Ryokan Oonuma

It started with the open-air bath in a separate annex, and the Onsen was wonderful.I left the Accommodation in a hurry because it looked like my return train might stop running due to the weather.Next time, I’d like to stay for two nights and relax—enjoying the Onsen and spending plenty of time reading.

This was my second one-night stay, this time with an overseas friend, right at the peak of Naruko’s autumn foliage. The Onsen is free-flowing and slightly hot, yet pleasantly therapeutic, and the steamed bath—like a stone sauna—is perfect for cooling down after bathing. There are several reservable private family baths; on the 4th floor, the shaded and sunny baths offered beautiful views of the autumn leaves outside. Calligraphy pieces written by the proprietress are displayed throughout the building, giving it the feel of a small calligraphy exhibition. The matcha served at both check-in and check-out was especially appreciated by our guest from the USA. Every dish featured local ingredients with gentle seasoning and great flavor—and the rice was so good I ended up eating too much. Unfortunately, due to bear precautions we couldn’t use the open-air bath; however, the quiet detached open-air bath we were shown, as well as the annex and tea room, were splendid—I imagine they take a great deal of effort to maintain. The Nikkei newspaper was available early in the morning. Aside from a slight noise at night from drawing hot water, it was an excellent therapeutic Accommodation.