Sanazawa-no-Mori

We live nearby and visit the baths several times a week. Even if you’re new to onsen, you can tell this “beauty water” has a lot of minerals. I also recently rented the whole first floor for a leadership retreat with a client from Tokyo. The service was great, and the client loved the location.

I’ve tried my share of hot springs around Japan, though I’m no expert, and the water here feels like a different class from an ordinary onsen. You can feel the minerals taking effect during and after a soak. The outdoor bath has a beautiful view in every season, and both the cafe and rest area are stylishly designed. If you’re looking for a hot spring in Minakami, this is the first one I’d recommend.

Lovely onsen visit, with an incredible view from the bath and tasty apple juice.

The open-air bath looks out over the mountains and rice fields, and the water temperature was pleasant enough to stay in for a long time while enjoying the view. I’ve been to lots of onsens in Japan, and this one has character. I’m not sure why it’s called “beauty onsen.” After soaking, I enjoyed tea at the cafe and a really tasty apple pie. This was the closest day onsen I could find near Jomo Koen since I can’t drive. It cost 1300 yen to get there and 1800 yen for the return trip. Highly recommended if you’re at Jomo Koen station.