The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA, operated by Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Tokigawa, Saitama, CEO: Toshiki Yamazaki), will host a special "Oshi New Year's Card Bath" event starting January 1, 2026. To commemorate 2026 as the "Year of Baths" (026 = ofuro in Japanese), guests can draw illustrations of their favorite characters on bath wood tablets, which will then be displayed in the bathrooms.
A Unique Event for Creative Guests
The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA has been a beloved destination for many creators who use the inn as a writing retreat. Building on this unique characteristic, the establishment has launched this special event that allows guests to express their passion for their favorite characters.
Starting December 29 (Monday), new year's card-shaped bath wood tablets will be available at the front desk. After completing their illustrations, guests can submit them to staff members. From January 1, 2026 (Thursday, national holiday) at 11:00 AM, the submitted wood tablets will be gradually displayed in both men's and women's baths. Visitors are encouraged to fill the bathrooms with their favorite characters as a way to celebrate the new year.
The bath wood tablets are made from thinned lumber from Tokigawa Town in Saitama Prefecture, an area known for its forestry industry. Onsen Dojo operates under the corporate philosophy of "transmitting culture from baths," and through the active use of thinned wood, hopes to create opportunities for raising awareness about sustainable forestry and forest management.
Event Details: The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA Oshi New Year's Card Bath
Event Period: January 1, 2026 (Thursday, national holiday) 11:00 AM - January 12, 2026 (Monday, national holiday)
Bath Wood Tablet Distribution Period: December 29, 2025 (Monday) 10:00 AM - while supplies last
About The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA
The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA is a hot spring inn located in Yugawara Onsen, a historic destination that has been celebrated since ancient times, even appearing in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. The area has been loved by literary masters such as Natsume Soseki and Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The inn pursues new forms of traditional ryokan hospitality, offering unique packages such as the "Adult Manuscript Writing Package" and the "Self-Care Package," breaking away from conventional ryokan concepts.
Official website: https://www.theryokantokyo-ofurocafe.com/
About Yugawara Onsen ofuro cafe HITOMA
ofuro cafe HITOMA is a day-trip facility offering ink-making experiences, a hot spring cafe, and a shop - perfect for enjoying during your travel downtime. Experience the joy of writing in the town of literary masters with hands-on ink-making workshops. Relax in the free-flowing natural hot spring. Enjoy lunch featuring seafood delivered from Odawara fishing port. Browse the shop stocked with glass pens and incense. The facility is ideally suited for sightseeing during or between your travels.
About ONDO Holdings
With subsidiaries including Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., Kii company Co., Ltd., Sakana to Co., Ltd., and Saitama Musashi Heat Bears Co., Ltd., ONDO Holdings works toward creating new value and contributing to regional revitalization through the development of human resources, all under the concept of "energizing regions."
Official website: https://ondoholdings.com/
