Manyo Club

   (113)
      
日本語/Japanese
Fri 2008/04/11 20:45
Took some time out to relax at a hot spring the other day - didn't have to travel too far as there is a rather nice place in Yokohama called the Manyo Club.
When I say "not too far" I mean a 45 min drive from Tokyo. The last Onsen place we traveled to was Yamagata Zao which is a few hours away from Tokyo by train.

At the entrance to Manyo, one is greeted with a "no dogs, tattoos, persons associated with violent gangs and no drunk folks."
Onsen are public baths filled with a hot spring water. Manyo gets tanks of hot spring water delivered from Atami everyday.
Most folk relax in the baths before relaxing at dinner.

Despite what our grandmas keep telling us, we ate before we bathed. Is this "do not eat before bathing" an oriental thing?
Folks relaxing in the dining hall in their yukata gowns.
Kaisen Tororo Don.
Soba and Tempura for din dins. More of the Manyo food menu here.
This is the key that Manyo issues you with. You wear it around your wrist into the baths. Is not only the key to your locker but is a means for you to buy stuff in on the premises meaning that you don't have to carry around money.
Didnt fancy taking pics of naked men in the baths so grabbed the camera and headed for the roof where they have some Ashiyu - hot spring water for the feet.
And this is what its like on the roof of Manyo. A small river of Ashiyu that circles the roof. The hot spring water with the yellow coats that they issue are enough to keep one warm even though its being cold on the outside.
Is indulging in Ashiyu.
And this is what you look at while indulging in some Ashiyu.
Manyo also do a load of massage courses too which you can see here. I cant stand being massaged and it hurts when somebody tries to massage my shoulders - I hear its a sign of a weak body ToT.
It costs about 2,800 yen to get in and then a few hundred yen (I forgets) to use the baths. The 2,800 yen lets you stay until 3AM and you can pay an extra 1,300 yen to stay over night until 9AM. Those who are after cheap lodging may want to check this place out. Map and address here or get off at Minato Mirai station, grab a cab and say "Manyo Club Onegaishimasu."
Manyo also have a load of relaxation rooms too - batteries ran out (they always do when there is something to snap) but you can see some of the rooms here.
After spending time on the roof, its down to the lounges to use the free internet booths to see how terrible the site looks like in IE.
The barcode strapped to the wrist is scanned by these devices dotted around the building. You then pay for what you used on your way out.
The SOS Dan guarding the car. Does a trip to an Onsen sound like something you would want to do while in Japan?
First time here?
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
AddThis Feed Button

Another week in Tokyo. First up is a snap from the next office tour. Ther...(more)
Sun 04/06 13:49 comments (70)
"Hanami" [花見[はなみ]] is the Japanese word meaning "flower viewing...(more)
Tue 04/01 11:07 comments (91)
More from the Tokyo Anime Fair 2008. Starting with one of the first anim...(more)
Mon 03/31 09:41 comments (80)
Next up from the Tokyo Anime Fair are the goodies that you can either buy...(more)
Sun 03/30 10:54 comments (98)
Polls
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Checking serialization of comments into  the array.
(ID #169309) Posted on 2008/04/11 20:49
FatBastard in directly responsible (Registered on 2007/11/04 19:28)
Hotdog Repairman
Oh yeah, I'd go try it out. We have various natural hotsprings here from 1 to 3 hours away. They are in the mountains though, so its really a different experience than watching the cityscape. No massage facilities at the springs as far as I know, only hot and cold pool.
(ID #169315) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:05
Gorgo in Florence, Italy (Registered on 2007/04/16 20:08)
Games addicted
What a nice view Danny, and food seems delicious too ! I have to try it as soon as i go back to Japan.

By the way, 2 Wristwatches??
(ID #169317) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:11
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Been wearing that watch for ages - custom built ^^;
(ID #169320) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:15
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth (Registered on 2007/04/09 19:49)
Illustrator & Designer
I noticed that, too.  Really interesting.  Looks like 2 G-Shocks together?  You'll have to explain one of these days, Danny
(ID #169380) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:02
AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25 11:20)
3D artist
Wow, that view of Yokohama at night looks amazing while soaking yer feet! Have you been up the landmark tower yet? Its real purdy. 
I dont think i would ever go to an onsen - im well uncomfortable getting nekkid in front of other blokes - especially what with me hardly being built like brad pitt...

Have you been to the onsen in Odaiba? Thats what i thought this was about as soon as i saw the ferris wheel photo!
 
