Mori-Miyanohara Station × Accommodation With Private Hot Spring SourceHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

This was my first visit to Nozawa Onsen, and our stay—including at this Accommodation—was truly wonderful. In addition to visiting the public baths, we also enjoyed the bath here; it uses water from the Oyu source and was adjusted to a comfortable temperature, making it very relaxing. We ate dinner out on the first night and at the Accommodation on the second night, and both meals were delicious, making great use of local ingredients. We had breakfast on both days as well; the menu changed each day, and everything was thoughtfully prepared with local produce. The rice and miso soup were especially outstanding—so good that I even wished I’d eaten fewer side dishes just to enjoy more rice. The building has a sense of history, but it is carefully maintained. The staff were consistently courteous and attentive, so we felt comfortable throughout our stay. This is an Accommodation we would love to visit again.

A luxury to soak in the hot water while listening to Japanese bush warblers during the day and a chorus of frogs at night. The spring-inspired meals were also delicious and truly enjoyable. There aren’t any particularly special amenities or services, but everything feels comfortable—from walking barefoot on the tatami floors throughout the property to the subtle aroma in the air—and it’s genuinely relaxing. The building seems old, but it’s kept very clean, with no faults at all. It was so quiet that I could clearly hear the pleasant snoring from the next room—perhaps part of its charm. The Onsen is, of course, wonderful as well.\nI would definitely love to visit again.

After winding through narrow alleys, we arrived at the Ryokan. From the Room we were shown to, we could see the Asagama kiln up close. Since we arrived a little early, we headed into the Onsen town with a hand-drawn map made by the proprietress. After visiting three public baths, we stopped by a shop that brews craft beer and enjoyed a drink with edamame. The seasonal breeze felt wonderfully refreshing. These public baths are maintained by local residents, and visitors use them by placing a voluntary contribution in a donation box. Both the changing area and the bath itself are small, but it didn’t bother us at all. It was wonderful to see that these traditional communal baths are still part of everyday life here. The Ryokan is an older building, but it is well cared for and very clean. When I opened the window in my Room and read, I could hear people passing outside and birdsong carried on a pleasant breeze. In contrast to many Ryokan that feel shut off from the outside world, this sense of connection was especially comforting. What left the strongest impression was the food: dishes made mainly with local ingredients were not flashy, but beautifully seasoned—I found myself thinking how refined the chef’s palate must be. Breakfast was similar: simple rather than extravagant, yet deeply satisfying by the end. The couple who run the Ryokan were also very welcoming, making our stay comfortable from start to finish. This visit reminded me of what makes Nozawa Onsen so special as a town: narrow streets and old-fashioned shops remain; communal baths are protected by local residents; and its unique Onsen-town culture continues without being swept away by showy development. Soak in an Onsen, stroll through town, enjoy a beer, return to your Accommodation and read while feeling the atmosphere outside—then savor a delicious meal. It was a trip where such ordinary moments felt truly rich. I’d love to visit Nozawa Onsen again in another season.

I stayed at Naraya Ryokan before moving overseas in November. I won’t be back for a while, but I’m glad I had the chance to stay at such a wonderful Ryokan. The Room, meals, and Onsen were all excellent.

I returned to Kawazuya again for the delicious food and the Onsen. Soaking in the dimly lit cave bath, I find myself becoming completely empty-minded... it’s a precious time when I can clear my head for a while. After the bath, enjoying the many delicious dinner dishes with Iwanashi sake was the best. The myoga (Japanese ginger) in fried tofu was especially outstanding. Breakfast was also very tasty, enjoyed while looking at the Akiyama-go scenery from the window, and the lightly sweet tamagoyaki made me want more rice. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality from the owner and his wife.

Although there is only one type of spring source—our favorite sulfur Onsen—we enjoyed how the water color differed between the indoor bath and the open-air bath. The open-air bath also offered beautiful fresh green maple leaves, and we would love to visit again during the autumn foliage season. The meals were a satisfying amount for enjoying drinks, with seasonal items as well. The asparagus tempura in particular was outstanding. The building is old, but the Room had been renovated and was clean. From the Room, we enjoyed the garden flowers and fresh greenery.

The service was attentive and excellent from check-in to dining. Detailed explanations were provided throughout the accommodation, offering a sense of history everywhere. The quality of the hot spring water was exceptional and rare to find elsewhere. I would love to visit again in a different season.