An Oceanside Getaway
Kyukamura Tateyama is a natural hot spring resort in Chiba's southern Boso Peninsula. Just over three hours from Tokyo by train and a short bus ride, it is ideal for a day trip or overnight stay. The resort is within the Southern Boso Quasi-National Park, with beachside views overlooking Tokyo Bay and the Miura Peninsula. The area is known for mild weather year-round, an abundance of flowers, and world-class diving.
A Bath with a View
The highlight of the resort is the ""Hanaumi-no-yu"" Spa, a large, glass-enclosed public bath and open-air pools that jut out towards the ocean. On a clear day, you can make out Mt. Fuji across the calm waters of the bay. The spa is fed by natural spring water, high in sodium chloride. This water is purported to relieve joint pain and soothe dry skin. It is the ideal way to recover after a day of diving. Kyukamura's guest rooms all have ocean views, so it's worth considering an overnight stay. The restaurant has a buffet and a set course menu featuring local seafood.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Keio Line to Soga Station in Chiba, then transfer to the Uchibo Line to Tateyama Station. From Tateyama, take a bus bound for Ido or Sakata, and hop off at Kyukamura Tateyama. Express buses run from Tokyo Station in just under 2 hours.