Should we book a Hakone inn before checking whether everyone can use its baths?
Travel“You'll be fine if you cover it,” Eva says, looking at the long tattoo on Jordan's arm. He holds a notebook against it. “With what, a duvet?”
Four friends are choosing an inn for one night in Hakone. The baths are the reason for the detour. The room description lists communal bathing, but the friends have not found a tattoo policy. A private-bath option appears on another page without clear availability or price.
Jordan would love the visit. He does not want to pay for a bathing trip and then spend its main activity in the room, or arrive expecting staff to make an exception. Eva thinks contacting the inn will make a small question into a big one. Nothing has been booked.
What should the group settle before paying? Jordan is willing to discuss a suitable alternative, but would rather do it now than become the person everybody waits for at the bath entrance.