Ryokan Mount Bandai

The water is clear with a slight dark tint, and has a faint oil and iron smell. There are four indoor baths and one outdoors, including a very large main tub. You can use both indoor and open-air baths without changing clothes, and there are lots of showers for washing. The place is old but cared for, and I didn't spot dust or hair. The group that protects inns with natural hot springs guarantees the water is 100% natural, with no circulation or heating. Other reviewers say they clean the bath Saturday mornings, so Saturday afternoon may be a good time to visit. My only real gripe was the smoking spot by the shoe lockers. You have to switch into slippers there, and nonsmokers have to pass through. I wish they'd move it somewhere out of the way.

The place felt pretty deserted, but the onsens were great and the food was interesting.

Such a relaxing place. I loved it!

We got a surprisingly good deal for five people at the start of the year, just 30,000 yen. The room was roomy and clean, and the food was delicious and wonderful. We were braced for a few shortcomings at that price, haha, but it was a very comfortable inn, with a souvenir shop and coffee service too. The meal was generous, and they even provided food for our child who wasn't signed up for meals. We also booked the private outdoor family bath right after checking in. They warned us that the natural water might be hot, but it was so hot none of us could get in, even for a minute. There was no water from the nearby tap and no way to call the lobby, so the whole family carried water over from the bathhouse. Quite an experience, haha, and now a memorable one. The outdoor bath by the main public bath was hot too, but still comfortable enough to enjoy while watching the snow.