A trip to Yamaguchi, the hidden onsen powerhouse: 11 stylish hotels and ryokan

source:Contribution of posei bowl

Yamaguchi is beautiful with rich nature surrounded by mountains and seas. It is full of spectacular spots with exciting views, such as the Motonosumi Shrine, which is lined with bright red torii gates lined up against the backdrop of the sea, and the Tsunoshima Bridge, which extends straight above the sea. Speaking of Yamaguchi, gastronomy is one of its attractions. The deliciousness of Shimonoseki torafugu is famous nationwide. In addition, there are many onsen places such as Nagato Yumoto onsen and Yuda onsen, and it is ♡ a place where you can enjoy a very satisfying trip × a superb scenery and gourmet × onsen

After being impressed by the breathtaking scenery, you want to enjoy the afterglow while soaking in the onsen. It is recommended to stay at a wonderful onsen inn with a space where you can relax + a stylish space that will make your girl's heart flutter! In this article, we will introduce a selection of stylish onsen inns in Yamaguchi that are full of points that girls will love. Let's enjoy a trip to Yamaguchi where you will be "enchanted" by the superb scenery, gourmet food, and the atmosphere of fashionable inns ♪

White sandy beaches and sparkling cobalt blue seas. Tsunoshima Island is a popular tourist destination that is also used as a location for movies and commercials, making it easy to forget you are in Japan. Hotel Nishi-Nagato Resort is the closest hotel to Tsunoshima Bridge, one of the most scenic spots on Tsunoshima Island. All rooms have an ocean view, so you can enjoy a beautiful view from your room.

We recommend the ocean view rooms with an open-air bath. The dull blue wallpaper and resort-like interior are very stylish with a West Coast feel. The view of the ocean and Tsunoshima Island from the large windows is like a painting! You'll want to relax on the spacious bed or sofa and gaze upon it forever.

The large communal bath has an open-air onsen observation bath. The time spent surrendering yourself to the smell of the sea breeze and the warmth of the hot onsen while gazing at the endless Sea of Japan, the Hibiki Sea, and the blue sky is pure bliss. It's like all your small worries will be blown away. Apparently dolphins sometimes come to play in the sea around the hotel!

meal is a buffet with about 70 kinds of dishes that incorporate the bounty of Yamaguchi. It is also nice that there is a wide selection of healthy vegetarian and vegan menus. After dinner, we recommend indulging in cocktails and western liquor at the stylish bar overlooking the sea and starry sky. For breakfast, you can pack your favorite foods in a basket and eat it on the terrace. It will make you feel like you are on a picnic by the sea.

Nagato Yumoto onsen Otani Sanso is located near the lush greenery and mountain stream at the foot of the mountain. With a total of 98 rooms, this popular ryokan has a particularly strong presence in Nagato Yumoto onsen due to its large size and luxury. You can experience the same hospitality that has long been enjoyed by many important people from Japan and abroad.

There are many wonderful rooms with different atmospheres, such as Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, rooms with open-air baths and terraces. This is a Western-style room called "Deluxe Twin" that tickles the hearts of young ladies. It is spacious and has a calm atmosphere where Japanese taste and classical interior are harmoniously combined. From the open single window, you can look out over the cool view of Otozuregawa River.

There are large public baths with different themes on the first and second floors. There are a total of 11 different baths! Enjoy the soft onsen of Nagato Yumoto Onsen, which is said to be good for your skin, to your heart's content. Also, be sure to visit the foot bath space in the garden on the lobby lounge side. It is lit up at night, creating a very moody atmosphere. Warm up slowly while enjoying a drink.

Enjoy the mountain scenery, the murmuring of the river, and the starry sky at night at the soothing Kawadoko Terrace and The Terrace Seiyu, and take in the surrounding nature at your leisure. There are also plenty of other fun places to spend time, such as the Pool Garden, which is only open in the summer, THE BAKERY, which has an array of freshly baked bread, and a corner displaying the works of Misuzu Kaneko, a children's song poet with ties to Nagato City, and Hagi ware! There is also an Astronomical Dome where you can observe the beautiful starry sky.