Did you bathe in your trooper gear? Gotta get all that tatooine sand and rebel scum brains out somehow...
(ID #169322) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:17
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Went landmark many years ago - nice view. As for onsen at odaiba - which one?
(ID #169326) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:23
AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25 11:20)
3D artist
Not sure really - i just know there is one there. Look it up - its in all the tourist guides, so it must be well known. My mate was well keen on going, but me (and my manhood) shrivelled up in fear and we didnt go.
(ID #169338) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:47
AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25 11:20)
3D artist
Oh, and im loving the new comment system - i can finally see if i get a personal reply to a post without sifting through the whole comments kaboodle!
(ID #169341) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:48
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Glad you like it - commenting on the same page functionality soon.
(ID #169344) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:52
Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07 08:08)
Exchange Student
Commenting on the same page sounds nice!
What do you think of having the option to write comments on pictures directly?
(ID #169384) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:15
leefe in a tincan. (Registered on 2007/08/15 21:37)
Lazyass human
What I heard and knew of was that eating before bathing will make us fat. Fat otaku transformation do not want.
(ID #169324) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:18
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
actually the real reason for the "stay out of water after you eat" rule is supposed to be that the body needs energy to digest the food. Food in the past had a tendency to be harder to digest and (at least in Europe) it wasn't uncommon to sleep after lunch.

Because of this it shouldn't be as important anymore with the easy to digest food that we eat today (well that depends on what you eat) and I don't think the problem is serious when you are idle in warm water. Most of the energy used in water is to keep the body warm.

As for being an Oriental thing only.. well I went "hey they say that in Asia too". I think it's a general rule applying to more or less everybody everywhere in the world.
(ID #169516) Posted on 2008/04/12 08:00
neko in Sangenjaya, Tokyo (Registered on 2007/02/10 16:25)
IT specialist
@danny

How serious are the japanese with the "no tattoos" ????
I'm a bit worried, i want to go to an onsen this year and i have a small tribal-tattoo on the shoulder.
I was wondering if they are allowing gaijins with tattoos at the onsen?

Thanks for replying

jya
(ID #169330) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:41
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Very serious. Not sure the exact reasons but many Yakuza have tattoos.
(ID #169334) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:44
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Yea, an implicit way to keep the yakuza at bay.
(ID #169358) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:13
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
surely they know that Yakuza don't recruit gaijins. (right?)
(ID #169416) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:45
iroiromode in Los Angeles (Registered on 2008/03/03 18:28)
Journalist
I don't know... I'm willing to bet that some of the more seedy foreigners have more than "just connections" with the Yakuza.
(ID #169606) Posted on 2008/04/12 14:14
Chaos815 in N. Smithfield, RI, US (Registered on 2007/10/11 15:48)
Student in Networking
That upsets me as I just got Sasuke's curse mark from Naruto on my shoulder last month. I always wanted to go to one when I eventually go to Japan...so looks like I'm gonna have to try to find one that allows tattoos :[
(ID #169429) Posted on 2008/04/12 01:31
Ryan xVx in Indiana (Registered on 2008/05/21 02:15)
Hikkikomori
I have several tattoo's, and stretched ears, two nose piercings.. 

I don't know if I'll be allowed to do anything if i make it to Japan.

This really worries me actually, it's been a really big dream of mine to live there one day, but if I'm going to be looked down upon because of what I decide to do with my body, this really dampens my optimism.

-.-;;
(ID #169451) Posted on 2008/04/12 02:42
Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04 11:13)
Student, Spiral Warrior
Tattooing was once a form of punishment in ancient China, where Confucianists insisted that tattoos are bad because they alter the form of one's body, which belongs to one's parents (hence the shame of being forcibly tattooed as punishment). This notion was perhaps imported into Japan long ago, and tattoos have been looked down upon ever since.

Somewhat ironically, I've also read that some of the most ancient proto-Japanese peoples tattooed themselves extensively to be camouflaged underwater while diving for fish. The practice of tattooing among the original peoples that inhabited the Japanese archipelago is perhaps still reflected by Ainu tattooing -- though I don't suppose there's anybody left who does that anymore.

Even more ironic is the popularity of Japanese-style tattooing the world over.


