Shinshu Kamisuwa Onsen Hotel Saginoyu, an Inn with Amber-Colored Private Hot Spring Source

I stayed one night as a solo traveler in a Room with an open-air bath. The free-flowing, natural hot spring open-air bath had a slightly silky texture—truly an Onsen. I also appreciated being able to adjust the temperature by adding water. Having the open-air bath all to myself while looking out over Lake Suwa was amazing. The entire Accommodation felt refined and elegant rather than flashy, with beautiful interiors and a lovely Japanese garden. The staff were all warm and kind, and I was able to relax throughout my stay. Since I could only stay one night this time, I’d love to come back again. I liked the in-room bath so much that I didn’t make it to the large public bath, so next time I’d like to try the large public bath and the cypress open-air bath as well.

We stayed here as our Accommodation for cherry-blossom viewing at the Takato Castle Ruins. It was my first visit to Lake Suwa in decades, and I was pleased to see how well maintained the lakeside area is. The Hotel’s proprietress and staff were very attentive, and we had a comfortable stay. The open-air bath in our Room had excellent water quality, the temperature could be adjusted, and the view of Lake Suwa was wonderful—very relaxing. The meals were delicious, though I would have liked a bit more Shinshu highland vegetables. If there were unsweetened sours made with fresh juice, it would have been perfect.