Shimosuwa Onsen Tekkousen Honkan

The proprietress and her daughter made this stay special. Since I had no driver's license, I used the inn as a one-night base for visiting Suwa's four shrines. I was there over a three-day weekend, so they didn't serve dinner to solo guests, but the proprietress kindly pointed me toward restaurants in Shimosuwa. I got to chat with her daughter over breakfast, and at checkout she gave me a firm handshake. Even in the cold, she kept waving outside until I was out of sight. I've visited many hot spring inns through my Onsen Musume activities this year, and I've never had hospitality like that. We didn't spend long together, but I really fell for the place. I picked it for the natural, continuously flowing hot spring and the old building, founded in 1904 (Meiji 37). I love historic buildings, so it was an easy choice. The building is old, but clean and comfortable. I also got to try a kotatsu for the first time, something I don't have at home, and that became a nice memory. There were only two male guests during my stay, myself included, so I had the bath almost to myself. The water is genuine spring water, with no added water, heating, circulation, or disinfection. The source is about 50℃, and they seem to adjust the temperature by opening a window. In the colder season it felt pleasantly warm and warmed me through. I'd like to stay here again when I come to Suwa. Next time I definitely want to try the famous horse sashimi.