(ID #169569) Posted on 2008/04/12 12:11
Avitty in UK (Registered on 2007/12/12 03:57)
I think those of us with small tattoos might be able to get away with large plasters (or bandaids, if you're American) over the top. Hopefully it wouldn't look too suspicious. ^_^;; It seems unlikely that a gaijin would ever be suspected of being a yakuza member though.
(ID #170921) Posted on 2008/04/15 20:32
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
they might think that you have some sort of wound which can contaminate the water with bacteria and reject you based on this.
I wouldn't count on a more freely view of gaijin as some places also bans gaijin because of a history with problematic drunken Russian sailors. The best advice I can give would be to stay away from piercings, tattoos and stuff like that. It's not uncommon that people with (legally earned) money look down on this and since those are usually the people hiring workers for their companies it affects your job opportunities. This is true for most of the world.
(ID #207673) Posted on 2008/06/08 18:46
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo (Registered on 2007/11/06 14:49)
Software Engineer
I am SOOO there this Sunday Danny, needed somewhere close too home to go to wind down for the day and this looks like the perfect option.
(ID #169331) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:41
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Tis nice - I will be back there again soon.
(ID #169335) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:45
neko in Sangenjaya, Tokyo (Registered on 2007/02/10 16:25)
IT specialist
this means i'm not being able to enter one of those many nice onsens??? Holy shit >.< what a crap...
I think japanese should know that there are no gaijin-yakuzas... especially not swiss-gaijin-yakuzas :)
(ID #169342) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:50
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Not sure if they all have the same rule though - you may as well try but maybe not Manyo.
(ID #169343) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:51
Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04 11:13)
Student, Spiral Warrior
You might be able to get by with the old "I'm a dumb gaijin and I don't know better" trick. They may be too embarrassed to stop you.
(ID #169570) Posted on 2008/04/12 12:14
lanie-emon in Keldabe, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/06/05 12:40)
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
Would love to go to an onsen if I have the chance ^^.
(ID #169345) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:52
Tiny Red Man in Tiny Red Dot, Singapore. (Registered on 2007/04/11 18:03)
Dog of the Country
ahh..nice that you foot bath with your waifu... 

and rgding the "bath before you eat" thing..someone told me b4 that when you bath after you eat, your stomach will channel all its energy away from your stomach to some other places..forgot where. and this will cause "vitamins lost". 

lastly..my lolifox isn't showing this page right either..T_T...i hope i didnt stress you~~
(ID #169346) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:53
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
I personally viewed it as "a (delicious) risk of passing out under the shower, especially in the case of a warm shower/bath".
So my interpretation of this was not that far-fetched after all. ^^ 
(ID #169355) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:05
lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/22 03:22)
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
We don't have hot spirngs here so I would definitely give this a go if I ever have the chance~
(ID #169350) Posted on 2008/04/11 21:57
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
I do like this idea! You don't need to go to the mountains to appreciate it (even if I guess it's not the same feeling) and it has a traditional yet a little futuristic look (barcode laser, neons). I would only dislike the fact to be naked in front of others.
I also guess it's not very recommended to take a bath outdoors when it rains... So is there any alternative when this happens?
Otherwise than that, it is amusing you're mentioning the "do not take a bath after you eat" thing, Danny. My mother not only told me of that, but also the "do  not jump around just after eating" one.
Yeah, a trip to the onsen would definitely be worth of a stop if I were to visit Japan one day. 
(ID #169353) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:01
Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06 11:19)
VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.
been to quite a few onsens during my visit. but they were packed with oyajis and shoutas so nothing spectacular to report. The Gero hot springs are particularly enjoyable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gero%2C_Gifu
(ID #169354) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:05
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/05 00:28)
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Manyo Club Onegaishimasu!

Oh wait, do you pronounce "club" as kurubu or just club?
(ID #169356) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:11
タケル~ン in 雛見沢 (Registered on 2008/04/01 16:46)
デレデレ ハンター, Bullet Grazer
I would guess that both ways would work because nearly everyone knows some English. But I would say kuraabu instead of club so they wouldn't need to think twice about it.
(ID #169466) Posted on 2008/04/12 03:38
gregory_gdp in Boise, ID (Registered on 2007/07/16 23:08)
Photographer/Night Auditor
That place looks like it would be pretty fun.  Like the wrist key scanner thing.  I know what you mean about camera batteries running out on you when you want to snap something.  It's why I ended up buying a couple spare batteries for my cameras. 
(ID #169357) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:11
Timotei in Sweden (Registered on 2008/02/17 10:40)
NEET
I'm def gonna check this out next year. I can't wait to try out an onsen. Nice photos by the way, I love the roof. Looks beautiful.
(ID #169363) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:33
Fariz Asuka in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/11 21:23)
Student and Miku Guardian
Maybe I would visit that place if I go to Japan someday.. The place have a good view of the nice sceneries.. Would love to take some snapshots if I go there.. ^^
(ID #169371) Posted on 2008/04/11 22:44
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth (Registered on 2007/04/09 19:49)
Illustrator & Designer
My grandma used to and my mum still tells me not to shower straight after having dinner.  I've heard or read somewhere that it's basically that your body is busy digesting the food internally you should do anything else that requires increase of blood flow to other parts of the body straight after a big meal.  Most people with weak or heart condition will either faint when they have a shower or bath after dinner.

