It's not really clear from their website whether they have a co-ed outdoor hotspring bath or separate ones. They haven't replied to my email regarding this and I was wondering if anyone here would know, and whether it's common for people to wear their swimming suit in a co-ed bath.<BR><BR>We've been to separate baths for men and women in Japan before, and have no problems following the tradition, but it might be too adventurous for us to go to a co-ed bath.

Hi, I am a Japanese. Maybe i can help you with your question. Can you give<BR>its website adress? Perhaps I can check on its pages in Japanese or e-mail them your question in Japanese. (Would that be possible they did not understand your question in English ? )<BR>I already tried to locate this hotel but could not. "Sounkaku"is rather a common name for Japanese hotels and you say on another post only "in Hokkaido". Hokkaido is a big island with so many cities. I would need a littl more detail than Hokkaido regarding the location.The name of the city(?) where the hotel is situated would help.<BR>

That is most kind of you, Nori!!<BR><BR>Guess what, I got their reply today about having separate outdoor baths but maybe they did not understand my other question about whether they offer "room only" rates. It would be nice if you could email them for me.<BR><BR>I have visited the English version of their site:<BR>www.sounkaku.co.jp/index2.htm<BR><BR>We'll be interested in booking a Japanese-style room with private bath for 2 to 3 nights at the end of August. We'll be happy to take their "Couple plan" (i.e. room including 2 meals) for the first night, but would only need the room for the other night(s).<BR><BR>Their email:<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>Thanks a bunch!!

Hi Kat, I will get back to you ASA I will have received a reply from the hotel.

Hi Kat, I have received a reply from Mr Kimura of Souunkaku. He is the person who replied to your mails.<BR><BR>I had told them it concerned some American people who wished to stay at Souunkaku and somehow he recognized it and said it must be the reservation for 26 to 29 AUG for 3 nites. Is this the request you made ?<BR><BR>According to Mr Kimura :<BR>He already confirmed you the reservation as follows.<BR>26 AUG Couple Plan (15000yen p/p)<BR>27 Yushuu No Zen Plan (13000yen p/p)<BR>28 Couple Plan (15000yen p/p)<BR>The difference of these 2plans are the dinneer menus whose photos you must have already seen on their web site.<BR><BR>As to Room Only rate, they could give 15 % discount.<BR>Attention :He said there are only a few small restaurants(could be basically for the locals) in the hotel’s neibourhood. <BR><BR>As most Japanese hotels, their rooms have private bath + a few large <BR>public baths in the hotel. <BR><BR>Regarding the choice of your meal plan (Room Only or Couple Plan, etc.),<BR>Mr Kimura would appreciate it if you could send him another e-mail. <BR><BR>Hope above will help you. Enjoy your trip !<BR>

Thanks a lot, Nori!! That's really great help. I'll confirm again with Mr. Kuruma, and will let everybody know how the hotel is after we come back.