Geto Onsen Kanko Hotel

This hot spring is located at the end of a mountain road that could be considered a hidden hot spring in Iwate. It goes deeper into the mountains than Geto Plateau. With winding curves and narrow roads that make it difficult to pass other vehicles, driving can be challenging depending on the season. This hot spring is closed during the winter, but it's only open for a limited time. Because it's in the mountains, it's recommended to visit during the autumn foliage season, but in summer, you'll encounter horseflies and wasps, and in autumn, stink bugs. It seems that insects appear depending on the season, so those who are sensitive to insects should avoid it. The sloping path along the stream to the open-air bath and the stairs to the rooms may be difficult for elderly people with walking problems. The rooms generally do not have toilets or baths, but there are a few rooms on the third floor with bathrooms and toilets. Be careful, there are no elevators and you have to use the stairs. The thrill of adventuring down the slope of the stream in search of the reservation-only open-air bath "Shintaro no Yu" (Shintaro's Bath) and the only barrier to changing clothes is the open feeling of nature and the soothing bath while listening to the babbling of the stream were wonderful. The smooth, high-quality spring water. The dinner was a set meal rich in mountain delicacies and homemade plum wine. There were also a variety of local alcoholic drinks. The amount of food was just right. It seems they also have a hot spring therapy section...it's not for everyone, but it's a wonderful hot spring where you'll want to stay for a long time.

I heard that day-use hot springs have reopened, so I went to take a bath. The open-air bath was closed that day due to bear attacks at a nearby hot spring resort. Instead, I was given a discount voucher. The new proprietress guided me to the indoor bath. The bathtub and floor are made of wood, probably hinoki cypress, and are very tasteful, giving it a hidden hot spring feel. There are two bathtubs, each with a different source of hot spring water; on this day the front was lukewarm and the back a little hotter. This seems to be the opposite of usual. The spring quality is excellent, as expected, and the almost colorless water has a slight viscosity, leaving me feeling moisturized after my bath. Geto no Yu is really great. They're closing for the winter next month. The new owner is working hard, and I'm looking forward to them reopening for overnight stays.

This place was amazing. I visited for the first time in the fall of 2023, and the journey was fun. I headed quite a distance west from National Route 4, which runs through the center of Iwate Prefecture. There weren't any cars passing by. As I drove anxiously, wondering, "Wait, are there really hot springs up ahead...?", Lake Kinshu spread out before me! We were almost there! The story of how this hot spring was discovered is also interesting. You should definitely check it out! It has a sense of adventure, the water is great, and the price is reasonable—for me, it's the perfect inn. 100 points. According to old documents, it's apparently the Yokozuna of the East Hot Spring Rankings. It's currently temporarily closed in the summer of 2025, but I really hope it reopens.

I visited for a day trip. It was my first time here, and as I crossed the bridge, passing Geto Kogen Ski Resort, the road suddenly narrowed, so I decided to go a few kilometers further. Then, I saw two oncoming trucks. I avoided them at a wide spot. After a while, I reached Geto Onsen. Oh! This is it! The bathing fee is 600 yen. The open-air bath and the large public bath are separated. First, I went to the open-air bath. The weather was beautiful, with blue skies and the flowing river. The trees swaying in the breeze were amazing. I had the clear, slightly acidic water of the indoor bath all to myself! The source spring water is over 60 degrees, but the bath itself is large, so it's lukewarm.

The self-catering section cost 6,600 yen, including lunch boxes for dinner and breakfast. The self-catering section room was renovated and had a bed, a tray, and an electric kettle. You can also use the self-catering room. The person who was sharing the bath with me said that there was a bear when he arrived. He quietly parked his car and watched, and then it went back to the mountains. It really feels like a hidden hot spring! The water flows directly from the source. It was already cold. I was warm with a futon, blanket, and the electric heater I brought with me. They also have heaters available for rent.