Kiyasuya

Kiyasuya is a secluded one-inn retreat in the Sujiyu Onsen area of Kokonoe, Oita Prefecture, set on a highland plateau at roughly 1,000 meters above sea level. Sujiyu Onsen is a hot spring village said to have been opened in the year 958 and famed for its 'Utase' cascade baths, where water falls from a height of about three meters. Kiyasuya opened in October 2006 as a collection of detached cottages, each with a private open-air bath, and is a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns.

The water is a sodium chloride spring with a pH of about 7.9, mildly alkaline, colorless, odorless and smooth on the skin, valued as a beauty bath that sloughs away old skin. It is drawn from a shared distribution system fed in part by geothermal water from Hatchobaru and served as free-flowing gensen kakenagashi; well water is added in summer, while no heating or filtration recirculation is used, and the water is not for drinking.

Besides separate indoor and open-air baths for men and women, the inn offers private rental baths, and every guest room has its own open-air bath. Overnight stays with two meals start at around 18,700 yen and feature rustic mountain cuisine from the Oita, Kokonoe and Aso areas. Day-trip bathing is available from 10:00 to 17:00 for 500 yen per 40 minutes, though it may be suspended, so confirm in advance.