Minshuku Ikemori

The owner is very friendly, and the place feels cozy. The hot spring water and food were both really good. I had the best sashimi I've ever tasted in Toyama.

I booked because I wanted to try the open-air bath. The road in is narrow and the place can be hard to find, though there’s a big parking lot. The building is old but renovated and cared for, with a pleasant feel. The communal bath has one indoor pool and one spacious, covered outdoor one. The shower area is new and easy to use. Soaking in the spring while watching the snow was wonderful, and my skin felt smooth afterward. Dinner was tasty and served in the banquet hall. The portions in our plan were just right for women, but might be a little light for men. I was glad they served coffee at the hotel, and it tasted good. Breakfast, on the other hand, felt a bit skimpy, and I would've liked more. It was inconvenient not having a toilet or sink in the room. I thought I'd booked a room with them on the reservation site, but there weren't any. The landlady and staff were all lovely, so I was generally satisfied with the inn.

I came for a day visit, curious because mountain hot springs are unusual in Himi, where many are along the coast. As I got closer, I realized this was a guesthouse that also allows day bathing, and I wasn't expecting much. A kind-looking older woman greeted me, while what seemed to be her grandchildren made a racket just before Obon. It felt like a casual, down-to-earth guesthouse. Then I crossed the hallway into the bath area and was surprised: a roomy tub, a rather impressive outdoor bath, and a proper barrel sauna. They apparently start serving lunch at 11:30, too. What is this guesthouse? I mean that in the best way. Local older men came in one at a time, and told me I could use the barrel sauna since it was open. Their friendly welcome was a refreshing change. I later checked at the front desk and learned reservations are usually required, but the sauna is open Friday through Sunday evenings from June to August. The spring water was lovely, and the visit gave me a one-of-a-kind experience and a real sense of the locals' warmth. I'd like to come back for a daytime bath. Thanks to everyone, I had a great holiday.

Tucked away in the Himi mountains, this is a quiet inn with amazing spring water. It's outside a hot spring town, but a place this good feels like a hidden guesthouse I'd almost rather keep to myself.