I've been to an onsen when I went to Kyushu before.  It was pretty good.  I love foot and hand massages but not a big fan of the body massage unless it's from someone I know really closely.
(ID #169382) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:11
Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07 08:08)
Exchange Student
Visiting an Onsen is one of the things I definitely want to try when I go to Japan in the future, but I think I'd prefer the traditional ones :D
(ID #169383) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:11
wcloudx in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/12 04:12)
Artist
Onsen trip is definitely in my go list if I ever visit Japan ^^ I need to dip myself in hot spring atleast once >_<
(ID #169386) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:19
the great paul in Brooklyn, New York (Registered on 2008/03/14 10:14)
Extremely Poor College Student
[f] 
danny, you said that you didnt fancy taking pics of naked men in the bath so does that mean that they will let you take the camera into the bath to take pics?
(ID #169394) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:38
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Well theres nobody stopping you...
(ID #169398) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:46
BIGGU-gAi in Between Tengoku & Jigoku... (Registered on 2008/02/02 01:38)
Chef, Full fledged Otaku, Full time Observer.....
i sense impending danger...
(ID #169402) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:09
darktek13 in Utah, USA (Registered on 2008/02/04 00:56)
Looking for work again
And if there is no one to stop you, it is absolutely not against the rules ^_^ Unless they posted it as a rule somewhere... then it would be against the rules and people who wanted to take pictures in the bath would need the little spy cameras....

Hmm that sounded much more coherent in my head... sorry it did not come out that way through my fingers ^_^;;
(ID #169573) Posted on 2008/04/12 12:26
Hirito in The Little Red Dot - Singapore (Registered on 2007/09/01 19:36)
University Student.
Going to an Onsen during winter feels like heaven, even better if it's an open-air onsen with snow falling around you (loved this experience when was at Noboribetsu, Hokkaido). But I wonder how it'll feel like going during summer lol. Overheating and fainting at a much faster rate I guess.
(ID #169399) Posted on 2008/04/11 23:47
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Better go in the morning or during the evening indeed.
(ID #169453) Posted on 2008/04/12 02:51
terry in Singapore (Registered on 2007/08/03 00:44)
=.=!
my first and only onsen trip that i currently have is the onsen in Noboribetsu in hokkaido.. it's was in last dec and it's still snowing heavily but feeling the heat makes be feel real comfortable..


and the onsen i went is something called dai-ichi jakimotokan=.= it's a hotel anyway..
(ID #169405) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:19
Saku in Toronto (Registered on 2008/02/08 00:50)
Wannabe Web Developer
Onsen is nice. I will sure to go there when I visit Japan.

Nice custom watches :). Do they show japan time and gmt ?

Btw Danny, do you test your website on ie6 ? I just recently started using css to design a website and ie6 is a pain to deal with -_-
(ID #169406) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:20
Rin in Toronto (Registered on 2008/01/04 17:29)
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
Nice!!! I would love to go to a hot spring!!! It looks like fun!!! I might go there when I go to Japan!!!
(ID #169413) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:31
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
ya. when i was a kid, my mum will tell me not to take a bath after a meal. ('~')
(ID #169415) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:40
wcloudx in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/12 04:12)
Artist
What I was told by my grandparents on taking a bath after eating, is that you'll get stomach cramp if you do that.

One advice they told me is that you need to let the food digest 45-60 mins after you eat, then you can go do whatever you want :o
(ID #169417) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:48
darktek13 in Utah, USA (Registered on 2008/02/04 00:56)
Looking for work again
This is really close to what my mom told me. She never talked about a bath or a shower, but she always made me wait an hour before I could go swimming after I ate. She also said it was due to possible stomach cramps.
(ID #169576) Posted on 2008/04/12 12:28
sulk in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/04/02 14:16)
Director/Technical Director, Cameraman
Yea I always wanted to go to an onsen, and we went to one in Tokyo when we were there. Kinda hard to find, but it was pretty nice. 
Though it really is an awkward experience to see tons of naked men. And then you gotta get naked too, lol.
But the baths were really nice and relaxing, didnt want to leave.
Though I wish I knew there was a freezing cold water bath, before I jumped into it. That was a baaad idea :<
(ID #169419) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:53
Deranged in Loughborough UK (Registered on 2007/02/18 05:59)
Aeronautical Engineer
Yes, it was one of the things I wanted to try out when I get to Japan... Hopefully, I can getsomething planned for this summer or if not, the next summer. 

