Iwazonokan

This inn, located in Ashiyasu Onsen, has its own hot spring source. The building is divided into a main building and an east building, with the main building exuding a Showa-era atmosphere. The hot spring is a sodium-calcium sulfate spring with a temperature of 43 degrees and a pH of 9.4, and is used in a free-flowing manner, with precipitates solidifying like snow around the spout. The inn also appeared in the original story of the anime "Zatsu Tabi," which aired in the spring of 2025, and even had a signature from author Kenta Ishizaka on display. This inn does not have an elevator, so those with mobility issues should be aware of this, but the quiet environment and delicious food make it a relaxing and enjoyable inn.

I stopped by on my way back from hiking at Yashajin Pass. Day-trip bathing costs 1,000 yen. It appears to be a hot spring facility that also offers accommodation. The indoor and open-air baths are separated, and even the entrances are separate. You have to move between them fully clothed. It was a hassle to move between them, so I just went to the open-air bath. The washing area is right at the source of the hot spring. There are two baths, but the one with the hot spring flowing from the source is hotter, and the second is warmer. You can use them depending on your preference.

I think the Oiwa open-air bath is the best here. It's spacious and it's great to bathe while looking up at the stars. The water is warm near the source of the hot spring, but as you move away it gradually becomes lukewarm. I recommend staying here in summer rather than winter. The staff are all friendly and easy to talk to. I stayed here during the November holidays, so the autumn leaves were beautiful. It seems that many celebrities have stayed here, and there are several photos, among which I was happy to see an illustration by a certain manga artist.

This inn has a hot spring that flows directly from the source, and the indoor and outdoor baths are separated into separate buildings. There are no vending machines, so you can bring your own or choose from the refrigerator next to the front desk and pay at the front desk. The inn is located next to a river across the road, so the view is just of the river and mountains. You can relax in the hot spring and lounge around in your room (lol). I stayed here over the New Year holidays, but unfortunately I overslept and missed the first sunrise of the year.

[First visit in May 2025] I stopped off here during a hot spring tour. The water is a NaCa sulfate spring, and flows freely. On the day we visited, construction work was underway on the outdoor bath, so only the indoor bath was available. This was quite disappointing, as the outdoor bath is said to be the best. The cost was 800 yen. I'd like to return just to try the outdoor bath. 😎