Maezawa from the CEO’s office here—I’ll answer as well.
Thank you for your question.
> I can’t really think of anywhere I’d like to go besides a hot spring.
In that case, I think going to a hot spring would be perfectly fine. There are hot springs in all sorts of places, and even if you visit the same area, you could stay at a different ryokan each time. Going on hot spring trips and changing locations each time sounds like it could be fun, too.
I’m a somewhat lost man in my 60s.
When staying at a traditional Japanese inn, I like to be considerate of the woman, especially regarding where we’ll be dining. Quite a few inns serve dinner in the room but breakfast in the restaurant, so you may end up exposed to curious looks…
Oh, wait—the questioner is a woman… (汗（笑）)
The long-established hot-spring inns in Higashiyama Onsen, Aizuwakamatsu, were lovely. After enjoying delicious Japanese cuisine at the inn, you can also have Kitakata ramen the next day.
I’m Joe.
I don’t know where you live, but assuming you’re in the Tokyo metropolitan area or Osaka, here’s my suggestion.
For a hot-spring trip, how about Kyushu?
I can almost hear you saying, “That’s too far!” But from Tokyo, it’s actually fairly close. For example, Kirishima Onsen in Kagoshima is just a 15-minute taxi ride from Kagoshima Airport (and most ryokans provide shuttle service). A day trip is entirely possible. In fact, several luxury hot springs offer day-trip packages that include airfare.
Kumamoto also has plenty of wonderful hot springs, and they’re surprisingly close if you rent a car at the airport. Since all these hot springs cater to visitors from the Tokyo area, the service is excellent. The quality of the hot springs is one thing, but what really stands out is how delicious the food is.
I highly recommend it. Once you overcome the psychological distance, it’s practically a bargain. There’s even the current Go To campaign. Why not try asking your papa (a male supporter)?
Let’s work out a specific schedule.
For example, in the case of Kagoshima:
Haneda 12:00 → Arrive at Kagoshima Airport 1:55 p.m.
ANA only, please (Flight ANA623). Incidentally, my daughter isn’t getting a bonus this season.
At the airport, a driver holding a sign for Ms. ○○ is waiting.
Travel by car (Alphard).
By 2:30 p.m., you’re shown to your room, and while admiring the babbling river, you’re already enjoying the private open-air bath—and things are happening from behind.
How does that sound? It’s not often you can get to that point just two and a half hours after departure. That would never be possible at Arima Onsen.
Oh, wait—that’s not the point? My apologies!
