Barden Kamifurano is the first of the 5 spas or onsens found in the scenic Tokachidake hotspring area near Kamifurano. This is a traditional Japanese spa that offers both Japanese and Western-styled rooms and is famed for its beef cuisine.
We chose to stay in a twin-sharing Western-styled room inclusive of two meals. We paid ¥11499 per person per night (inclusive of bath tax and GST). All rooms do not come with private bathrooms or toilets. The latter facilities are shared. However, even though it was peak tourist season, it was still relatively quiet and we were able to enjoy moments of privacy while relaxing in the onsen.
The highlight of this onsen hotel is of course, the 100% mineral hotspring bath. Guests can chose between soaking indoors or outdoors, the baths are unisex. The water is murky green and very hot (especially if you choose to soak indoors). Except for cleaning times between 12am to 2am, guests can soak to their hearts' content at most times. However, do take note that they may switch the male/female baths after cleaning (look to the cloth hanging above the door: blue for males, red for females.
Dinner featured the local beef from black-haired cattle raised with tender loving care at a nearby farm. Barden is the only place that serves this beef. The meat was so tender and fresh that it was served as sashimi. We chose to grill them on a hotplate and it literally melted in our mouths at first bite.
We enjoyed our 2 night stay there. We did short hikes to the nearby onsens and walking trails during the day and unwind in the onsen after that. Staying in the heart of the Tokaichi mountains, we felt re-charged after this quiet respite.
To get there:
We took the public onsen bus from the bus-stop outside the JR Kamifurano station, in front of a cafe. Due to peak tourist season, the hotel was unable to provide pick up service.
The bus schedule is available at the Tourist information center located directly across the road from the JR Kamifurano station and at the onsen hotels and bus-stops. There are three departures per day: 9:33am, 1:19pm, and 4:31pm from JR Kamifurano station and it costs ¥500 per person to Barden Kamifurano. Payment is made upon alighting the bus.
Go Here for further details on the hotel.
For reservations, you can email to b-k-onsen@topaz.plala.or.jp. Their replies are prompt.
This is their Japanese website.