Soak up the good vibes at Jozankei Hotel

Unlike many hotels in the area, Jozankei is a traditional inn with its own untouched source of ‘oyu’ – hot water. The Japanese-style rooms here transport you back to another time. It is really quite a special experience, especially for tourists.

For us Japanese there is nothing better than bathing. Especially in a natural hot spring. Before I met my husband, I thought all foreigners like public bath too. I was wrong. My husband used to refuse public bath until he saw this generous outdoor bath. Now, I can’t get him out of the bath!

Close by to the hotel is the Jozankei river. It is gorgeous any time of the year. But in the winter, you can enjoy the stillness of nature and the glow of candles shining brightly in the night.

In Japan you’ll hear the word “omotenashi” very often. It means hospitality. This hotel excels at being hospitable. For example, the hotel arranged to have a larger bathrobe for my husband. It’s the little touches like this that keep us coming back!

Last but not least, their buffet lunch is also delicious and full of choices. It is one of the highlights here for us, even as locals!

Feel like a samurai in an ancient Japanese setting for a day in one of their rooms! Patrons often come for just a single night’s stay just to experience this.

 

But do stay as long as you can. The area around the hotel offers travelers a rare opportunity as the snow comes alive with the light of hundreds of tea lights. It’s truly a unique experience.