One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the onsen (hot springs)! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by local people for centuries? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.
Houshi Onsen Chosyukan, where nostalgia is soothing
In this 20th installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Mori-no-Ishiki: The Charms of Local Hot Springs," we will introduce "Houshi Onsen Chosyukan" in Gunma Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Okamura, the bath guardian. Exterior view
Houshi Onsen Chosyukan" has been in operation since the early Meiji period.
Please tell us about the history of Houshi Onsen Chosyukan, where you can feel the flow of time comfortably and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Okamura-san, the bath keeper It is said that Houshi Onsen was discovered by Kobo Daishi, a great Buddhist priest. In the early Meiji era (1868-1912), the ancestors of our hotel took over the hot spring and began development. The main building was constructed in 1875, the mixed bathing hall "Houshi-no-yu" in 1895, and the annex in 1940, and these three buildings are designated as National Tangible Cultural Properties. Currently, there are other guest rooms in Kaorzanso and Horyuden. Houshi-no-yu with its distinctive arched windows
Houshi-no-yu" and "Tamagi-no-yu" have a unique atmosphere
Please tell us about the features of "Hoshinoyu," which is the symbol of your inn.
Yumamori Okamura-san Built in 1895, it is a wooden structure in the style of Rokumeikan, with a hipped roof and cedar bark thatch, and features arched windows. There are four bathtubs, each of which has a log passed over it, and the fresh spring water gushes out from under the bathtubs, making it one of the few hot springs in Japan that gush out from the foot of the bathtub. A bathtub with hot spring water gushing out from the foot of the bathtub Tamagi-no-yu" is also very nice. Please tell us about the features of this one as well.
Yumamori Okamura-san It was built in 2000 and is an all hinoki cypress building with an open-air bath. Following the design of Hoshinoyu, the ceiling has thick log beams and arched windows, and the open-air bath is made of Hidaka stone and other famous stones. Tamaki no Yu
Welcome you at the entrance as it was when it was founded in 1875
The inn's atmosphere is wonderful, with the sunken hearth and entranceway, which are rare nowadays.
Yumori-Okamura-san The entranceway is exactly as it was when the inn was founded in 1875. There is a light fixture on the ceiling, and a Shinto altar is enshrined. There is a sunken hearth next to the entrance, where firewood is lit in the morning and evening, and guests are free to enjoy a cup of tea. A hearth that evokes a sense of nostalgia
Horyuden, which has been used by famous people
Please tell us about the rooms in Horyuden, many of which have been used by famous people.
Yumori Okamura-san Horyuden was built in 1988 and has a main room with 8 tatami mats and a second room with 4.5 tatami mats and a horikotatsu. 77th room was occupied by Shincho Kokontei, and 82nd room (special room) was occupied by Crown Prince Victoria of Sweden and Kiyoshiro Imawano.
Horyuden No. 82 (special room)
How to enjoy Houshi Onsen in winter
What are some of the unique wintertime delights at Houshi Onsen Choujukan?
Yumori Okamura-san In winter, the area around the ryokan is completely covered with snow and you can enjoy the snowy scenery. There is also a ski resort nearby, where you can fully enjoy winter sports. After cooling off outside, please take a relaxing soak in the hot spring to warm up.
What is the commitment of the Yumamori?
Finally、 What is your commitment and thoughts as a yumamori?、 What is your message to your customers?。
Yumamori Okamura-san The most attractive feature of Houshi Onsen is the hot spring water gushing out at the foot of the mountain, which is rare even in Japan. In order to protect the hot springs, the water retention capacity of the surrounding forest is important, and protecting the forest leads to protecting the hot springs. We will continue to protect the hot springs while preserving nature.
Visit "Houshi Onsen Chosyukan" with precious hot spring water gushing out at the foot of the hot spring.
How was it? In this article, we asked you about "Houshi Onsen Chosyukan" in Gunma Prefecture in detail. Why don't you come to "Houshi Onsen Chosyukan" and experience the precious hot spring gushing out from the foot of the ground, which still gushes out today because of the careful protection of the forest and the preservation of the hot spring?
Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!
You can make your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Joetsu Shinkansen "Jomo Kogen Station (or Gokan Station on the Joetsu Line) Take a local bus bound for Houshi, changing at Sarugakyo (about 60 minutes) (about 70 minutes from Gokan Station), Get off at the Houshi bus stop and walk for about 1 minute.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
Next time
We will continue to bring you the charms of eastern Japan's "local hot springs" in our series, "The Charms of Local Hot Springs"! Please look forward to the next issue. If you would like to know more about "Ji-onsen", please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen"