The duo watch was quite noticable... looks cool. XD
(ID #169421) Posted on 2008/04/12 00:58
Mischa in Oita (Registered on 2008/03/14 15:49)
Programmer
Oita is famous for its onsens. My wife and I are trying to become Onsen master, which means you have to collect stamps of 88 different onsens in you "spaport". It'll take a while, cause we are only up to 9. You should come down here sometime! By the way it's much cheaper here. On average around 500 yen.
(ID #169435) Posted on 2008/04/12 01:47
Ninja Mari in Japan (Registered on 2007/11/06 12:22)
Japanese Student
I like Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba. Been there a few times. It's an Edo Period-style bathhouse with probably the same amenities as Manyo...
(ID #169455) Posted on 2008/04/12 03:02
Aikyrie in NY (Registered on 2008/03/31 03:24)
Graphic Designer
I  miss osens. they're so relaxing! but i've never been to one that nice. my family thinks staying the night at a osen is a family trip. haha
(ID #169467) Posted on 2008/04/12 03:41
XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22 06:42)
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
I did! Twice!
And Onsen is one of the things I miss the most from Japan.
No, really... I dream of the day I can go to one again.

Because figures, electronics, and all sorts of stuff I can still like pay triple the price and import or something.

But onsens... there are none here. Nothing can quite reproduce the atmosphere, and the whole experience of being in one.

Didn't know there was an onsen where you went Danny... we went to some really secluded ones, near some mountains, like 3 to 4 hours away from Tokyo.

Standard breakfast, but a really fancy japanese style local cuisine dinner.

I mean, it was not that much luxurious, but great anyways. The one I liked the most had a wooden... pool? ofuro outside. It was really beautiful!

I have to work hard to get the money to go back and make a tour on japanese onsens...
(ID #169469) Posted on 2008/04/12 03:52
R-1 in a happy place. (Registered on 2007/07/05 22:01)
Personal Trooper
Got hot springs here with fish that nibble away at your feet's dead skin. Pretty ticklish! All for $4 if I remember correctly.
(ID #169474) Posted on 2008/04/12 04:05
chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09 15:45)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Ooooh I'm pretty bad with massages too ^^;;;; I get ticklish :P but danny I wonder if you just have stiff shoulders? (occupational hazard) Thanks for sharing with us this onsen information! ^^ It looks very enjoyable and that view, my goodness! I can't soak in warm/hot water tho, I black out afterwards =_=;
(ID #169475) Posted on 2008/04/12 04:13
gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada (Registered on 2007/11/08 04:49)
オタク all day long
That place looks really good to me! And very cheap to stay overnight too. I would love to try it once.
(ID #169476) Posted on 2008/04/12 04:23
Jotham in Los Angeles, CA (Registered on 2008/03/08 17:31)
Student
nice pictures, i especially liked the one with u and ur wifes feet? how romantic~~

(ID #169480) Posted on 2008/04/12 04:29
Ghostly Substance in Ottawa, Ontario (Registered on 2008/01/29 17:15)
Anime & Ferrari fanboy
Always felt like going to one when I keep seeing then in every anime series (serious to comical ones). Thanks for the heads up, when I do make it to Japan (which might be far in the future) I'll try visiting this place :p
(ID #169485) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:06
melink14 in Cambridge, MA (Registered on 2008/04/11 10:29)
Student
I guess my western culture just makes me a bit shy to jump into a hot tub naked.  Being a gaijin, I can't help but feel subconcious.  It's sort of sad because I was around some supposedly really good ones.
(ID #169487) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:21
Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17 12:47)
Online Shop
I never went to onsen before during my trips to Japan, I might try it at this place next time around :D
(ID #169490) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:43
Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24 13:14)
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Thanks Danny, just thinking of Onsen helped me to feel relaxed.  No to many things better than Onsen to recharge one's batteries.  Was one of the first things I liked about the Japanese.  They know how to work hard and relax well.

Maybe it is an oriental thing in origin.  I remember my mom telling me this when I was young.  My fiancee repeats this as if she was programed at conception. ^^;
(ID #169491) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:43
imodey in Honolulu, Hawaii (Registered on 2008/02/01 09:25)
Plastic train engineer
Definitely on the list.  I've had the pleasure of being at a few nice ones, including a routenburo in Hakone and Dougo Onsen down in Ehime.  Dougo in particular was so hot, I could barely breathe when I got out and had to spend  the next 5 minutes taking a cold shower.
(ID #169493) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:50
qingy in front of the monitor (Registered on 2007/10/06 06:21)
Gunpla Enthusiast
I killed my arms yesterday at the gym, could really use a relaxing dip in an onsen and a massage. Sadly, we don't have anything like that here. I'll have to settle for saunas.
(ID #169500) Posted on 2008/04/12 06:29
BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03 17:48)
.NET/Web Developer
Would love to go to an onsen and have a body massage afterwards.  I like my massage to be hard...gimme pain!! heheh. 

