwithRest area at a day-trip hot springThis helps avoid plans that involve waiting for long periods in the rain.

Increasing the number of nights you stay allows for more flexibility regarding weather, but it also increases accommodation and transportation change costs.Number of days for a hot spring tripwithBudget for a hot spring tripThen, we compare them by matching the date, number of people, meals, and cancellation conditions. If a long outdoor walk from the station is required,Hot springs near the stationChanging to this option may reduce the time you spend getting wet and the taxi fare.

Comfort on rainy days depends not only on the number of amenities, but also on how long you can rest without getting wet from arrival to departure. For conditions not listed on the booking page, ask the accommodation directly and share the answers with your travel companions.

For cancellations and schedule changes, please check the contract terms.

A rain forecast doesn't automatically mean your accommodation or transportation will be canceled free of charge. Check the cancellation policy, contract details, payment terms, refunds, and change deadlines for your booking. If you used a booking website, also check if the process can be completed simply by contacting the accommodation.

If public transportation is suspended, accommodations are closed, or road restrictions are imposed, check your transportation and accommodation reservations separately. Save the reservation number, purchase source, contact date and time, and response, and discuss not only cancellations but also date changes. For details...Points to note when booking a hot spring innwithCancellation decisions during typhoonsWhat.

If you repeatedly check the forecast without setting a decision time, you may miss the cancellation or transportation change deadline. Set deadlines, such as "Confirm accommodation and transportation at ○ o'clock the day before" or "Make a final decision at ○ o'clock on the day," and standardize who will contact them among your travel companions. Even if the accommodation is open, you cannot travel if there are dangers or service disruptions on the route from your home to the accommodation. Conversely, if transportation is running in normal rain and you can safely reach the accommodation, reduce outdoor sightseeing and shift to focusing on the accommodation. Check safety information and contract terms separately, and do not choose dangerous travel solely for cost reasons.

12 items to check before booking and before departure.

The check results will be shared with travel companions, and a decision will be made on who will check transportation, accommodation, and local government information if the rain intensifies. Don't just look at screenshots of old forecasts; reload the latest information before departure.

A 2-day/1-night rainy day model

1. departure:Check the forecast, warnings, transportation, and accommodation information.
2. move:I took an earlier train to the nearest station to reduce my luggage.
3. Before arrival:If the rain is light, we'll go to one of the indoor facilities; if it's heavy, we'll head straight to our accommodation.
4. check in:Check for wet items, open-air baths, dinner, and transportation for the next day.
5. Inside the building:Enjoy the indoor bath, relaxation area, meals, and guest rooms at your leisure.
6. next morning:I checked the rain clouds and my route home, then went to the hot springs.
7. Stroll:Only safe indoor locations close to the accommodation have been added.
8. Returning home:I took an earlier train home and separated my wet belongings.

Since we'll reduce sightseeing, we'll increase the time we spend at our accommodation.My first time at a hot spring innPlease check the flow of events inside the building.

FAQ about hot spring trips on rainy days

To avoid confusing preparing for normal rain with deciding to cancel plans during heavy rain, we've compiled a list of questions to ask before booking. Please also double-check the latest information just before departure and always prioritize safety.