Kagamigaike Hekizantei

The bath left us feeling refreshed, and the staff made our big group feel welcome throughout the stay. I went to Kagamigaike Hekizantei in Dake Onsen with my best friend's family, and dinner was a real highlight. The creative Japanese meal was made with fresh local ingredients, with each dish carefully prepared and lovely to look at. Everyone enjoyed it, and sharing the meal and a relaxed conversation became a happy memory for us. I’d recommend the inn if you’re after good food and hot springs. I’d love to come back with my family.

The water from Mt. Adatara makes a long journey to Dake Onsen. It starts out acidic, then is said to mellow along the way and take on a gentler character. On certain days, the water turns cloudy during the Monday "Yuhana Nagashi" custom. When you’re in the tub, thin hot spring flowers drift around with white particles, almost as if the water is moving on its own. It’s not very hot, so you can soak for a long time. The effect feels quiet and subtle, but strong. I think I’ve stayed at this inn twice, though my notes and memories are both hazy. That seems less like a problem than a sign that people could relax and spend their time there without anything going wrong. The hospitality felt about right for the price. You can just enjoy the hot water and mountain air without feeling you have to be on your guard. Take no Yuzato doesn’t compete on extravagance. It quietly welcomes the hot springs flowing down from the mountains. People travel far for famous baths, but sometimes a place like this is where you find unexpected peace. All things are impermanent, but hot water from Mount Adatara is still filling the Take no Yu tub today.

For around 7,400 yen, I got a one-night weekday stay in January with free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle from the station. The local bus would have cost 500 yen one way. I was traveling alone and booked without meals, mainly because the price was good. It was my second time in Dake Onsen, and I already knew the spring quality from an earlier visit. The building and my twin-bed room were both spacious and clean. They’d left tea and sweets in the room, and the public bath was conveniently close, just down the elevator. The cigarette smell in the hallway bothered me. Also, since there were no meals included, having a microwave on every floor would’ve been handy. As it was, I had to go to the first-floor lobby to use one.

I was looking forward to trying Dake Onsen’s rare acidic water, and it lived up to what I’d heard. The spring has a pH of about 2.5 and strong antibacterial properties. It’s said to be good for skincare because its acidity dissolves dead skin cells and helps moisturize, though people with sensitive skin should be careful. The source is about 1,500 meters up Mount Adatara, and the water travels through an roughly 8 km conduit, where it gets kneaded into a softer, gentler-feeling water. I bathed five times. It wasn’t a milky day, so the water stayed clear, but I was very satisfied. The building is roomy and calm, with a slow, relaxing feel. It’s a little dated, but well maintained, and I had no complaints. Dinner was a half-buffet with all-you-can-drink included, alcohol too, which I enjoyed. It was a great value stay overall. If high-quality food is what you’re after, though, I’d choose a more reasonably priced inn. I’d come back if I get the chance.