Access

Local Train Station: Kinugawa Onsen
From Tokyo: From Tokyo, take a subway to Ueno station and then transfer to the subway line that goes to Kitasenju. At Kitasenjuget, take the Toubu line train to Kinugawa Onsen. Take a bus to Meotobuchi. From Meotobuchi, the ryokan has a shuttle.
Travel Time: Kitasenju to Kinugawa onsen, 1 hour 30 minutes. Then a 30-minute shuttle. Total travel time approx. 2 hrs.

Location/Contact Info

Address: Shioya gun
Tel: 0288-96-0306
Fax: 0288-96-0888.
Web: www.kindai.com/8t-u/... (Japanese only)

Accommodations

Price: Rates start at Y9,600 (including breakfast and dinner). The rokan has 17 rooms and 18 small cottages.
Days Closed: None
Day Visit Option: Y500 (9:00am - 2:30pm)

The Water

Onsen Specifics: Two indoor baths (one for men, one for women). Five outdoor baths (some mixed, some women-only).
Water Good For: Rheumatism, skin problems, and womens' health problems.
Water Composition: Plain spring water

A couple of unique architectural motifs distinguish Hachyo-no-yu from all other ryokan located in Okukino onsen district. First, it is the oldest ryokan in the area. Second, it is also the only ryokan in the area to have had a good portion of its buildings constructed from lumber imported from Canada. Most of the ryokan's original architecture has been maintained, so the ryokan tips the scales when it comes to charm.

The onsen is also reknowned for the small waterfalls that flow into its outdoor baths. Water come on to the ryokan property from eight different springs, continously filling the baths with fresh, hot water. For a small adventure, you can dig your own hot springs if you have the energy (shovels can be borrowed from the ryokan management).

The Canadian lumber was used to build 18 cottages on the premises -- highly desireable and suprisingly affordable lodging, but watch out, the toilets are the old Japanese style.

Day trippers be forewarned, the ryokan only picks up overnight guests (from the train station), so day visitors will have to hike in -- which will take you two hours each way. Summertime guests should guard against an onslaught of mosquitos on the trails.

[Thanks to Mr. Nakajima for use of the above photo.]

The Buzz

Web reports indicate mixed opinions about the meals, but everyone agrees the quality of water and facilities are excellent. The best time to visit is fall when the Japanese Maples surrounding the onsen change their color.

Kaniyu (see the link upper right) is only a ten minute walk away. Most people who stay at Hachyo-no-yu take the walk by trail for a soak, but be forewarned -- due to Kaniyu's popularity, it can be crowded.

Reader Comments

Onsen in Northern Kanto