Photo courtesy of Kai Nagato (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kainagato/)

Hoshino Resorts' "Kai" brand is particular about comfortable Japanese style. "Kai Nagato" is a relaxing onsen inn built in the image of a teahouse mansion from the Edo period. It is located in the perfect location for enjoying a stroll around Nagato Yumoto onsen town, which has recently been renovated into a stylish new look.

Photo courtesy of Kai Nagato (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kainagato/)

The room, named "Nagato Gosai no Ma," is filled with the essence Yamaguchi. The first thing that catches your eye is the colorful bed board lined with "Tokuji washi" craftwork! Other craftworks such as Hagi ware, Hagi glass, and Ouchi lacquer are scattered throughout the room. Outside the window, you can enjoy the view of the Otozure River, which is so characteristic of Nagato Yumoto onsen. Choose from a variety of room types, including a Japanese-style room, a Japanese-style room with an open-air bath, and a special room, depending on your preference.

Photo courtesy of Kai Nagato (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kainagato/)

One of the attractions of Hoshino Resorts is their activities. The KAI series offers many programs that allow you to enjoy the unique charms of each region as "Local Fun." The most recommended program is "Ink Play for Adults"! You can experience writing characters on a fan-shaped piece of Japanese paper using ink made with Akama Inkstone, a traditional Yamaguchi craft. The moment you concentrate and hold your brush is sure to sharpen your mind.

Photo courtesy of Kai Nagato (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kainagato/)

meal is a "seasonal kaiseki" course made with plenty of seasonal and local ingredients, which can be enjoyed leisurely in a semi-private meal room. The photo shows the "Spring/Summer Special Kaiseki," which looks refreshing. The main meal is "Kawara Yaki," inspired by Yamaguchi gourmet dish "Kawara Soba." It is served with a squeeze of "Yuzukichi," a citrus fruit that is a specialty of Yamaguchi, for a refreshing taste.

"Bettei Otozure" is a group ryokan adjacent to "Otani Sanso" introduced earlier. This is a luxurious "hot spring inn" for adults that does not accept children under elementary school age. The interior is centered around wood and furnishings in muted colors, and the soft indirect lighting creates a sense of dignity. Ryukyu tatami mats are laid out throughout the building, so you can relax barefoot.

The transparent corridor water basin is a photogenic and relaxing spot. The water basin changes its appearance with the weather and the passage of time, making you want to gaze at it forever. It is also stylish and enchanting when lit up at night.

All 18 rooms in 7 types have an open-air bath. Each room has a modern and spacious design that gives it a special feeling. There are maisonette types that allow you to enjoy the vertically expanding space, and rooms with sofas and terraces where you can enjoy the view of the lush countryside. The large public bath also has an open-air bath and a bedrock bath, so you can relax and soothe yourself in the soft waters of the alkaline simple spring. You can also use the large public bath in the main building, Otani Sanso, for free!

The concept of meal is based on the "philosophy of Santo cuisine," which is to "eat locally grown food in the local cooking method." The banquet cuisine, packed with the charms of Nagato, is lightly seasoned, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of the ingredients. Please take your time to savor the carefully brought out refined flavors.

Hagi city is known as the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration. Hagi Honjin is located about a 5-minute walk from Shoka Sonjuku, a tourist spot that could be said to be a symbol of the city. The retro building with a sense of history is full of Hagi character. The biggest attraction is the large public baths, which are so well-equipped that they could even be called a "bathhouse district"! It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a lot of onsen.

The rooms are a relaxing, adult space that combines a modern Japanese interior with a luxurious and stylish atmosphere. There are a variety of wonderful rooms, both Japanese and Western in style. From the higher floors, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the castle town of Hagi and the Sea of Japan.

The large public bath "Yunomaru" inside the building has 14 different types of baths. There are so many baths you'll want to try, including a vibrating bath where you're surrounded by bubbles, a reclining bath, and a castle wall bath modeled after the stone walls of the ruins of Hagi Castle! The hot water is from a private spring pumped from 2000m underground. Apparently this is groundwater that has been stored little by little for about 20,000 years. The aged ancient water contains a lot of ions, which are said to have beneficial effects on the skin♪ In addition to the large public bath, there are also two private baths (for a fee).

meal include seafood such as Shimonoseki's specialty tiger pufferfish, locally produced Kenran beef, and the famous summer mandarin oranges, all made with local ingredients. Breakfast is a buffet centered around local and original dishes. Enjoy a breakfast full of Hagi flavor at your own pace and as much as you like.

