Day 845: February 24, 2024
Saturday – Horokanai
 |
| It's a frigid negative-13-degree day here in Rumoi |
Today was supposed to be an early start for our long-planned onsen trip, but the warmth of our bed had other plans. We ended up oversleeping and didn’t wake up until around 10 AM. When we finally got up, we were greeted by the harsh reality outside. It was a freezing –13°C.
 |
| It didn't stop us from our out-of-town onsen trip |
For a moment, we debated whether we should still go. My daughter suggested that we just stay home, watch movies, and move the onsen trip to the next day. It was definitely tempting. Still, with work and school waiting for us on Monday, I felt it would be better to push through with today’s plan so we could enjoy a proper rest day tomorrow. After a bit of discussion, everyone agreed.
Since we didn’t have a fixed destination yet, I gave them two choices: an onsen in Horokanai (幌加内町) or Higashikagura (東神楽町). They chose Horokanai.
 |
| Seiwa Onsen Luonto |
We left Rumoi City around noon, and the drive to Seiwa Onsen Luonto took about an hour and a half. The onsen is part of the Horokanai Roadside Station along Route 275, and we were pleasantly surprised by how new and beautiful the place was.
 |
| We rested a bit at the rest area of the onsen after our long drive |
 |
| Time to take a dip |
 |
| A beautiful view from the reception area |
 |
| The reception of Seiwa Onsen Luonto |
 |
| Ella got the Horokanai soba set |
 |
| I got the Horokanai Soba bowl as it has a larger serving than the set meal |
 |
| My wife got the tempura bowl |
I especially enjoyed the fragrant baths and the outdoor onsen. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying Horokanai soba, the town’s well-known specialty.
 |
| Bye for now, Seiwa Onsen Luonto |
 |
| Quick visit to COOP to see what is on sale |
 |
| We got half-priced sushi and tempura |
We headed back around 6 PM, and although we ran into a sudden blizzard on the way home, we thankfully arrived safely in Rumoi City by around 8 PM. Before going home, we stopped by COOP Rumoi to buy some groceries we couldn’t find at COSTCO the day before. As luck would have it, many items were on sale at half price; as usual, we ended up buying more than we planned.
Despite the slightly scary drive through the blizzard, the day turned out to be relaxing, enjoyable, and another memorable family moment here in Hokkaido.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 121
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 121
Seiwa Onsen Luonto
Horokanai Roadside Station
10 Things to Do in Horokanai
10 Things to Do in Rumoi City
10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City
First Timer's Guide to the Japanese Onsen
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
Comments
Post a Comment