Saigiku

I usually come with a multi-ride ticket. This place is popular with regulars and clearly loved locally. The main bath is joined by a small outdoor bath. The Iwaki Yumoto Onsen Ryokan Association describes the water as a high-temperature sulfur spring, hypotonic and weakly alkaline, with sulfur, sodium, and chloride. It says the sulfur has a detoxifying effect, while chloride can help with cuts and burns. That matches the "Medicinal Baths and Springs Inn" sign at the entrance. There aren’t many lockers in the changing area. If they’re all taken, you can leave your car keys at reception, but valuables need to stay in your car.

The spring water was lovely, and it flows freely into one indoor bath. There’s also an outdoor bath about the size of three tatami mats. But the facilities were disappointing: only around ten lockers, and about four had broken locks. Finding the place was tricky. I went down a winding alley and had to look around, though the shop entrance itself was clean. The changing room is tiny and humid. There’s air conditioning, but it wasn’t running because of the season, just a wall fan. I worried I’d be too sweaty to get changed after bathing, and that’s how it turned out. There was a hair dryer, but I got dressed without using it. With four people in that cramped room, it got even hotter.

Dinner was so plentiful that I couldn’t finish it, and I had an enjoyable stay during my Hawaiians trip. Still, the old-fashioned smell inside, plus wallpaper that was peeling and cracked, bothered me. The room itself caused no problems. The public bath and changing area are small, so it’s hard to bathe comfortably unless you go when it’s quiet. Noise was another issue. I could hear people talking loudly and walking along the hallway all the way from my room, which was next to the smoking area. It felt uncomfortable. There are some things you have to overlook, but I still think it’s a good inn and would recommend it.

The reception man was very courteous, which made a nice first impression. For a day trip, I found the bath water pleasant: slightly cloudy but clear, with a mild sulfur smell and a comfortable temperature. I especially liked the outdoor bath. There are free key lockers, so it feels safe to bring valuables, and cold water and barley tea are offered at no charge after bathing.