Published date: June 25, 2025
Preserving Japan's Hidden Hot Springs
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Experience of the stay
A ryokan (traditional inn) by Lake Shikotsu.
It mentioned a check-in at 6 PM, but when I arrived at 4 PM, I was able to check in.
It seems this ryokan has been operating since before there were roads, and it's quite distant from other hot spring resorts on the opposite shore, with nothing around.
According to the description, it appears that electricity and water are not yet available, operating on self-generated power and purifying water from Lake Shikotsu.
In the room, there was only a fan and no air conditioning, and the late afternoon sun in June was quite hot, but with self-generated power, I couldn't complain about luxuries.
The hot springs have a stunning view overlooking Lake Shikotsu.
The indoor baths include low, medium, and high-temperature hot springs, a sauna, and a washing area.
The outdoor area features a hot bath (high temperature), a cold bath, a drinking spring, and a resting area.
The hot spring water was so clear that you couldn't see the bottom, and the cool outside air felt refreshing at dawn and dusk.
The hot spring water had quite a strong iron taste, so it might be best to avoid drinking too much.
A specialty is the wild open-air bath connected to Lake Shikotsu. If you proceed down the corridor, you will find it. There are changing rooms at the hot spring site as a countermeasure against the cold.
Water levels fluctuate with the seasons, and the water temperature was on the cooler side.
Interestingly, the cleaning time from 9:10 to 9:30 AM is the designated time for taking photos of the bath. Photos are allowed in both the men's and women's baths. It appears that they do not switch the baths.
It seems they are quite focused on wellness activities like using the cold bath with water from Lake Shikotsu. There are also private hot springs and outdoor saunas available separately.
Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of options like a hotel, providing high satisfaction.
In the lobby, there is a tap for filling up with water from Lake Shikotsu, and welcome drinks like coffee are available.
They sell frozen foods in the shop, so if the shop is open, you can manage.
Lake Shikotsu is so transparent that the Oji Group sells mineral water from it.
I definitely want to return to this inn for a leisurely visit.
Experiences during the trip
I also strolled around the area of Lake Shikotsu. There is a visitor center run by the Ministry of the Environment and a pleasure boat dock across the lake.