Hagi is also known as a town where kimonos look good, and just walking around the city makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. Hagi no Yado Tomoe is a beautiful, long-established ryokan with a building that has won the Hagi Landscape Award in the Urban Landscape Formation category as one of the buildings that embodies the Japanese atmosphere of Hagi. Your heart will fill with anticipation the moment you see the majestic gate that exudes history.

There are only 25 detached guest rooms on the 9,000m2 site. The atmosphere is relaxing, with the intention of creating a space where even women can relax alone. The simple yet elegant space is decorated with scrolls and frames of writers and business people associated with the hotel. Every room offers a view of the beautiful Japanese garden, which changes with the seasons. Surrounded by silence, gazing at the greenery and flowers of the garden will make you feel the time passing peacefully.

For meal, you can enjoy beautifully presented dishes made with a focus on the season in your in-room dining. Enjoy seasonal flavors to your heart's content, such as tilefish in spring, stonefish in summer, and pufferfish in autumn and winter. In the morning, a Japanese breakfast is served, with great care taken in the presentation. A beautiful and delicious breakfast is the perfect start to your day.

The 3300m2 Japanese garden shows different expressions depending on the season and the angle from which you view it. The lobby is lined with George Nakashima's Koinodo Chairs, which are eye-catching for their neat design. We recommend sitting here and relaxing while looking out at the garden. The hotel also has a large public bath with a beautiful, stately design featuring an all-cypress ceiling and a black granite bathtub. Enjoy the natural onsen of Hagi, which have excellent moisturizing and heat-retaining properties.

Kawatana Grand Hotel is located in the western part of Yamaguchi. There are a variety of guest rooms available, including modern Japanese-Western style rooms, detached Sukiya-style houses, and rooms that are dog-friendly, but the most distinctive of these is the penthouse, Cortot, shown in the photo. You can immerse yourself in an urban atmosphere while staying at a onsen inn. The heated floors mean you can stay warm even in winter with bare feet.

The stylish penthouse with a futuristic feel also comes with a private observation bath and terrace overlooking the uninhabited island "Koryu Island," named after the French pianist Cortot! You can gaze upon the view, which Cortot praised as a "beautiful, dreamlike island," for as long as you like while warming up in the bath.

The hotel also has a large public bath with onsen water and four types of private baths (fees apply)! onsen is weakly alkaline and is also known as a beauty bath. Take a relaxing bath and aim for smooth skin. We recommend using not only the bath in your room, but also the large public bath and private baths to enjoy the feeling of bathing in different baths.

"Kawara Soba" is known as the soul food of Yamaguchi, and in fact, it originated in onsen. For lunch, be sure to visit "Otafuku", a restaurant that specializes in Kawara Soba, located on the premises! The smooth texture of the fragrant green soba and the crispy texture of the scorched rice are a delight♪

onsen Kotengu-san Lodge is a small inn that only accepts eight groups per day. All guest rooms are detached, and meal are served in private rooms. Children under 12 years old are not allowed to stay, making it a sort of hidden inn for adults only. You can spend your private time relaxing without worrying about the people around you. There are two types of rooms: maisonette and single-story. The calm, modern Japanese interior and gentle lighting will soothe you.

All rooms have an open-air bath and an indoor bath. The open-air bath is a rustic stone or rock bath, while the indoor bath is a cute retro tile bath. The hot water is a free-flowing hot spring source. You can luxuriously enjoy the fresh water that has just come out of the spring. Guests can also use the large public bath in the main building, ryokan Kotengu, for free!

You can choose from a total of five courses for your meal. We recommend the "Fuku Full Course" where you can fully enjoy the taste of Shimonoseki's specialty, tiger fugu. Starting with "Fuku Fin Sake", you can enjoy fugu dishes such as "Fugu Chiri" and "Fried Fugu" to your heart's content! We also recommend the "Shimonoseki Fugu Kaiseki" where you can enjoy not only fugu but also Yamaguchi gourmet "Kawara Soba".

