Shinhana no Chaya

The host couple were so friendly, and the meals were generous and tasty. I also liked the fast Wi-Fi, clean rooms, and easy-to-use sinks. The baths in the natural setting have a special feel to them, and the hair dryer is quite powerful. You can borrow umbrellas and bicycles too.

The service was polite, and the turbo hair dryer was a nice touch. If the guest schedule allows, they set aside the large public bath for your family for 30 minutes. There are restaurants and a big supermarket within a 10-minute radius, so staying without meals works fine. I'd like to come back if I get the chance.

The landlady's warm smile put us at ease with our little kids, and the couple running the place were so kind. We loved the food, and being able to use the bath privately as a family was wonderful. Thank you so much!

Breakfast was hearty and satisfying: thick, fatty salmon with miso, plus natto and chopped pickled radish. I ended up having a second bowl of rice. At dinner, the portions were generous and the dishes went well with drinks. The Kyoto-style grilled sawara mackerel was delicious, and there were seasonal items like tarana sprouts and butterbur tempura. I would have liked soup at the end, though. The landlady was very friendly, and it was nice to chat with her and watch her work so efficiently. I came after hiking and was unsure about the old building, but it was well cleaned. The room had a relaxed retro feel, with a nostalgic telephone and a wide veranda. Plum blossoms were out in the garden, which was beautifully kept, and a white heron even came by. The bath is large and jungle-like, and you can reserve it by the hour. They fill the baths first, so check in early if you have a particular time in mind. Your bath slot is 40 minutes, which can feel rushed. The only toiletries are rinse-in shampoo and body soap, so bring your own if you need more. I'll be back in Gunma for another hike and would definitely stay here again.