【Onsen Cafeteria】Enjoying udon noodles with tempura at "Chichibu Kawabata Onsen Bon no Yu," close to Nagatoro Gorge during a drive

During a drive towards Chichibu, we decided to stop by an onsen to enjoy lunch. Among the many excellent onsen facilities in Chichibu, we chose to head to "Chichibu Kawabata Onsen Bon no Yu," which we had never visited before. After being healed by the riverside onsen, we indulged in the cafeteria menu.

A Japanese-style bathing facility, "Chichibu Kawabata Onsen Bon no Yu" in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture

Stopping by during a drive towards the Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture, I visited "Chichibu Kawabata Onsen Bon no Yu," situated along the Arakawa River. The hot springs, characterized by a sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate cold mineral water quality, are a specialty, and the pure Japanese-style appearance reminiscent of a ryokan is quite pleasant.

Inside, there was a calm atmosphere, and the bathing area was spacious. The alkaline, slippery texture of the water felt nice on the skin, providing a perfect sense of relaxation. The Arakawa River flowed right in front of the open-air bath, contributing to a refreshing ambiance, and during my soak, I could enjoy watching wild birds, making for a visually enjoyable environment as well.

Enjoying "udon with tempura" in the spacious resting area

After bathing, I headed to the resting room with my warmed-up body, finding a few other guests lounging in a relaxed atmosphere. In front of me was a terrace seating area, and near the kitchen, there were box seats, making it seem like one could comfortably enjoy meals anywhere.

There are also private open-air baths along the row of terrace seats, indicating the richness of the amenities. This heightened my expectations for the udon with tempura I had ordered.

Once the food ticket number is displayed on the electronic bulletin board, it's ready. When I go to collect my meal, a refreshing serving of udon with a side of tempura, perfect for a summer day.

The smooth udon has a strong chewiness, and the texture going down is the best. The chilled noodles coated in sweet dipping sauce seep into my body, which is sweating, and the tempura is freshly fried, providing a delightful crunch. Next time I come back, I might want to try eating at the terrace seats by the river.

There are so many seats that customers are not likely to crowd together, which I personally really appreciate. Thank you for the meal.

Chichibu Kawabata Onsen Bon no Yu
Location: 309-1 Kobashiru, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Tel: 0494-62-0620
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

It takes just under 10 minutes by car from Bon no Yu to the Iwadatami of Nagatoro Gorge

The Iwadatami along the left bank of the Arakawa River flowing through Nagatoro Gorge, one of Japan's renowned rocky plateaus. Although I've been to Chichibu several times, I had never set foot on the Iwadatami, as it tends to get crowded. This was my first time visiting it. It’s just under a 10-minute drive from Bon no Yu. You can enjoy a day trip plan combining the hot spring and this location.

The scale here is incomparable to the headwaters where I usually fish. I was overwhelmed by the size of the Arakawa River mainstream, which flows over multiple prefectures. It seems there are still attractive spots in Chichibu, so I would like to explore them while driving around.

Interview/Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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