Shiriyaki Onsen Hoshigaoka Sanso

This was an Accommodation I’d wanted to visit for a long time. I was hoping for the riverside bath and a starry sky, but due to the river running high and cloudy weather, it didn’t happen. Still, the Accommodation was wonderful, so I was completely satisfied.At check-in, we were served delicious homemade sweets: hanamame beans with shiratama in kinako and kuromitsu. The proprietress and staff were very pleasant, and the hot spring bath—fed directly from the source—overflowed generously and felt amazing.The meals were beautifully presented using local ingredients, and we were happily full. The Room was clean and relaxing, with the sound of the river (it was quite loud this time because of the high water, but I’m sure it’s usually soothing). It was also lovely to see small wildflowers displayed throughout.It’s an Accommodation I’d love to stay at again and again. We will definitely return.

The Accommodation staff were very kind and helpful. The Room was clean, and the vegetable-based dishes were delicious—especially the soy milk hot pot at breakfast. I’d love to have it again.Shirayaki Onsen, about a 2-minute walk from the Accommodation, and the Onsen that bubbles up from within the river were a first for me. If you love Onsen, you should visit at least once!Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00, so being able to enjoy a long stay is great. However, if you’re coming by bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, services are limited—so arrival tends to be around 14:40 for check-in, and you’ll need to leave by 10:00 at check-out or you may end up waiting several hours for the next bus.