Ryokan Uchidaya

We chose this inn because there’s an elevator in the building. After unloading our bags out front, we parked nearby. It was nearly 4 p.m. and the shops and temples were closing, but we walked around anyway. The hot spring town has a lovely feel. The roads are narrow but wide enough for cars to pass. Mostly you hear the river and insects, with some construction noise too. Around 5 p.m. the temple bell rang. The bath area is on the second floor, with one indoor bath and one outdoor bath. Neither is very large, but there are few rooms, so it was easy to enjoy a quiet soak. The indoor water was a bit hot, though stirring it made it comfortable. It’s a free-flowing spring, so that’s understandable. The bath is shallow, and I had to lie at an angle to get in. The chloride water tasted salty, but soaking was still pleasant. The outdoor bath seemed to be heated because of the cold air. I got quite hot and sweaty, then cooled down and felt refreshed. Dinner was centered on matsutake rice and dobimushi, with grilled fish and salt-grilled ayu with roe. Each dish let the ingredients’ natural flavors come through. I’d never really tried matsutake before, so I can’t judge it, but it tasted good. I was completely full after the persimmon dessert. I slept well, and breakfast brought plenty of tasty mountain produce. The boiled pumpkin was especially flavorful. The building, baths, and rooms are old, and nearby places close early. There are no convenience stores, which makes the area inconvenient. The food also leans heavily on mountain produce. Still, it’s peaceful, with the river and insects to listen to, and the older staff were kind and showed us where to park. If a quiet getaway matters more to you than convenience, I’d recommend this inn.

The meals were very tasty, and I had a relaxing soak in the large public bath, which also has an open-air section. Thanks for looking after me during my sightseeing trip around the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture.

The inn was easy for seniors to get around, with an elevator and both the rooms and hot spring on the second floor. It’s also well placed for exploring the area. The spring water is quite salty, and the open-air bath is warm enough to soak in for a while. Shower pressure felt comfortable. Some renovated and untouched areas differ, and parts of the layout and fixtures feel a little rough, but that was fine for a short stay. The landlady and staff were friendly and helpful, so I’d definitely return. I found this place while looking for a nearby drive destination where we could enjoy a hot spring, scenery, and matsutake for my father’s 90th birthday. By the front hearth, two goldfish greeted us, one apparently a mix of carp and goldfish, along with a large Ryukin goldfish. They’re said to be raised in water from the nearby Oshimizu spring. The matsutake rice and earthenware pot dish were just what I’d hoped for. The grilled sweetfish with roe was even better than expected, crunchy outside and soft inside. I tried kozuyu for the first time, and the rich shiitake and dried scallop broth was delicious. Cherry blossom meat sashimi was unusual, and there were so many wild vegetables and other treats that I couldn’t finish everything. I relaxed by the window, looking at the red bridge over the river as the temple bell rang gently at 5 p.m. A short, gentle musical announcement comes from outside at 6 a.m., so you can take an early bath or go back to sleep.

I brought my dog along, and it was great to have a room where a well-trained dog could move around freely. There are only two pet-friendly rooms, and you need to bring your own pet supplies. The food was filling and satisfying, with local dishes. There’s also a source-fed hot spring and an open-air bath, so it’s a nice option for people who enjoy hot springs.