Originally Posted by
zander86
Thank you @KI-NRT for the information. I was planning for an April 2026 trip but with the possibly restrictive dates open each week, it might be tough to fit into the route that I have planned. Based on travel route, the only night I would be able to slot it in would be to give up staying at Tsuchiyu Bettei Sato-no-yu. Perhaps if I am unable to secure the desired room at Tsuchiyu, I might pivot to Atami-so instead.
Satonoyu's Shinpeki private bath is amazing. It can only be reserved on the day of arrival, so if you have a specific time in mind, make sure you get there a bit before check-in time (it's 2PM here), and request it immediately. You won't be left out completely, but you might be stuck with a non-optimal time if you don't put in your request as soon as possible.
Minahada is a pretty decent private onsen as well, FYI.