Osuge Onsen Motoyu Ryokan

Motoyu Ryokan is a secluded single-inn hot spring standing along the Satogawa river valley in Osuge, Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The spring is said to have been opened around 300 years ago and has long been known as a therapeutic bathing retreat since the Edo period. Surrounded by the tranquil rural landscape of the Okukuji mountains, every guest room offers views over the Satogawa river basin.

The water is a simple sulfur spring. With a source temperature of about 16C it is a cold mineral spring, yet it qualifies as an onsen under Japanese hot spring law thanks to its content of fluoride ions, total sulfur, and metasilicic acid. Its high alkalinity of roughly pH 10.2 gives a silky feel that leaves the skin smooth. The cold source is heated to around 41C, and each bath has separate taps for heated spring water and cold mineral water so bathers can adjust the temperature to taste.

Day-trip bathing starts at 500 yen for adults, open 10:00 to 20:00 with no regular closing days. Overnight stays include two meals featuring local river fish, mountain vegetables, and the inn's renowned soba. Parking is available for seven cars.