Kitamura Onsen Hotel

A nice spot for an onsen bath.

Clean.

The breakfast is standard rather than buffet style. Bacon and eggs are cooked in a small pot at your table and arrive warm, while female staff bring drinks and refills. The baths and hot springs are varied, and I especially liked the open-air bath. Overnight guests can get in from 5 AM, which is a real plus, though day visitors start arriving at 6 and some come quite early. The downside is that the baths close entirely at 10 PM, apparently because so many people come for day trips. That timing is inconvenient if you're staying overnight.

The hot spring feels excellent, with strong saltiness and water piped straight from the source just behind the hotel into the bath. It's apparently 43°C, warms you through, and leaves your skin silky. You can use the indoor and open-air baths and sauna, or add a 90-minute rock sauna session for 600 yen. The facility was spotless, roomy, and comfortable. There's a quiet lounge just for women, and shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are supplied. Rentals are available, though bringing your own towel and indoor clothes is best. Surrounded by nature, the place feels calm and wasn't too crowded. It's a 12-minute drive from JR Iwamizawa Station, with a large parking lot right outside. My partner came for crucian carp fishing for the first time, while I was the only one who went to the day-use hot spring. Bathing for day visitors runs 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM and costs 650 yen for adults. We visited on a Sunday in October 2025. Next time I'd like to try the weekday lunch and bathing package.