Gentaroya

Best place to stay, with good food and service.

The location is convenient, near the town center and bus terminal, and the free-flowing natural hot spring was wonderful. I stayed alone for two weekend nights, which I was grateful they allowed. It cost about ¥13,000 a night with two meals. The bath water had floating black mineral deposits and a faint sulfur smell. It was clear right after the middle-of-the-night cleaning, then gradually turned cloudy white. The temperature felt just right, with no need to add cold water. The shower pressure was a little weak, though, and the men's and women's baths didn’t switch during my stay. There were plenty of dishes at meals, served hot when they were meant to be hot, and everything tasted good. Rice refills were free from a large electric cooker. I also appreciated having a toilet in my room. There weren’t any written instructions. When I asked about hot water, I was told there was a kitchen on the third floor, so self-catering seemed possible. It would have helped to have that information provided. I’d like to come back regularly.

The shared bathroom is the one downside, but otherwise it’s great. Parking is a plus too. Google Maps showed a somewhat rough road, so taking the main road might be better even if it adds a little distance. I booked for 9,610 yen for Thursday/Friday, February 19th, and got a lift discount as well.

The inn has a natural hot spring and is just off Oyu Street, close to the morning market, soba places and izakayas. There’s also a shared kitchen on the third floor with a fridge and microwave, though it doesn’t seem to get much use. Added November 1, 2005: I usually have dinner at restaurants around Nozawa Onsen, but this time I ate at the inn and really enjoyed the delicious local food.