That place really looks relaxing and a nice place to just talk and unwind. ^^  And the food looks scrumptious! I'm sure to go to one when I get to Japan.  

Btw, never really noticed that the site looks so different when viewed from firefox. I always use IE when I view your site.  heheh.  Noticed your code needs a whole lot of work for it to look the same in IE.  Have had enough experience working with both to know what would make them look 98% the same.  That's what I learned for working with a really crappy system for almost a year now. hahahah.
(ID #169521) Posted on 2008/04/12 08:35
Triddy in British Columbia, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/28 13:37)
Student
The view from the top is absolutely stunning, as far as I can tell from your pictures. That alone would be worth the rather cheap admission for me.

Perhaps if my Japanese skills ever progress to the point where I can go to Japan (unlikely to happen), I'll visit Manyo. I'd like to go to an onsen.

Also, while a lot of onsen seem to "officially" welcome gaijin, are they discriminated against in the "purely japanese" setting? Like, will everybody be staring and making hushed comments?
(ID #169528) Posted on 2008/04/12 09:33
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
no not really but I have heard of a japanese pub turning away my german friend who tried to go in...
The ironic thing was that the pub had a german theme to it.
(ID #169534) Posted on 2008/04/12 09:56
Meowsa in Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2008/02/23 21:26)
teacher
There was so controversy a while back about some onsens refusing entry to foreigners... but I think it was settling in court? 
(ID #183520) Posted on 2008/05/08 14:13
Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04 11:13)
Student, Spiral Warrior
Many hotsprings all around Taiwan, but so far I've only been to Xinbeitou, the hotspring town north of Taibei. 
(ID #169571) Posted on 2008/04/12 12:17
Trighap in Washington D.C. (Registered on 2007/12/05 06:13)
Student
Regretfully, I am exactly the opposite of Danny-sama.  I enjoy massages so much that I would qualify for a Massage Anonymous program if there ever was one made.  I must have spent well over 2000 dollars (probably closer to 3 or even 4) on massages.  I especially like the type where they walk on your back (sorry, I can't give the proper name for that technique, too hard to find on English sites on the net).  So you can definitely trust that if I ever had the pleasure of reaching the shores of Japan, massages would by high on my list of "to do" things.

Likewise, Onsen are very high on my list.  I don't really care to hang out with a bunch of old men (especially since I am deaf AND only understood perfect English), but I would definitely enjoy the opportunity of a private bath out in the nature of the Japanese mountains.

The onsen that Danny-sama showed us looks nice, especially the roof "stream" concept.  I only wonder if they allow you to soak in the stream in full body, as everyone in the pictures were feet only?

(ID #169585) Posted on 2008/04/12 13:03
Gibson in California (Registered on 2007/05/28 04:42)
Student artist
Do they literally get hotspring water and deliver it to that place! O.O Looks really nice btw, would like to go there when i visit or a real hotspring. 
(ID #169588) Posted on 2008/04/12 13:15
Ben in Utah, United States (Registered on 2007/03/29 09:12)
CEO... of the world
Oh that looks so nice!  I wish I were there!
(ID #169589) Posted on 2008/04/12 13:17
Felpe in Santiago, Chile (Registered on 2008/01/09 01:08)
Student
Depending on the size of the tattoo, could you put a bandaid (bandit?) over it and try to disimulate it?
(ID #169596) Posted on 2008/04/12 13:58
iroiromode in Los Angeles (Registered on 2008/03/03 18:28)
Journalist
Digging the view...

A must visit spot on my next trip.
(ID #169607) Posted on 2008/04/12 14:15
Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25 20:29)
anime/cosplay events organizer
that's very convenient...onsen in the middle of the metropolis ^^

and what a beautiful view of the city scape ^^
(ID #169635) Posted on 2008/04/12 16:14
Corscia in Maquis Corse in Paris (Registered on 2008/03/15 04:11)
futur MCSE certified
me too, my grand parents told me not to swim after eating, but that's not true ! The fact is after you eat you feel your stomach a bit heavy, so they must think you will sink if you swim ^^

in fact you start your digestion something like 2H after you eat. So the doc says you'd better swim immediately after eating, because the risk is worth as the digestion as started !

but i think, you can swim whenever you want, you just have to take care a you and if you dont feel good, well dont swim ;)

By the way, i'd like to try Onsen, but my wife dont like Hot water, so we won't try onsen during our journey !
(ID #169663) Posted on 2008/04/12 18:47
notfair in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/14 17:46)
Student, ACG Fans
wow, nice view there, hope next time have chance to go.
(ID #169672) Posted on 2008/04/12 19:09
Alfisti in Brisbane, Australia (Registered on 2008/01/08 20:19)
4th Year Designer Uni Slave
Defineately would give the Onsen a go, specifically this Onsen: http://www.fujiya-ginzan.com/

That just looks so cool.
(ID #169749) Posted on 2008/04/12 22:46
skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09 06:48)
Student
Just Beautiful! On my list automatically. 

