【Onsen Diner】Visiting the Ryokami Onsen Yakushi no Yu "Yakushi Soba" and a spring water spot located in Ogano Town, Saitama Prefecture

Recently, I’ve been fond of the Chichibu area, but I decided to drive towards the western Chichibu, which I had not yet explored. There, I found a peaceful onsen diner and a spring water spot where you can draw pure water.

At the tranquil roadside station, Ryokami Onsen Yakushi no Yu

the onsen dining hall is rarely crowded, allowing you to enjoy gourmet dishes unique to the area and simple, rustic flavors. In fact, the author struggles with dining in crowded places.

The Ryokami Onsen Yakushi no Yu that I visited has a calming atmosphere and is attractive for its alkaline simple hot spring.

Renewed in the 6th year of Reiwa, the interior features a natural design that makes the most of wood, providing a place to relax even after enjoying the hot springs.

Savoring the Yakushi soba with tempura

This time, I ordered the "Yakushi soba (with tempura)," which is also the name of the facility. I've heard that the soba and udon in this dining hall are handmade, so I’m looking forward to the taste.

The slightly uneven noodles give a sense that they are handmade. When dipped in the broth, they have a nice chewiness and can be enjoyed for their unique flavor. The aroma of the broth, which differs from bonito stock, may be enhanced by the shiitake broth that is a local specialty in this area. The taste is refreshingly mild with a restrained sweetness.

The tempura is freshly fried and very delicious. In the photo, there was tempura made from the local specialty, raw shiitake mushrooms, but perhaps due to the season, it turned out to be tempura of a different mushroom. Raw shiitake mushrooms can only be harvested in spring and autumn, so I look forward to coming back at the right time.

There was also soba-yu unique to hand-made soba. I was able to enjoy the handmade flavor until the very end, and I was very satisfied. Thank you for the meal.

Yuyashokudo
Business hours: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Last order: 3:30 PM)
TEL: 0494-79-1533
Closed on Tuesdays (the following day if it's a holiday) and during New Year’s holidays.

Driving to seek the famous Bishamon water.

I discovered a spring water spot near a dam located north of the hot spring. The first thing I saw was the Aikaku Dam, located slightly downstream from the spring water spot. A large bridge called Aikaku Renge Bridge spans the area, making it a hidden gem where one can feel the nature of West Chichibu.

After a few minutes of driving along the river from the dam, I arrived at a spot where you can draw Bishamon water. There is a well-maintained parking lot, making it an accessible location.

Bishamon water is subterranean water that springs from Mount Shiraishi in Ogano Town, rich in calcium and minerals. Taking a sip, I found it to have a smooth and soft texture, explaining its popularity as a source of drinking water for the local residents.

Additionally, it seems that in Ogano Town, you can enjoy shaved ice made with Bishamon water, so I plan to go look for it on another trip.

Next to the water source, there is a shrine dedicated to Bishamonten, which presumably is the origin of the name. It was evident that this location is important to the local residents and is managed as a sacred place.

This time, I was able to enjoy the local flavors at the hot spring diner, a gourmet experience unique to the area. The roadside hot spring diner not only alleviates the fatigue of driving but also enriches the journey. Next time, I would like to drive leisurely and visit spots that catch my interest.

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka

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