Houshi Onsen
Located on the Houshi River in the Gunma Prefecture, the Houshi Onsen Chojukan is the epitome of a traditional ryokan where weary travelers can experience Japanese hospitality.
Built in 1875 at the source of the hot spring, the Chojukan is a secluded mountain getaway that offers majestic views and an insight into the traditional Japanese lifestyle.
Modeled after original bathhouses and adorned with photos of its famous historical guests, it almost feels like you are stepping back through time.
The communal areas boast a handsome wood décor, and all guest rooms are furnished in the traditional Japanese style with woven-straw tatami mats, futon bedding, and a low table with seating cushions.
Toilets and bathing facilities are shared by all guests, which is fitting since the life at the hotel revolves around its unique hot springs.
The Chojukan offers both indoor and outdoor bathing areas for you to enjoy. Some areas are restricted by gender to provide a more private experience.
The Houshi Onsen Chojukan melds into the wooded slopes, offering a truly relaxing and unforgettable experience.
The atrium has a collection of calligraphic works of poets of the Meiji period and household Shinto altars.
Most rooms are equipped with modern electronics, but the oldest rooms appear just as they did when the ryokan first opened.
The oldest guest room at Houshi Onsen Chojukan is a registered national cultural property.
The quiet room overlooks the courtyard with blooming trees.
Choju No Yu - Women-only traditional hot spring bath.
The crystal clear spring water and even the pipes bringing the water to the spa were approved by the Natural Hot Spring Examination Association of Japan that measured its properties.
Hoshi No Yu is the inn's mixed-gender onsen, where hotel guests and visitors are both allowed - although in limited numbers.
The Rokumeikan-style (Banqueting House of the Meiji period in Japan) large wooden bath is the highlight of Hoshi Chujokan.
Tamaki No Yu is the hotel's open-air bath.
The open-air baths are located outside the glass doors of the indoor spa. There is nothing like soaking in crystal clear hot springs while looking up at the starry night.
For those seeking to explore beyond the ryokan, there is world-class skiing throughout Gunma, and Takumi-no-Sato's crafts village is only 20 minutes away.
