Mamadaya

I visited Tamataya, which I always use for memorial services, for the first time in three years. Before COVID-19, there were several inns in Iwakura Onsen, but now Tamataya is the only one left. Tamataya has also canceled its day-trip hot spring service and only offers meals during the day. I wish I could have taken a bath in the hot spring 😰 It seems they don't offer overnight stays on weekdays either. The food had changed from sashimi to fatty tuna, but the overall flavor had been improved to a more refined level and was even more delicious than before. Although it is an old inn, it is kept clean and is a place where you can spend some quiet time relaxing while taking in the scent of wood. I hope it continues for a long time to come.

We stayed here on our way back from Sanrio Puroland. We searched for a nearby hot spring on our way back, and... it was a hit! The only inn in Iwakura Onsen. Apparently it's 140 years old, but was renovated a few years ago, so it had a nice balance of old and new... It was very comfortable. The room was old at its base, but it had been renovated in key areas and was clean. The bath was smooth, neither hot nor lukewarm... it felt great. The bath at the far end is almost entirely outside, so it can be cold in winter, but that's part of the fun. I'm usually quite concerned about dirt in old hot springs, but this one was spotless and clean. I didn't eat in this time, so I'd like to try the food next time I come.

It's far from the station. Looking at the website, I was worried because it looked old, but all the bathrooms have been renovated and are now beautifully Western-style, and the interior of the building has also been gradually renovated. Fresh flowers are placed here and there, which shows the care taken. Both dinner and breakfast were plentiful and delicious. Both baths are small, as they are just the right size for about four people. The odorless, clear, moist hot spring water was just the right temperature and felt great. There is no open-air bath, only an indoor one. It is glass-walled, so you can see the view in the morning (it's not a spectacular view, but you can see the autumn leaves).

We stayed for two days and one night. The charming Japanese-Western room, delicious food, and the bath were all available for private use as they were limiting the number of guests allowed. We were very satisfied with the thoughtful hospitality. Even though it's located in Tokyo, we were able to spend some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Apparently, this is the only hot spring inn left in Iwakura Onsen. We hope they continue to do their best! We will definitely stay here again.

This is the only ryokan in Iwakura Onsen ♨️ If you want to explore Iwakura Onsen, it's convenient to use this as your base The lobby, which is filled with old books, is a very relaxing space, and even just drinking tea here is soothing ✨ The ryokan was founded in the Meiji era, so it's a fun inn for history buffs. There are also many books on local history, so it might be fun to follow in their footsteps while staying in a historic building. The Iwakura Coffee in the lobby is perfect as a souvenir 👍