A beautifully located onsen in the middle of nowhere. To access the separate bath (外風呂) you need to cross a beautiful river over a small bridge, the bath here is great - Top class. The staff are super warm and helpful.
Only "downside" is that the food is not served directly in the room but in a canteen.
The access is not hard, 30 minutes drive from the highway exit on a new national road. Clean building and baths. Simple hot spring, slightly salty, no sliminess. Indoor bath was a bit crowded. The large one over the bridge is unique, huge deep bath tab.
Favorite place to relax, recommended to everyone
I visited in mid-July and thought it was a wonderful hot spring inn!
The inn has a women's-only indoor bath and an open-air bath, both at just the right temperature for a relaxing soak.
After climbing a long staircase and crossing a bridge, you'll find the mixed-gender bath "Oiwa-no-Yu" and the women's-only bath "Sakura-no-Yu."
These stairs have quite a few steps, and the bridge over the river is rather wild, so it might be a bit difficult for the elderly. Also, it would require some patience during the cold winter months.
However, walking across this bridge to the other side is the real charm, and it evokes a sense of joy at having arrived at a secluded hot spring.
"Oiwa-no-Yu" is a mixed-gender bath, but there are also women-only hours, so it's safe. This hot spring has a long history, with its opening 600 years ago and the bath itself built 150 years ago, giving it a dignified appearance befitting a sacred spring.
The soft light of the lamps reflects on the surface of the water, and large rocks and stones are visible at the bottom. This hot spring produces 100 liters of water per minute, and apparently, not only does the water flow from the rocks, but there's also water bubbling up from the ground. The temperature was just right for me, as I don't like extremely hot water.
The sight of the hot spring water flowing from the rocks, the greenery outside the window, the sound of the flowing river, the neatly arranged bathtubs—everything was wonderful.
The room was also neatly arranged, and the futon was very comfortable. Flowers were arranged throughout the inn, showing thoughtful attention to detail.
The food was delicious, and all the staff were very friendly.
I would love to come back again in a different season!
I learned about this hot spring resort from a TV program about secluded hot springs and decided to visit.
The large rock bath, which was my main objective, was simply wonderful. The wooden bathhouse was also lovely.
The sound of the water cascading into the large bath, the gentle rain of the rainy season hitting the bathhouse, the croaking of frogs, the fresh greenery, and the plaster bathhouse – it was a truly luxurious space.
The water temperature was around 40℃, making it possible to soak for a long time. It's a simple hot spring that's gentle on everyone, allowing for complete relaxation.
The meals also made use of local ingredients, and the sashimi and the pot-au-feu at breakfast were particularly delicious. The seasoning was refined, but I felt it could have been a little stronger in flavor.
The cleanliness of the inn was also superb.
The proprietress's thoughtfulness was wonderful, and the staff were also very polite and well-mannered. I think it's a wonderful inn.
I will definitely visit again. Thank you very much.
