Shinmeikan

This is only a review of the onsen pass. I found the outdoor bath more relaxing, though the cave onsen was a memorable experience too. The riverside setting is lovely, and hearing the water makes it feel especially peaceful. One thing to know: there are no showers, and men may have to walk nude between the baths where people on the street can see them.

For a day visit, I wouldn’t expect much here. The cave is small and didn’t feel special, and there are basically no facilities or amenities. Even the bathroom is inside the hotel and awkward to reach. I’d skip it or keep expectations low. Other, larger baths in the area also have little caves, even if they don’t make a big deal of them.

I enjoyed the visit overall, and the front desk man was kind. The cave bath was interesting, though the facilities weren’t anything special, especially the shower situation. It can get crowded because this onsen is so well known. Still, to me this is THE onsen and THE ryokan of Kurokawa, even though I only came for onsen hopping.

I came just to use the onsen, and the cave setting is really unique. I couldn’t find anywhere to wash with soap beforehand, even after looking carefully. There were only buckets for scooping up onsen water to rinse off. I’d prefer if everyone could wash with soap before getting in.