Striving to offer comfortable accommodations accessible to all

Okutama no Kaze Hatonosuso

Shinji Oshima, Manager

Located about two hours from central Tokyo on the JR Ome Line, Okutama no Kaze Hatonosuso is nestled amidst the rich natural beauty of Okutama, surrounded by mountains, gorges, and lakes. Pass through the entrance and out onto the veranda, and you’ll be greeted with a scenic view of the Hatonosu Gorge along the Tamagama River.

The hotel has two accessible guest rooms as well as an accessible restroom in the common space. The facility also accommodates requests for allergen-free meals and finely chopped food that is easy to swallow, making it comfortable and accessible for people with disabilities. Manager Shinji Oshima spoke about the hotel’s efforts for accessible tourism aimed at ensuring everyone can stay comfortably.

Making the hotel accessible as part of full-scale renovations

Spacious 57 m² accessible guest room

Bathroom with sliding door that is easily opened and closed

The hotel first opened in 1960 under the name “Kokumin Shukusha Hatonosuso.” In 2015, after a full-scale renovation, the hotel reopened under its current name “Okutama no Kaze Hatonosuso.” It is owned by Okutama Town and operated by the third-sector company Okutama General Development.

Although there is only one wheelchair-accessible parking space, it is close to the hotel entrance, allowing access with little exposure to rain. At check-in, wheelchair users are assisted at a lower desk, making it easier to sign the registration card. Access to the guest rooms is entirely barrier-free, and corridors are laid with firm carpet to make wheelchair movement smoother. The shared space on the first floor has an accessible restroom.

There are two accessible guest rooms out of the total of 27 rooms. These rooms have wide entrances measuring 90 cm, with sliding doors that are easy to open for elderly guests and those with disabilities. The 57 m² room features spacious, flat flooring that allows smooth movements and turns for wheelchair users. The provided bedside ottoman has been appreciated by guests for allowing easier transfer from a wheelchair to the bed.

The bath and toilet are separated, with sliding doors that are easy to open and close. Handrails are installed in the toilet, and ostomate facilities are also available. The bathroom has non-slip flooring, and the hand-held showerhead is adjustable in height. The hotel offers two types of shower chairs, with and without backrests. When needed, a bath board with handrails is set across the bathtub, making it possible to get in without stepping over the side.

Registered since April 2025 under the Tokyo Project of Relaxation Homes for People with Disabilities

As a result of its efforts to create lodging facilities where everyone can enjoy a comfortable stay, Okutama no Kaze Hatonosuso was registered as a Tokyo Relaxation Home for People with Disabilities in April 2025. Under this system, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government designates facilities where people with disabilities can relax with family and friends, and subsidizes part of their accommodation fees. Since registration, the hotel has welcomed many different guests of all ages.

Italian Dinners that Celebrate the Joy of Eating

Italian dinners that whet the appetite

The hotel takes great care so that guests can enjoy not only the natural surroundings and hot springs, but also the meals. With seasonal ingredients and local specialties such as Okutama salmon and Okutama wasabi, the hotel crafts Italian dishes that look as wonderful as they tastes. Requests for allergen-free meals, finely chopped food, and specially-cut items are accommodated as much as possible.

The restaurant has a flat layout with seating spaces easily accessible to wheelchair users, whose requests are carefully accommodated.

Aiming to be a hotel that preserves the natural beauty of Okutama and makes guests want to return

View of Hatonosu Gorge in Okutama

Okutama is blessed with abundant nature, but also has many steps and rugged paths, which make the environment difficult for the elderly and people with disabilities. The fresh greenery and autumn leaves of the Hatonosu Gorge offer magnificent views, but there are limitations for wheelchair users exploring the area.

Even so, we hope that many people with disabilities and their families, as well as elderly guests, can relax and fully enjoy the hot springs, meals, and scenery while taking in the natural surroundings. To make this possible, it is essential to provide warm hospitality that makes guests feel glad they came.

Many of our staff are local seniors or live with elderly family members, which allows them to naturally provide considerate service. We listen attentively to the needs of elderly guests and those with disabilities as we strive to offer sincere hospitality. By listening to guest feedback, the quality of our service continues to improve day by day.

One wheelchair user shared, “The smiles of the staff impressed me as I entered the hotel. I was happy that during check-in, the staff spoke directly to me rather than to my companion.” Above all, guests value our staff’s approach, which is especially attentive toward guests who may require additional considerations.

Many older guests who once enjoyed climbing and hiking in Okutama tell us, “It feels nostalgic. I want to enjoy Okutama once more.” While preserving the beauty of the natural environment, our goal is to create a place where everyone can comfortably enjoy their stay and want to return again.