【Onsen Cafeteria】After enjoying stream fishing camping in Doshi Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, "Doshi River Onsen Benibana no Yu" duck seiro soba

The cafeteria attached to the day-use onsen is a place where you can savor local gourmet dishes and enjoy it comfortably even alone. The author, a camping writer who enjoys solitude, reports on the charming onsen cafeteria gourmet he visited after camping.

After enjoying camping and stream fishing, I headed to the hot springs

It had been a long time since my last camping trip, which included hammock camping combined with stream fishing. The next morning, I woke up early in the dim light and set out to fish in the stream flowing alongside the site. However, there weren’t as many fish as I had hoped, so I decided to make my way to the main river along the Doshi Road.

It had already become fully bright, and the situation for fishing became increasingly difficult, but it felt good to wade through the cool river on a summer day. I casually cast my lure while enjoying the atmosphere of the countryside river. Since I wasn't used to fishing in the wide main river, I couldn't catch anything, so I decided to call it a day. To relax my tired body, I decided to go to the hot springs.

Right next to it, I enjoyed the clear stream at "Doshi River Onsen Benitsubaki no Yu"

This time, I visited "Doshi River Onsen Benitsubaki no Yu." It is my favorite hot spring that I always stop by during my camping trips in Doshi. You can enjoy various baths, such as bubbles warm water, cypress hot water, and open-air baths, and the dimly lit bathing area enhances the feeling of relaxation. I was able to soothe my calves that had become tight from fishing in the bubbles warm water.

Next to the hot spring is the Doshi River, where you can enjoy the dynamic flow unique to the lower reaches with its substantial water volume. When the clear, high-transparency water meets the white sand, it creates a color similar to emerald green. No matter which section of the Doshi River you look at, you will be amazed by its beauty.

The duck flavor and irregular soba make for authentic duck seiro soba.

The Benitsubaki no Yu has a spacious break area where meals can be enjoyed. There are some hot spring guests lying down and taking naps, probably returning from hiking or leisure activities. The break area is also spacious and allows for a relaxing stay, which is one of the reasons it’s a favorite. The cool water seeps into the body after soaking.

I chose the menu item "Duck Seiro Soba" (830 yen), which is perfect for duck lovers like me. It has a simple appearance but looks delicious. Since I’m hungry, let’s eat right away.

Dipping the soba into the rich broth with floating fat, as I slurp it up, the smooth texture combines with the umami of the duck flowing in. The irregular soba has a firm chewiness and feels handmade while still having an authentic flavor. It is of very high quality and matches my taste, so it may become my personal staple menu item. I might have just encountered something special.

The chewy duck meat is also the best. The combination with the green onion, known as 'kamo-negi', is a perfect match. I finished all the broth and completed the meal. Thank you for the food.

On a summer day, I enjoyed the clear stream and hot springs, and had a delicious meal, leaving me completely satisfied.

After the meal, for some reason, I bought a choco mint from a Seventeen Ice vending machine, which is often seen in Doshi Village. I conclude my trip with a color similar to the Doshi River. It was a very satisfying trip enjoying the clear stream, hot springs, and delicious food on a summer day. I think I want to go on a trip again aiming for new spots.

Facility name: Doshi River Onsen Benitsubaki no Yu
Location: 3888 Kozubaki, Doshi Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
TEL: 0554-20-4500
Business hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Winter 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Bathing fee: Adults 1300 yen, Children 600 yen

Interview/written by: Kazuma Tanaka