Chojukan in Gunma’s Houshi Onsen.
This inn has been long famous amongst onsen lovers.
The indoor bath, Houshi no Yu, here is famous for being on the JR Full Moon campaign poster.
Jumping to conclusion it was an awesome bath house.
A single standing inn with a secluded onsen
It was just a random day in February that I visited.
Staying the night I experienced it in all its glory.
It is registered as a national treasure.
Not only is this place attractive for onsen lovers but also those who love Japanese culture and tradition.
Houshi no Yu the spectacular bath with water welling up from below your feet
Here at the Chojukan, there are 3 baths, the coed Houshi no Yu, the outdoor bath Tamaki no Yu, and the women only Choju no Yu.
Out of those 3 the one I think every visitor should check out is the Houshi no Yu.
Although Houshi no Yu is coed there is a women only time between 8pm and 10pm so no worries.
But, the visitor bath time is between 10:30am and 2pm and coed only so please pay attention ladies if you are shy.
Houshi no Yu has 4 separated baths and each has a rock bottom.
The water quietly bubbles up from in between those rocks.
It is one of those rare baths where the water wells up from beneath your feet.
The temperature is probably only about 39 degrees Celsius by feel.
The water almost doesn’t feel all that different from body temperature so it’s almost like being encased in a womb of sorts.
The water type is gypsum spring (calcium, sodium hydro sulfate) it’s very smooth and soft with no coloration to the water, but it has a wafting scent of a fresh hot spring aroma.
Your whole body feels like it’s melting with happiness when bathing here.
Houshi no Yu at night
At night the bath is softly lit and shows a totally different face from daytime and you can bathe in peace.
This is a luxury only for staying guest.
Among all the different types of hot springs I’ve been to this one earns 100 points in my book.
Houshi no Yu really makes you understand what a truly amazing onsen bath really is.
*normally photographing the inside of the bath is prohibited, we had special permission to take and post the photo
An amazing dusk
This is the view at dusk from the room.
As the sun goes down and the view starts to take a blue hue, the inn’s warm glow of incandescent bulbs create a unique and beautiful time.
In the quiet you hear the occasional thud of snow falling from the roof.
While watching this scene from the room it really makes you thankful for staying here and for being able to experience this Japan.
Every part of this inn’s interior is picturesque
This is the view from the hallway between the new and old buildings.
A view that begs to be painted and immortalized.
Totally opposite from these newfangled hotels this is old Japan. The real Japan.
This is one of the few inns where you can feel the history of onsen bath houses and is truly beautiful.
I really hope that not only onsen lovers stay here but travel buffs, and those that want to experience this real Japan, and experience this place with all 5 of their senses.
You can get here by bus but it is better to come by car.
Snow tires are a must in the winter.
Also, we were able to stay at the main building which is the oldest, in the #17 room on the second floor.
It’s actually the same room the famous painter poet Takehisa Yumeji stayed in as well.
One thing, there is no toilet in the rooms of the main building.
Also, the walls seemed very thin.
So if you want emotion stay in the Honkan main building, but if you want a toilet or basic facilities then either stay at the annex or the suite like Kaoruyamasou room.
I definitely want to go back in warmer seasons.
I was comforted from the bottom of my heart.
This is one I definitely recommend.
History
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