Great pictures by the way Danny!
(ID #169796) Posted on 2008/04/13 01:48
Quentin aka Q in UK (again...) (Registered on 2008/01/07 05:47)
lol my sister wasn't too happy when I told her that her favourite onsen hideaway has been 'promoted' here. She knows of this place via a TV-show where KATTUN dates with a model called Megumi.
(ID #169845) Posted on 2008/04/13 05:08
littledoll (Registered on 2008/03/21 03:00)
I love onsen! They are so relaxing and soothing, it's one of the top things I'm looking forward to doing regularly when I move to Japan. ^o^

Hm, disappointing you couldn't take pictures in the men's onsen... I'm sure the internet would think it great justice if I took pictures in the female side sometime, but that's never going to happen, I don't want to get arrested or something, haha!
(ID #169863) Posted on 2008/04/13 06:12
Ryuzenshu in San Antonio, Texas (Registered on 2008/07/08 12:08)
Otaku in training
Wow, i'm definently going there! 
(ID #169868) Posted on 2008/04/13 06:26
Certifiably Insane in Singapore (Registered on 2008/04/13 17:31)
Pursuing that ever-elusive diploma.
Those pics are awesome, I actually think I might have passed by when I last vacationed to Japan this year, this time I'm making it a point to stop by. Thanks Danny. ^^
(ID #170050) Posted on 2008/04/13 18:00
OblivionAngel in Minnesota (Registered on 2008/04/03 13:05)
Bag Boy
Those rooms look really nice. I will have to enjoy myself at an onsen some time.
(ID #170053) Posted on 2008/04/13 18:21
radical anime fan in 2009 Singapore. (Registered on 2007/01/25 22:32)
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
I would gladly pay two pints of my own blood to be able to go to an Onsen NOW. Especially putting my feet in what I'd refer to as the "Holy Rooftop River"...
(ID #170140) Posted on 2008/04/13 22:54
sammyb in Berkeley, CA (Registered on 2008/04/06 06:10)
Student
It's definitely on my list of things to do when I go to Japan some day. Although, the thing about the tatoos is a bit bothersome; I've planned on getting the Triforce tatooed pretty small on my back when I turn 18. Will that be a problem?
(ID #170283) Posted on 2008/04/14 05:02
Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Busan Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09 23:59)
Sterilization Technician@ Prince Of Wales Hospital
if you're going to get a Tattoo get something that really means something to you

once you get old its gunna get all wrinkly and stuff

i'm laughing at all these teeny bopping asian kids in Sydney that try to get tats to look "gangder"

anyway , that onsen is on my list for sure

ty for great pics Danny
(ID #170483) Posted on 2008/04/14 19:25
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Major LOL to "once you get old its gunna get all wrinkly and stuff".
Very good one!!
(ID #170555) Posted on 2008/04/14 22:19
Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Busan Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09 23:59)
Sterilization Technician@ Prince Of Wales Hospital
its true though
i just find it ridiculous
all these teeny boppers wanting tattoos
(ID #170871) Posted on 2008/04/15 17:18
sammyb in Berkeley, CA (Registered on 2008/04/06 06:10)
Student
Haha I know what you mean, but unlike them, I'm no bopper. And second, I have no intention of ever looking "gangder". XD
(ID #171201) Posted on 2008/04/16 10:40
WoLF-[x] in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/01/15 21:10)
IT Consultant
I went to "Odaiba Onsen" which was very near Tokyo Big Sight before Wonfes. That was the closest to an "onsen" i've went to. Interesting experience. And to be stark naked in a big bath filled with men was kinda.....scary at 1st but later on you don't think about it.
(ID #170387) Posted on 2008/04/14 14:13
Dedale in S'pore after France (Registered on 2007/12/04 18:40)
Labyrinth builder
What a high tech onsen !
(ID #170403) Posted on 2008/04/14 14:58
Meowsa in Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2008/02/23 21:26)
teacher
Oo I can't wait to try out some onsen!! 
My friend recommended one in Chofu...I think Metropolis covered it as well in an issue. 
I'll probably check out the one in Yokohama since it's fairly close to my home. 
Great pictures! I wondered what the camera policies would be inside onsen placs. 
(ID #183518) Posted on 2008/05/08 14:06
Twistermon in Ljungby, Sweden (Registered on 2008/05/17 05:25)
Student, Producing videos and draw sometimes
Wow, this is... Fantastic. :-D
(ID #198435) Posted on 2008/05/28 05:20
majinandy in Toronto, Ontario (Registered on 2007/11/28 11:18)
Student
I can't wait till I visit Japan. This is one of the must to do things when visiting Japan :D
(ID #210595) Posted on 2008/06/12 03:49
Rhyzz in Michigan, soon to be Tokyo. (Registered on 2008/08/11 11:10)
Behavioral technician, soon to be English teacher
I'm about to move to Japan and have 2 arms with unfinished tattoos on them....
-_-" this sucks. Hopefully I can find one that is a bit more accommodating to us gaijin.
(ID #302028) Posted on 2008/09/15 17:31
Minaru Chou in Philippines (Registered on 2008/09/25 11:11)
Programmer Trainee
Haha most likely.

