It was established in 1691, known as the oldest hot spring inn in Japan. The structures have been designated as important cultural properties of Gunma Prefecture, and are the model for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film “Spirited Away”.
It is also known as one of “Japan’s three best hot springs for gastrointestinal diseases” and is said to be effective against 40,000 illnesses.
The Inn consists of the main building “Honkan”, “the Sanso”, and “the Kashotei”. In the main building, guests can appreciate the atmosphere of a traditional hot-spring cure called “Toji,' where patients stay in hot spring inns for a long time to be treated for illness. Bed-making and other services are self-service, which is a popular way to experience the traditional hot spring cure style. At Sanso and Kashotei, guests can enjoy the high-quality hot spring water in a spacious guest room with an open-air bath.
The cuisine differs at each building. At the Honkan, guests can enjoy the therapeutic dishes “Shokuji,” with the concept of “health from within the body.” At the Sanso and the Kashotei, guests can enjoy an authentic kaiseki course of about 10 dishes made with local and carefully selected ingredients. There are also special seasonal kaiseki and chef’s special kaiseki made with seasonal ingredients.
Highlights
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It is Japan’s oldest wooden bathhouse and served as the model for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film.
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The hot spring water is referred to as “the cure for 40,000 illnesses.”
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In the main building, guests can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional hot-spring cure called “Toji”.
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At the Sanso and the Kashotei, guests can relax in a guest room with an open-air bath.