Nakashima Ryokan

The hot spring is a little hot, so it warms me up quickly even in the cold winter. The wooden building is famous, and I like that it isn’t very big. It feels comfortable that way.

The service felt pleasant, with a comfortable amount of space and attention. The bath is down in the basement, which makes for another distinctive little setting. The inn sits far back in the Hanamaki Onsenkyo resort area, so I did feel a bit concerned about bears because of how secluded it is. Inside, there’s a calming Showa-era atmosphere with a Ghibli-like feel. It’s hard to explain unless you visit (lol).

Meals were served either in my room or in a separate dining room during my visit, and I liked being able to eat slowly and peacefully. The inn is a beautiful wooden building made by a master carpenter, tucked into a very quiet spot at the back of the hot spring town. The spring water is clear and colorless, with almost no smell, and there are two indoor baths fed by continuously flowing hot spring water. Some facilities are old and the bathrooms are shared, but I had no issues. The hospitality was warm.

The food was carefully prepared, and every dish tasted great. I’ve been to plenty of hot springs, but the rock bath here is unlike any other, tucked underground. The inn is 100 years old, and that history is part of its appeal. I was here on a business trip and was impressed throughout. The exterior has a lot of charm, and the atmosphere inside is just as good. Service felt homey, and the staff were easy to talk to. Even the other guests I met at the baths were warm and welcoming, so the stay left me with fond memories. This is an inn I’d like to return to.