It's probably going to be really awkward, but nothing like a little adventure
(ID #316241) Posted on 2008/09/28 18:00
irene in Canada (Registered on 2008/10/14 02:39)
Pre-law student
I go to an onsen in Hokkaido every time I visit my grandparents. They have a regular spot near  Mt. Tokachi and it's so beautiful, especially in winter.
(ID #333350) Posted on 2008/10/14 03:04
kona.kona in Singapore (Registered on 2008/10/16 02:06)
Student
The "do not eat before bathing" is a common belief amongst Koreans (my family) and Japanese, that it will bring about indigestion. No idea why though >.<
(ID #355028) Posted on 2008/11/02 01:41
suicchi in surabaya, indonesia (Registered on 2008/11/22 22:58)
research student to be
Mm, my grandma never told me about "no eating before bathing" but I heard it from a friend, though we're both Chinese. Mom always urge me to go shower after dinner =/

Would love to go to Onsen one day... That Manyo Club looks nice.
(ID #418185) Posted on 2008/12/19 22:55
froggy in France (Registered on 2008/11/21 01:54)
Marketer
great concept !


I LOVE JAPAN ^^
(ID #426129) Posted on 2008/12/26 22:15
zer0ne in CCK, Singapore (Registered on 2009/01/17 15:14)
Otaku ^^
On image #19390, what kind of watch are you wearing? never seen two watches before?

d@@b
(ID #470899) Posted on 2009/02/02 03:05
DeathSnake in Srilanka (Registered on 2009/01/26 22:34)
university student
hmm.....i wud prefer a less crowded place than a club to hav a onsen experience
(ID #494198) Posted on 2009/02/18 20:24
seta in Atlanta (Registered on 2009/03/13 13:59)
Student, Sophomore
definitely!
(ID #523496) Posted on 2009/03/16 13:39
JINZO in your mom (Registered on 2009/03/20 08:08)
McRoller
I like the whole onsen concept... I wonder though, are there any SUPER hi-tech ones that dwarf this one?
(ID #527955) Posted on 2009/03/20 09:58
Okinawa in The imaginative world (Registered on 2009/03/27 21:36)
Student
i wanna try onsen ToT

never been in 1.....i think...well i wanna go where's there are monkies joining in XD (or is it only in anime)
(ID #540875) Posted on 2009/03/30 02:16
Argyle in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2008/12/24 03:54)
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
I SERIOUSLY want to see that Giant Ferris Wheel Clock!!! out of the many animes I've watched I ALWAYS NOTICE TWO THINGS!!! The Tokyo Tower and that ferris wheel clock!!! BL@RGHHHH must see that thing XD =3
(ID #578877) Posted on 2009/04/26 03:33
Have always wanted to get me grubby mitts on this figure ever since I saw...(more)
Mon 12/11 23:08 comments (40)
Included in the photo is Joi Ito (CEO of Creative Commons and board membe...(more)
Tue 11/11 16:09 comments (101)
Continuing with the Tokyo Anime Fair 2007 coverage. Bringing you the Gund...(more)
Tue 03/27 02:15 comments (38)
Arrived at the press queue to find hardly anyone there and didn't expect ...(more)
Wed 01/02 23:45 comments (45)
This is the first time I've seen something like this - body inflation where some sort of liquid is i...(more)
Sun 07/05 07:23 comments (223)
In a meeting at Ebisu earlier on this week - everybody has an iPhone ^^; And a closer look at that ...(more)
Sat 07/04 23:07 comments (77)
Tis the rainy season in Japan right now meaning that many house and shop entrances across Japan star...(more)
Sat 07/04 11:31 comments (133)
The Mirai Suenaga Merchandise project has changed gears and is back on the project timeline. I've be...(more)
Fri 07/03 22:16 comments (105)
Subscribe
Subscribe to RSS or get dannychoo.com delivered to your inbox.
Recommended
(refresh)
View advertising info
and site stats here.