Perfect for a Creative Retreat: A Guide to Ofuro Cafe utatane
I've been getting asked more and more, 'I hear about Ofuro Cafe sometimes, but what kind of place is it?', so I've put together some photos and a report!
The place I'm introducing this time is the bathing facility 'Ofuro Cafe utatane' located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. It's about a 10-minute walk after getting off at Tetsudo-博物館 (Railway Museum) Station, one stop from Omiya Station. Let's go check it out!
■ Recommended Schedule
10:00 Enter as soon as it opens, take a bath
Sorry, I only had a photo from the night. You can enter from 10:00 AM! My impression is that on weekends, Saturday is surprisingly empty, while Sunday is crowded.
The lobby ceiling has an aurora shining all year round!
During the Soccer World Cup, they were broadcasting the matches on a big TV.
And... the first move is important!
The cafe opens at 11:00, so I recommend changing into the rental loungewear or storing your luggage in the locker room first!
Once you're light, you can do some morning activities until 11:00, or take a bath.
Until the cafe opens, it might be best to relax in the nap space. It becomes a battleground once it hits noon...!
11:00 Cafe opens, lunch
The cafe menu portions are quite large! So, if you're eating breakfast, I recommend something light. I'll post plenty of photos of the menu later♡
12:00 Writing in the coworking space
Sorry, I don't have a photo! There are almost always people there.
There are two coworking spaces with power outlets, and there is also a telework space. There are various chairs, so I hope you find one that's comfortable for you.
I concentrate as much as possible here!
I've written for up to about 6 hours at a time.
You can order cafe menu items from the coworking space using a QR code, so it's also convenient for having snacks♡
15:00 Hotel use (optional)
Recommended for when you want to feel a little luxurious.
If there are private rooms available, you can check in and come and go as you please between 12:00 and 17:00, or 15:00 and 20:00. (Register at the front desk)
I think the price was a little over 4,000 yen.
19:00 Dinner in the cafe space.
I get hungry by this time, so I have dinner!
I'll introduce the menu later...
It gets really crowded on weekends between 19:00 and 20:00. If you wait, seats will open up!
20:00 Bath, head home.
I spend the rest of the time as I feel, whether it's taking another bath, pushing through my manuscript, or eating dessert, before heading home. I usually stay until the very last train. Ofuro Cafe is open for 23 hours (until 9:00 AM), so you can stay as late as you like!
Once you've written your heart out, eaten your fill, and relaxed completely, it's time to head home♪
■ Regular Cafe Menu
Cafe menu items I've eaten and enjoyed so far. There are many I keep ordering!
They are very filling, so they're great when you want a hearty meal.
I wonder if it comes with sausage now?
The menu is updated periodically.
This is delicious, and I keep ordering it.
It was recently updated, and the flavor seems richer.
This is the one I order the most!
It's hard to find poke bowls elsewhere.
It's light and easy to eat, so I recommend it when you don't have much of an appetite.
Personally, this is the most filling single-dish menu item!
Sometimes I eat it for lunch and don't even need dinner (lol).
If I want something cold, I choose this; if I want something warm, I like the chai.
■ Recent Collaborations and Fairs
Ofuro Cafe utatane is always hosting some kind of collaboration or fair! They often have two or three going on at the same time. Let me introduce a few past fairs that I enjoyed.
&honey Collaboration
A collaboration with the beauty brand '&honey,' which offers hair care products using honey. By the time I headed home, I had a small paper bag full of souvenirs, including hand cream, a travel set, and hair milk samples...!
Rilakkuma Collaboration
It's my generation! I'm a Kiiroitori fan!
I bought a sticker!
And they were sitting on a sauna-like chair!
Hokkaido Fair (Until August 30, 2026)
This is still going on♡
There are plenty of cafe menu items where you can taste Hokkaido ingredients!
In the baths, you can experience scents like Hokkaido-grown Furano lavender.
This is so delicious that I've eaten it three times.
I can't seem to get to the other menu items...!
There are other things like soup curry and miso ramen that I'd like to try, but... I might end up eating the omelet curry again next time...
Seasonal Menu
The period is short, but if you're lucky, you might encounter it!
In this way, 'Ofuro Cafe Utatane' is a facility where you can stay cooped up and enjoy delicious food, baths, creative work, and even naps. I've never found another place that has all of this in one spot...
Of course, it's great to go alone or invite a friend. I go by myself about once a month, or go with friends before a new book deadline. Staying overnight is also fun ♡ (Breakfast is included!)
Ofuro Cafe has other branches besides the one in Saitama City, so please try looking for a location near you!
▼ Here are some other articles
▼ For first-time visitors
いいなと思ったら応援しよう！
応援嬉しいです。いただいたチップを貯めて、旅に出ます。