Komagatake Onsen

The staff were friendly and went out of their way to explain things in English. They also run a bus to another well-known onsen area nearby, with a milky blue mixed bath, though I personally preferred the onsen at Komagatake. The on-site baths are split by gender, each side with indoor and outdoor baths. The ladies' side had a small wooden shelter, while the men's outdoor bath was too cold during our rainy stay. The water temperature otherwise was perfect. Our spacious, comfortable room faced a little stream, whose sound was lovely with the window open. Dinner impressed us, while breakfast was okay. The ryokan is tucked into a forested area near Lake Tazawa. Pickups and drop-offs are available to the nearest train station.

The facilities were clean and the food was great. The two private open-air baths look out onto woods and a beautiful stream, and the water is clear, naturally hot spring water with a sulfur, oil, and wood smell. It contains a lot of ions. They also provide a shuttle to Tsurunoyu at 20:00. One of the best hotels I've visited, with spacious rooms.

I loved watching the snow fall from the outdoor bath, making little snow animals as I sat there. The bubbling stream and forest around it were stunning. This onsen hotel is gorgeous, tucked a little off the beaten path, and close to Tazawako Ski resort. It stays open late. Entry was cheap at ¥500, and buying a ticket from the machine was quick and easy. A great experience.

The food and onsen were both excellent, and there's a pickup bus to “Tsuru no yu” onsen. This was my favorite Onsen so far. It was the perfect Japanese hot spring “Onsen Ryokan”. Everybody should come here.