Yume No Yu

Convenient.

The building isn’t new, but it’s kept up well and feels comfortable. Watch your step, though, since the floor can be slippery. The bath area is on the small side, but the water quality really stands out: about 720 liters per minute flows in naturally, with no heating or added water. It’s a bit lukewarm, yet warms you right through. Lunch is reasonably priced, and coffee is free at lunchtime. Noodle dishes come with half a portion of rice, while set meals include free extra rice. Showing an AEON card brings the bathing fee down to just 500 yen. There’s a golf course next door. I can see why locals who come back to their hometown like to stop here now and then.

The large bath has very slippery edges, so take care walking around it. The water is amber and a little slimy, which seems good for the skin. The sauna is about 85°C and fits around six people.

The shared toilets were my one real letdown. They aren’t in the rooms, and getting to them was a bit of a hassle, especially in the cold season. The room and interior are showing their age, but that gives the place a nostalgic, relaxed feel. My room plan was reasonably priced, and adding abalone made the meal feel even more worthwhile. The char siu was a little salty, but portions were ample. I especially liked the chawanmushi and sashimi, and breakfast had enough sides that I could easily eat two bowls of rice. The free-flowing hot spring was the highlight for me. It’s not especially spacious, but there’s plenty to choose from: a waterfall bath, reclining bath, cypress bath, and sauna. The water has a faint iron scent and a distinctive, addictive slick feel. I enjoyed it so much I went in three times during my stay. I’d recommend this inn to anyone who loves hot springs.