Kirizumi

▪️A secluded hot spring inn embraced by nature, weaving history The day after a linear rainband struck the Japanese archipelago, I visited an inn located within a national park, overwhelmed by the magnificent natural surroundings. The mountain road was extremely steep, so using the inn's shuttle service was the right decision. Stepping inside, I was deeply moved by its history. The building possessed a charming, old-world appeal, yet it was impeccably clean, reflecting the meticulous care of the staff. ▪️Digital Detox and a Miraculous Hot Spring For better or worse, my smartphone lost signal, forcing me to experience a digital detox. However, this turned out to be a perfect opportunity to fully enjoy the inn's treasure: its hot spring. The hot spring is 100% natural, with the source water gushing out endlessly. Despite this, the water temperature was a miraculous 39 degrees Celsius—a perfect temperature for long soaks, even in the summer heat, the nemesis of hot spring lovers. As I immersed myself in the bath, the pleasant scent of sulfur tickled my nose, and I experienced the不思議な sensation of bubbles enveloping my body. I could feel the change in my skin, and I felt that my physical condition had changed for the better. It felt like a waste to just soak my body, so I rubbed the water on my face about 100 times, savoring its blessings with my whole body. I went to the hot springs five times during my stay, and each time there were other guests. Seeing how everyone was so engrossed in the hot springs reaffirmed my belief in its wonderfulness. ▪️Hospitality that nourishes mind and body Not only the hot springs, but I was also very satisfied with the meals. The healthy, vegetable-centered dishes were all incredibly delicious, and my mind and body seemed to rejoice. The staff at the inn were all kind and polite, and I am truly grateful for their warm hospitality. This inn is a special place that gently embraces its visitors and heals both mind and body. I sincerely hope that it will not close down. It was a fantastic stay that made me strongly feel, "I want to stay here again."

Stayed January 18th (Sun) - 19th (Mon), 2026 ◎ Old but clean ◎ 3 futons + blanket + comforter + blanket ◎ One stove in each room ◎ Kotatsu ◎ Electric heater in the futon? Yes ◎ Can hear animal footsteps and cries at night ◎ Not too hot, so you can soak in the hot springs for long periods ◎ Lots of delicious food (The tempura was generous, with about 10 different types. Lots of mountain delicacies. I'm a bit of a light eater, so adding miso-grilled pork was a bit too much 😂) ◎ Lots of small side dishes <⚠️Notes> - After pick-up, there are unpaved stairs leading up to the building. (→Handrails available◎) - The bumpy roads and curves during the pick-up from Tamaya Drive-In may be a bit difficult for those prone to motion sickness. (Drivers are careful) - The smell is like an old house. There's no cigarette smell in the room. You'll get used to it if you stay there for a while. - Alcohol is available for purchase. - One PoVo antenna connects occasionally, but is unstable. - None of the Rakuten Mobile antennas connect. - The changing room is cold in the winter.

Hideaway: A Hidden Hot Spring Resort After a 20-minute drive along a mountain road from the one-lane highway, you arrive at the parking lot. Then, after a 10-minute shuttle ride along a winding road reminiscent of the Tibetan mountains, you arrive at a hot spring resort reminiscent of a mountain lodge deep in the mountains. Leaving the parking lot, you descend a fairly steep staircase. There is no wheelchair access. Although it was December, there were quite a few icicles, a sign of the low temperatures. The bath was extremely lukewarm. Maybe not suitable for winter? It takes about 30 minutes to soak. There are no locks on the rooms. It's a re-experience of grandma's house. For dinner, we had pork miso soup, rice, and tempura. It was delicious, and felt like the kind of food grandma would make. In my case, the signal was strong. There is no WiFi. (To be added)

This truly hidden hot spring is located in northern Kanto. It's a single inn deep in the mountains, reached via a narrow, rough road so narrow that even cars can't pass each other. The atmosphere is irresistible for lovers of hidden hot springs. However, there's no Wi-Fi, so the internet connection was almost nonexistent, so be careful. (Pros) - The thick, lotion-like spring water with a faint sulfur scent - The unparalleled quality of this hidden hot spring in a remote mountain inn - The thrill of the shuttle ride to the inn - All-you-can-drink pure mountain water (Cons) - The rice is delicious, but the tempura and grilled fish are cold - You're not given a room key unless you request it in advance - No Wi-Fi, and the internet connection is barely there - The service is generally sloppy - The bathroom is dilapidated, and there were giant moths flying around

Kirizumi Onsen Kinyukan. Visited in February. It truly feels like a hidden hot spring, aptly described as an "island on land." The inn stands alone at the end of a mountain path, surrounded by sheer silence. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Japanese serow. It's just so cold. The air is tense in the middle of winter, and there are icicles and frozen waterwheels around the building. Mobile phone reception is poor depending on the carrier, and the feeling of being forcibly disconnected from digital technology is also characteristic of this inn. The hot spring is lukewarm, about 38 degrees. It may feel a little underwhelming at first, but the gentle water seeps into your body. Because it's not too hot, you'll warm from the inside out after a long soak. It's not flashy, but it's perfect for those seeking quiet time in nature.