Takamiya Hotel Bonari No Mori

The outdoor pool by the river wasn't hot enough, which spoiled that part of the stay. I also found the centralized air conditioning stuffy even at its lowest setting of 18.5. Late at night and until morning, most of the lobby lights were kept off while reception was staffed. The location is quiet, the room was well maintained, and dinner was okay. For the price I paid, it was good value.

The indoor bath was hot, spacious, and clean, while the outdoor one was lukewarm. Both baths connect after the changing room. The water is natural hot spring water from numajiri hot spring, used without circulation. It was slightly cloudy green and sour, with only a mild hydrogen sulfide smell. I visited for the day and found the facilities clean.

My room was warm and really nice, with a Western-style bed even though it was a washitsu, and the onsen was great. I'd been unsure about this place after reading the Booking reviews, but it turned out much better than I'd expected. Sadly, I crashed my car that day and couldn't stay for the full two days I'd booked.

The day-trip onsen costs 800 yen. Both onsens are good, though one is clearly much better, as some of the pictures show. They alternate between genders, so call first to check which one will be available to you.