Top 5 Secret Hot Spring Inns in Eastern Japan Recommended by the Hot Spring Association

In 1975, the Japan Society for Preserving Hidden Hot Springs was founded at the suggestion of Hifumi Iwaki, founder of Asahi Travel Association, the predecessor of Asahi Travel, who coined the term "hidden hot springs." At the time, the society was made up of 33 small hot spring inns in the mountains that were inconveniently located and not even serviced by bus.

Since its founding, the association has upheld the philosophy of "A hidden hot spring that is in tune with the traveler's heart is the people," and has pursued the creation of an inn that offers hospitality that is in keeping with the spirit of travel and the finest hot springs, and is loved by people. Furthermore, in appreciation of hot springs, which are a gift from the earth, the association is actively involved in activities to preserve and conserve the natural environment.

Currently, there are over 140 hot spring inns that support the association's philosophy, and they welcome travelers with wonderful hot springs and warm hospitality.

This time, we will introduce 10 member inns of the Japan Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs. Why not use them as a reference for your future travel plans?

Chiriuchi Onsen Ryokan (Hokkaido)

Shiriuchi Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Hokkaido, said to have been discovered during gold panning in 1205. Shiriuchi Onsen Ryokan, which has inherited more than 800 years of history, offers five free-flowing springs, including alum springs and carbonated springs. The precipitates of the overflowing water have hardened around the bathtub, testifying to the concentration of its ingredients.

The restaurant serves dishes using local specialties from the town of Shiriuchi, making the most of the deliciousness of the ingredients. In season, oysters, wild vegetables, scallops, whelks and other seasonal delicacies are on the table.

There are two types of rooms: the new building, where you can feel the warmth of wood, and the old building, which has Japanese-style rooms with a travel atmosphere.

Spring quality: sodium chloride, bicarbonate spring, free-flowing baths: indoor baths = 4, outdoor baths = mixed baths = 1
Hot spring usage: 230L/min. Source temperature: 75.5 degrees. No water addition or heating, heat exchange and cooling. Day trip bathing: allowed (800 yen for adults).
Location: 284 Yunosato, Shiriuchi-cho, Kamiiso-gun, Hokkaido Business period: Year-round Standard accommodation fee: From 14,800 yen

Masugataya (Yamagata Prefecture)

This is a single inn located about 8km from the remote station and pass that is famous among train enthusiasts. If you are traveling by car, head towards Yonezawa from Fukushima Iizaka IC, and from Itaya in Yonezawa City, it is about an hour's drive along a mountain road with steep slopes and suspension bridges, and just getting there will make you feel like you are in a hidden hot spring.

The milky white water flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath surrounded by towering strange rocks and bizarre stones has a rustic atmosphere. Day trips are also possible, but at night, when you can enjoy the starry sky, it is a special time only available to overnight guests.

As it is closed off by deep snow in the winter, it is only open from late April to early November, so be sure to visit during the warmer months.

The season of fresh greenery is recommended, but autumn is also beautiful when the surrounding broadleaf trees, such as beech trees, take on colorful colors.

Spring quality: Simple acidic sulfur hot spring source flowing from the source Baths: Indoor bath = 2, outdoor bath = 3
Hot spring usage: 300L/min. Source temperature: 51 degrees. No water or heating. Day trip bathing: allowed (700 yen for adults).
Location: 1 Ozawa Ubayu, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Business period: late April to early November Standard accommodation fee: from 15,500 yen

Steam Hot Springs, Fukenoyu (Akita Prefecture)

This famous hot spring is located on Hachimantai, a volcanic plateau that straddles Iwate and Akita prefectures. There are two hot springs with different spring qualities on the premises, and you can enjoy the luxury of the free-flowing water that is poured into the bathtub in large quantities. There are multiple baths available, including an indoor bath, a masu bath, and a rock bath, but the most popular is the mixed-gender open-air bath, famous for its spectacular scenery. Taking a deep breath while watching the steam rising from between the rocks will make you feel as if you are one with the earth.

Also noteworthy is the access road, the Hachimantai Aspite Line. This winding road runs through a plateau at an altitude of over 1000m, and offers beautiful scenery at any time of the year, including snow corridors in early spring, colorful alpine plants in summer, and spectacular autumn leaves in autumn. Note that both the Aspite Line and Fuke-no-Yu are closed in winter.

Spring quality: Simple hot spring, sulfur simple spring source flowing baths: Indoor bath = 2, outdoor bath = 5
Amount of hot spring used: Not measured Source temperature: 88-93 degrees (water added) Day trip bathing: Allowed (700 yen for adults)
Location: Hachimantai Kumazawa National Forest, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture Opening period: Late April to early November Standard accommodation fee: From 14,300 yen

Okukinu Onsen Village, Hatcho-no-yu (Tochigi Prefecture)

This inn is located in Okukinu Onsenkyo, which is said to be the closest hidden hot spring from Tokyo. The access road is a private car restricted area, so you will need to walk or arrange for a shuttle from the nearest Meotobuchi free parking lot.

The hot spring springs from the mountainside on the premises, and the spring quality is a simple hot spring that is gentle on the skin and not irritating. There are three mixed outdoor baths, including "Yukimi no Yu" (Yuki-mi no Yu), which was built when the facility opened in 1929, "Takimi no Yu" and "Shakuninuka no Yu", a women-only outdoor bath with a view of the waterfall, and separate indoor baths for men and women. All of the baths are free-flowing from the source, and you can feel the abundance of hot water. A day trip plan with lunch and transportation is also available.

Spring quality: Simple hot spring source flowing from the source Baths: Indoor baths = 2, outdoor baths = 3
Hot spring usage: 240L/min. Source temperature: 51 degrees. No water or heating. Day trip bathing: allowed (800 yen for adults).
Location: 876 Kawamata, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Business period: All year round Standard accommodation fee: 13,200 yen - 26,400 yen

Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (Gunma Prefecture)

"Hoshi-no-Yu" is a historic hot spring inn founded in 1875 and is a designated national tangible cultural property. Its beautiful and majestic structure is overwhelming. Not only is the inn's architecture beautiful, but the hot spring water springs directly from between the boulders that are spread out at the bottom of the bathtub, allowing you to enjoy extremely fresh water.

In addition to Hoshi-no-yu, there are two other baths: Tamaki-no-yu, which is made entirely of cypress and has a spacious feel, and the smaller Choju-no-yu. Both baths are used by men and women on an alternating basis.

Spring quality: calcium-sodium sulfate spring, simple hot spring source flowing directly from the source, hot water outlet source and bathtub circulation (only Tamaki-no-yu)
Baths: Indoor baths = 3, outdoor baths = alternate Hot spring usage: 380L/min. Source temperature: 28-42.7 degrees. Only some baths are heated. Day trip bathing: allowed (1,500 yen for adults)
Location: 650 Nagai, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture Business period: Year-round Standard accommodation fee: 16,100 yen - 35,900 yen

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