Be sure to check out the cute little items displayed throughout the building. The photo shows a corner of the front lobby. The shop inside the building is lined with a wide selection of carefully selected local handmade crafts. Enjoy discovering some lovely little items that you can only find here.

"Yamaguchi onsen Kokian" is a hot onsen inn located in the city center, yet with a tranquil rural atmosphere. It is easily accessible, about a 10-minute walk from onsen Station. Modern elements can be seen here and there in the traditional Japanese atmosphere. It is filled with a warm and relaxing atmosphere where you can relax without having to be uptight.

All rooms come with a terrace and an open-air bath with free-flowing water from the source of onsen which is known for its skin-beautifying properties. The atmosphere is like a mountain lodge, making you forget you're in the city. Among these, there are only two special rooms with heated pools, so you can relax and have fun in the resort atmosphere without even leaving your room.

The grounds include a large, park-like garden filled with greenery, making you forget you're in the city. There is also a foot bath overlooking the garden, and sofas with parasols for relaxing. At night, the place is lit up, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

meal are served in a Japanese banquet style. The simple flavors that bring out the deliciousness of local ingredients are appealing. The dishes and presentation are beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the food with all your senses. You can also view the lush garden from the meal area.

Matsudaya Hotel is a traditional Japanese ryokan that has been in business since the Edo period. It is filled with a formal atmosphere, but its warm hospitality is also what makes it so appealing. As proof that it was loved by the great men who played an active role in the Meiji Restoration, there are many valuable documents on display within the building. The rooms in the main building are built in the sukiya style, giving you the feeling of a good old Japanese ryokan. The rooms in the new building have a warm atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of wood.

We especially recommend the "Omodaka" room in the main building, which comes with an open-air bath fed by natural hot spring water. The traditional design is wonderful, but the biggest attraction is the location that seems to jut out over the pond in the strolling garden! Why not sit on a chair on the veranda with Nishikigoi carp swimming gracefully at your feet and relax while reading your favorite novel?

There are five large baths and two family baths, each with its own unique charm. The water comes from onsen, famous for its skin-beautifying properties. There is also a free-flowing bath! There are baths made entirely of cypress, a bath made with plenty of rugged rocks, and an open-air bath that is lit up at night, so you can try out different baths to achieve smooth, beautiful skin♪ Another nice thing about the main building is that the amenities are from L'Occitane♡

You can enjoy fresh seafood from Yamaguchi at your meal. The menu changes monthly and uses plenty of seasonal ingredients. You can choose from three grades. They also pay particular attention to the temperature of the meal, and are careful to serve it at its most delicious. With a variety of delicious dishes that are a feast for the eyes, you won't be able to stop talking or eating your chopsticks♪

Shimonoseki onsen Kaze no Umi is an inn with a view of the Kanmon Straits. All rooms have an ocean view with a panoramic bath, and the calming sight of ships passing by is relaxing. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy onsen and the spectacular view in a private space! Inside the inn, there is also a library where you can relax while listening to the sound of the waves, and a spa where you can receive custom treatments in a private room.

There are five types of rooms in total, but we recommend the "SEA Suite" located on the top floor! The spacious 69㎡ space and the open ceiling in the living room give a sense of openness. From the Japanese-style room space with two windows, you can enjoy the sea view as if you were on a cruise!

The semi-open-air bath in your room is of course a natural onsen! You can also see the ocean view from here. Watching the ships passing by and the changing colors of the sea and sky will make you feel like time is passing more calmly than usual. Forget about your daily life and spend some time relaxing in onsen while warming yourself up.

Dinner is a multi-course meal using plenty of local and seasonal products. You can enjoy Yamaguchi's specialty puffer fish sashimi throughout the year. The dishes, which are rich in color and seasonality, are likely to make you feel happy from the moment they are brought in, and they also ♡ have a reputation for Japanese breakfast, which is full of attention to each dish. meal You can also enjoy a refreshing view of the strait from the venue.

The combination of Yamaguchi's stunning scenery and onsen should be enough to make for a wonderful and relaxing trip. If you choose a stylish inn that stimulates your senses, you'll have a special time that will refine your soul as well. Spend some time at a stylish onsen inn to revitalize your mind and skin.