Yumoto Hotel

The owner and his daughter were very sweet, and he spoke enough English for us to have a conversation. The onsen is open through the night, and I liked being able to move between its warm and lukewarm baths and stay in the water for a while. Half the walls are mountain rock, so the bathing room feels a bit like a cave. My skin felt really soft afterward. They lend you a yukata to wear to the bath. I slept well. The room was clean and warm, the quilt was cozy, and curtains kept the morning light out. It had its own toilet and sink. The hotel is old-style Japanese, with tatami and futon, which I love. It's old, but in good shape, and felt like good value to me. I was traveling in the area and found the hotel while looking at reviews for onsen. They said its water was among the best in Japan. If you're driving, there are only three spaces in front, but there are other parking spots nearby. There isn't a restaurant close by, so bring something to eat. There's a kettle in the room for tea and a microwave in the common area. The river runs right beside the hotel, so light sleepers might want earplugs.

I handled everything in Japanese, so I can't say whether the staff speak English. They were friendly and helpful, though. The building is over a hundred years old, but the rooms are in good condition. It's a typical Japanese inn with a pleasant little hot spring and a classic charm. I found it easy to relax there for a night. It's definitely not a new building.

The staff apologized for the hotel's Showa-era feel, but I found it relaxing and enjoyed it. The hot spring itself was wonderful. Moving between the low-temperature spring water and the hot bath gradually warmed me through, and I could feel the water soaking into my body.

The hot water was great, the manager's service was good, and the Chinese food served in the room tasted really nice. It costs more than at local Chinese restaurants, but honestly, I liked it better than the Chinese restaurant at the local hotel, so the price felt okay to me. You have to be okay with some old-fashioned shabbiness. Women may want to bring a larger mirror for doing makeup.