Hosenji Onsen

This hot spring inn is next to Hosenji Temple. There used to be a "Kosugikan" next door, but it has since gone out of business, and now "Takimotokan" is the only inn left. The inn has also since moved to the other side of the river. As its name suggests, it used to be right next to the waterfall. Personally, I have a few "inns I would like to stay at regularly," and I think this is at the top of my list as a wonderful inn. It has a calm atmosphere, elaborate meals that mix Japanese and Western cuisine, and service that hits the spot, making it "just right." I also stayed at Kosugikan over 40 years ago, but unfortunately I don't have any photos of it.

I visited on New Year's Day. It's a day-use hot spring at the accommodation facility and costs 1,000 yen to enter. There are no lockers, but you can leave your valuables at the front desk. The hot water was so good that it left my skin feeling smooth. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a hot spring. Facial cleanser, rinse-in shampoo, body soap, lotion, and a hair dryer are provided. It's a simple hot spring at an old-fashioned inn.

I liked the old-fashioned feel of the place, I paid ¥1,000, one of the most expensive I've ever been to. There are no lockers with keys, the service was good, but in that 1-degree weather, the water was very lukewarm, not really hot, just warm. There were times when I was cold, so I didn't like it. Of all the onsen's I've been to, this was the worst. I was cold, I didn't like it 👎

The food wasn't Japanese, but pizza, pie soup, sashimi, tempura, simmered dishes, eggplant with miso glaze, sweetfish, and a variety of other things... The portions were huge because the Self-Defense Forces were coming, and even the chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) was served in a large bowl (lol).

I used the day spa. The reception staff were friendly and welcoming, and I had a relaxing soak in the beautiful rock bath. Thank you so much.