Matsurube Onsen Kamikura

The trip from Ichinoseki Station took about 35 minutes, with pickup and drop-off provided. The map had made it look far away, but I enjoyed the scenery and arrived before I knew it. It was peaceful, almost like stepping into another world, and I came away feeling refreshed in both mind and body. I'd love to go back. I came hoping for a relaxing vacation, and the friendly, attentive staff helped me unwind. The Japanese-French food made with local ingredients was delicious. French cuisine at a hot spring felt like an unexpected combination, but it was special without being too formal. My skin still felt smooth the next day, so I'm sure the hot spring has a great skin-beautifying effect.

We came to celebrate my birthday at this hidden inn, which you won't find on travel sites. They offer lunch and day-trip bathing as well as overnight stays. There are only seven rooms, each with its own style, and the inn is deep in the mountains. It's a good idea to buy alcohol and snacks in central Ichinoseki before heading there. We were welcomed with seasonal stollen and baked goods, five herbal teas, two iced drinks, and coffee. After checking in, we picked our kimonos and went to the room. The spring water has a high mineral content, with sulfuric acid causing deposits to float. Its dissolved carbonated components also promote blood flow, and the water is said to have skin-beautifying effects. The amenities felt high quality too, including DHC skincare products and a Dyson hair dryer. Dinner was a seven-course Japanese-French meal, served one dish at a time. The sauces used Japanese seasonings such as Sendai miso and soy sauce. The roast duck was especially tender and juicy, with the sauce and garnish working beautifully together. The desserts were exquisite. Rates start at 30,000 yen per night. Guests can also get lunch the next day for 1,200 yen. At lunchtime, the welcome service from the day before, with drinks and light snacks, is available until 3:00 p.m., so we had a full stay even after checkout.

The locally sourced Japanese-French food was especially delicious. This inn pays close attention to everything, from the service and dishes to the tableware. I'd like to come back.

We did the day-trip lunch course and had such a relaxing, luxurious time. Every dish was delicious, and the hot spring was so pleasant that it hardly felt like a day trip. The room was lovely too. Honestly, I wanted to stay there forever, haha. The whole place felt calm and comfortable. We're grateful they were so kind about our requests. The manager and staff especially impressed us with their thoughtfulness and service. My friend who came with me was really happy, and it turned into an unforgettable day. We'd definitely like to visit again, and next time we'd love to stay overnight too.