Ryokan Hinode Onsen

The landlady was so friendly and even gave me tips about souvenir shops. The food was high quality for an inn in this price range, and if you eat a lot, you'll definitely want seconds, lol. It made for a very satisfying hot spring trip, and I hope I get to see the cats next time. The building has a historic feel but is clean and comfortable. The bath suits people who like lukewarm water, though the hot water is really hot. A short soak at the end left me feeling refreshed.

It's honestly hard to get a reservation, and part of me doesn't want to tell anyone about this place. The inn's own spring has wonderfully warm water, and the friendly, adorable landlady and cats are soothing too. The food is delicious. Such a great inn.

The spring water was so easy to soak in for hours that the bath seemed to become part of my body. Maybe it was the similar water composition, or maybe just the temperature. Guests can bathe whenever they want and stay as long as they like. There are two showers and four faucets, and a heated spring bath from Isawa Onsen right next door if you want to warm up. The inn is within walking distance of Isawa Onsen, but sits in a quiet residential area away from the main hot spring town. The facilities are a little dated, yet meticulously clean, and the lovely proprietress and delicious food made the stay very relaxing. Dinner came with slightly too many dishes. It's easy to reach from Tokyo, so I'll definitely visit again.

Switching back and forth between the lukewarm spring and the heated one felt so good, I wanted to stay in the water forever. I'd never wanted to spend that long in a hot spring before. The lovely proprietress even greeted me with a smile while she was busy getting dinner ready for the evening guests. Thank you! I'd like to stay overnight next time.