Houshi Onsen Chojukan

“Time machine”

It is a wonderful Japanese ryokan with one of the old original hot springs in Japan. In fact this place is geographically not so far from Tokyo but it is not easy to get to. As you know Japan is heavily industrialized and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. But as 70% of the… lisää

It is a wonderful Japanese ryokan with one of the old original hot springs in Japan. In fact this place is geographically not so far from Tokyo but it is not easy to get to. As you know Japan is heavily industrialized and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. But as 70% of the land is covered in deep forest, you will have to be prepared to have a bit of adventure. We took a Shinkansen line (12:40) from Tokyo Central to Jomo Kogen Station and then took a local Kanetsu bus (14:52) No. 3 to Sarugakyo, from where we took another small local bus (15:35) to Hoshi Onsen. There is only one ryokan in this deep mountain area in Gunma Pref. As soon as we arrived we noticed that there was a warning that some bears had been sighted recently. We were greeted by friendly ryokan people and first invited to tea at an old fashion Japanese fireplace, called irori. After that we were taken to our room through corridors and stairs. The entire building is well kept although most of the sections were built at the beginning of 20th century. The breakfast and dinner were so fantastic and generous that we skipped our lunches. (it is recommended that you reserve your room with full pension because there are no other places in this part of the mountain). The bath halls are very nostalgic and beautiful. The main bath hall is old and its wooden building was built directly on the hot spring itself. There are two other bath halls built later, which are also nice and relaxing. I would not say it is the most comfortable hotel, however, modernization is slowly reaching this mountain place as well and you should visit this place now than later if you want to experience a real Japanese Onsen ryokan.

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“Disagree with "Not for anyone over 50"!”

My brother in law has been talking about this place for years. He lived and worked in Gunma im the nineties learning Japanese and building log houses. He'd always said he wanted to return to stay at this Onsen when he could afford to do so. Therefore we joined him on a holiday to Japan that inc… lisää

My brother in law has been talking about this place for years. He lived and worked in Gunma im the nineties learning Japanese and building log houses. He'd always said he wanted to return to stay at this Onsen when he could afford to do so. Therefore we joined him on a holiday to Japan that included a few nights at this hotel. It was an amazing experience - such a tranquil place high up the valley with hardly any nods to modernity. The rooms were simple but comfortable, the food was a daily exploration of tradional Japanese menu. And of course the baths were hot and relaxing. Make sure you're not expecting a Marriott! It is a totally different experience and very Japanese - so different to anything we'd experienced in the west. It probably helped to have a guide to help set our expectation and to advise on local customs and culture. We'd love to come back again one day.

vähemmän

“Relaxing country retreat”

Nice rooms, good country location, excellent kaiseki dinners. Staff were helpful. Great onsen - large mixed bathing area, also fabulous small outdoor hot pool with little waterfall - separate times for male and female. Only 20 minutes away by car is the lovely craft village Takumi No Sato. Well wor… lisää

Nice rooms, good country location, excellent kaiseki dinners. Staff were helpful. Great onsen - large mixed bathing area, also fabulous small outdoor hot pool with little waterfall - separate times for male and female. Only 20 minutes away by car is the lovely craft village Takumi No Sato. Well worth a visit. Only major disappointment was that the wifi did not work in the rooms ( despite what Booking.com said on our reservation form) so had to go to communal lounge near the office to get reception.

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