Iseya

The outdoor bath is beautiful, and the path leading to it comes with a view of the parking lot. The rooms are the usual tatami setup, with a small sitting spot by the window. This is an old-fashioned place with plenty of character, though it’s a bit worn. The people running it are friendly and accommodating. A nice, simple place to spend the night.

I came for the day. The facilities are old but clean, and the bathtub is spacious. There are separate indoor baths for men and women, plus an open-air bath that either can use depending on the time. The outdoor water smelled more of sulfate and felt hotter than the indoor bath.

There are three different hot spring baths available at night, and the parking lot is quite spacious, likely because day-use bathing is offered. The building has a retro look, but that adds to its charm. Open the window and there’s lush greenery and the sound of a river flowing by. The staff are very polite and attentive. They don’t serve dinner, so it’s a good idea to eat in the hot spring town first.

The retro building and atmosphere were enjoyable, and the changing room and bath itself were well maintained. I came for a day soak and, although the price was reasonable enough that I hadn’t expected much, I was pleasantly surprised. The indoor bath has a washing area, but the water was so hot that it took me a while to get in. The outdoor bath has no washing area, so you have to get dressed after the indoor bath and walk down the hallway to reach it. That seemed like a hassle and I worried it would be cold, but the outdoor bath turned out to be spacious, atmospheric, and warmer than the indoor one, so I could soak for a long time. I was so satisfied that I’d come back to Iizaka Onsen just for this bath. The bath in the annex (?) was closed that day, which was a shame, but I’d like to return and try the other hot springs.