【Onsen Dining Hall】Recommended by a solitary camping writer, the Negi-Soba at "Moegino Yu" in Okutama Town.

The author, who loves solo travel, visited "Moegino Yu" in Okutama Town, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo this time. A renewed open-air spot with beautiful scenery where one can relax. Reporting on a hot spring located along a driving route.

The onsen dining hall is the perfect hidden spot to leisurely enjoy regional gourmet food

Since the onsen dining hall mainly caters to onsen visitors, it tends to be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy local delicacies and rustic flavors.

In fact, I, the author, am not fond of dining in crowded places. I really enjoy the dining hall located at the day-use onsen as it allows for a relaxed meal without feeling cramped.

This time, I visited "Moegino Yu" in Okutama Town, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo

This time, I went to "Moegino Yu," located in Okutama Town, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo. Situated along National Route 411 and close to the station, it has become a popular onsen destination for tourists and locals alike. At the time of my visit, it had just undergone a renewal and I wanted to check out the differences from before, so I came here.

There doesn't seem to be a significant change in the layout of the facility due to the renewal, but the pillars and walls of the outdoor bath have been rebuilt. The view of the trees and mountains from the outdoor bath remains unchanged, and the open-air feeling is still intact. By the way, I received a souvenir when I entered this time.

Moegino Yu's Negi-Soba

I hadn't decided much on what to eat this time, but I ordered the "Negi-Soba" which caught my eye at the ticket vending machine. The name itself is enticing.

It seems to use wasabi from Okutama, with stems and grated wasabi served on the side. When I tried it, the soba was firmly chilled in cold water, perfect for my warm body after the bath. Adding the wasabi brought a refreshing flavor and spiciness, with a hint of sweetness as well. It was surprising how it didn't become too spicy even with more wasabi added.

The other menu items are also plentiful, with various rice dishes and snacks, and there were a few people enjoying yakitori and beer at the counter. I wanted to experience the grilled river fish set meal expecting the yamame from Okutama, but due to supply issues, they couldn't offer yamame, so I chose something different this time.

There is also a vending machine for bottled cola, perfect after a bath. I would definitely have bought one if it had been summer. Additionally, many souvenirs were lined up near the dining hall, so it might be a good idea to look for them while taking a break after the bath.

Near Moegino Yu, there is the Shirawaramaru Dam, which has a fishway to allow fish to migrate upstream and downstream. Furthermore, yamame farming is actively conducted in Okutama, and the sashimi of yamame, which is difficult to source from the wild, is offered at nearby restaurants. This time, I experienced the wasabi, and there are many local specialties that take advantage of the rich natural environment. I would like to come back again to savor the gourmet offerings of Okutama while touring the hot springs.

Okutama Onsen Moegino Yu
Location: 119-1 Hikawa, Okutama Town, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
TEL: 0428-82-7770
Business hours: April to November 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
December to March 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, the following day)
Fees: Adults ¥1050, Children ¥600

Report & text by Kazuma Tanaka

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