Wheelchair friendly! Explaining the barrier-free facilities at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan in Onogawa Onsen
- ADDRESS：〒992-0076 山形県米沢市小野川町２４９３
- OTHER：電話番号0238-32-2611
A must-read for anyone considering a trip to Onogawa Onsen in a wheelchair! A thorough explanation of barrier-free accommodations and tourist spots, as well as the charms of the hot spring town that even seniors can enjoy with peace of mind. Packed with information to make your hot spring trip a comfortable one!
reference：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQxsdKpeF0
1.Introduction: The appeal of Onogawa Onsen and its barrier-free initiatives
reference：https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_2863.html
Onogawa Onsen is a hot spring resort blessed with abundant nature and history, and its appeal is diverse. Of particular note is the resort’s active efforts to make itself barrier-free so that wheelchair users and the elderly can visit with peace of mind.
These efforts are based on the desire to provide an environment where everyone can enjoy the hot springs comfortably. Specifically, efforts are being made to remove steps within the facility and to install barrier-free guest rooms and bathrooms. For example, Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan offers private baths that can be used in wheelchairs, as well as special barrier-free rooms.
These efforts further enhance Onogawa Onsen’s appeal as a hot spring resort that can be visited with peace of mind by wheelchair users and the elderly.
2. Introducing wheelchair-friendly facilities at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan
reference：https://www.jalan.net/yad316267/
There are many attractive inns in hot springs, but Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan is one of them that has made special considerations to ensure a comfortable stay for wheelchair users. Many hot spring inns are old buildings and may not be fully barrier-free, but Tofuya Ryokan provides an environment where everyone can stay with peace of mind.
2.1 Barrier-free facilities at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan
reference：https://readyfor.jp/projects/onsen
Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan is barrier-free throughout, providing a safe and secure environment for wheelchair users and seniors. Key barrier-free features include:
- Step-free interior design: A ramp is installed at the entrance, allowing smooth wheelchair entry.
- Elevators: The building is easy to navigate, and wheelchair users can easily access their rooms and public baths.
- Accessible rooms: Spacious rooms are designed for easy wheelchair access, and are equipped with toilets and sinks with handrails.
- Accessible private baths: The hot springs are equipped with handrails to make wheelchair transfers easy, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing bath in a private space.
- Wheelchair-friendly dining space: Table seating is provided in the dining area, eliminating the need for guests to go up to the tatami room.
In addition, to help ease your concerns during your stay, staff are knowledgeable about barrier-free access and will provide attentive support.
2.2 Reasons to choose “Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan”
reference：https://matcha-jp.com/jp/place-master/14226
Barrier-free accommodations are on the rise across the country, but Tofuya Ryokan, one of the Onogawa Onsen hotels, has been designed with attention to detail to ensure a comfortable stay for wheelchair users. The reason for this is the inn owner’s strong desire to allow everyone to enjoy the hot springs.
If you inquire before your stay, the inn will do their best to accommodate you, so inquiring in advance will ensure an even more comfortable stay. Accommodation plans also include flexible options such as meal arrangements and the selection of rooms that are easy to move around in.
Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan has been chosen as a “reliable inn” even by people who had given up on hot spring trips. If you’re looking to make your stay at Onogawa Onsen even more comfortable, be sure to consider Tofuya Ryokan.
3.1 The process from check-in to moving around the building
reference：https://www.yukoyuko.net/0630
Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan has taken measures to ensure a stress-free check-in experience for wheelchair users.
- Ramped Entrance
A ramp is installed at the entrance, allowing for smooth entry without having to worry about steps. - Considerations at the Front Desk
The front desk counter has been carefully designed to be at the right height to make check-in easier for wheelchair users. Staff are also available to assist with the check-in process as needed, so you can rest assured. - Elevator
The hotel is equipped with an elevator, allowing for easy access to guest rooms and the hot spring facilities.
These features minimize the stress of navigating the hotel.
3.2 Barrier-free hot springs and guest rooms
reference：https://www.yukoyuko.net/0630/plan/2010/2002
Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan is committed to allowing everyone to enjoy our hot springs, and is fully equipped with barrier-free facilities.
-Safe Private Bath Design
Handrails have been installed in the private baths to make them accessible for wheelchair users. Chairs designed for easy transfers are also provided, allowing families to bathe together in peace.
-Comfortable Guest Room Design
Barrier-free guest rooms provide ample space for smooth wheelchair movement. Handrails are installed at toilets and sinks, and are adjusted to a comfortable height.
-Dining Options
Table seating is provided in the dining area, eliminating the need for guests to climb onto tatami mats. Allergy and dietary requirements can also be accommodated, so please inquire in advance for a more comfortable dining experience.
In this way, wheelchair users are taken into consideration in all aspects of the facility, from the hot springs to the guest rooms and dining.
3.3 Advance reservations and consultations make your experience even more comfortable
reference：https://x.gd/e1DlF
鈴At Tofuya Ryokan, you can make your stay even more comfortable by making an advance reservation. For example, they can accommodate requests such as the following:
Adjusting the use of the private bath
If you would like to bathe in a wheelchair, they will adjust the time to accommodate you smoothly.
Optimal room layout
You can also discuss reserving a room close to the elevator or one with barrier-free facilities.
Mobility support
If you need any assistance during your stay, please speak to staff, who will accommodate to the extent possible.
These considerations ensure a safe and secure stay for not only wheelchair users, but also elderly people and those requiring assistance.
4. Conclusion: To ensure a safe stay at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan
reference：https://tofuya.jp/blog/senior/5801/
Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan aims to be an inn where everyone can enjoy hot springs, and is committed to providing thorough barrier-free access. The inn’s interior design, as well as its private baths and dining areas, have all been designed to make wheelchair users’ stays comfortable.
Furthermore, by consulting with the inn in advance, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable stay. Even those who had given up on a hot spring trip can enjoy a safe and enjoyable stay at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan, so be sure to choose it as your destination for Onogawa Onsen.
▶ Reservations and details here：登府屋旅館 公式サイト
Enjoy the ultimate hot spring trip at Suzu no Yado Tofuya Ryokan, where you can feel safe and comfortable!