Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a secluded one-inn hot spring and member of the Japan Secret Hot Springs Association, nestled at the foot of Mikuni Pass in Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture. Preserving Meiji-era architecture, the main building, the Rokumeikan-style large bath 'Hoshi-no-yu,' and the rustic annex are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Said to have been discovered by Kobo Daishi, this historic hot spring features Hoshi-no-yu built in 1875 (Meiji 8), a precious wooden structure that retains its original atmosphere.

The hot spring is a calcium/sodium-sulfate spring with a source temperature of approximately 27°C. Its greatest feature is the rare 'ashimoto yushutsu' (foot-source hot spring), where the source water wells up directly from the bottom of the bathtub. Hoshi-no-yu is a mixed bathing large bath, but from 20:00-22:00 it becomes women-only time. There are also women-only baths and gender-alternating baths.

The spring quality is calcium/sodium-sulfate spring, said to be effective for gastrointestinal disorders, burns, and arteriosclerosis. The 'ashimoto yushutsu,' where the source wells up from the bathtub bottom, is rare nationwide, allowing enjoyment of fresh source water as is.

With 28 rooms total, the charming wooden architectural guest rooms are attractive. Meals feature dishes using local ingredients. Accommodation rates are 16,800-29,400 yen per person per night with two meals (tax included). Day-use bathing is available for 1,500 yen for adults, operating hours 11:00-14:00 (last entry 13:30), closed Wednesdays and year-end/New Year holidays.

Access is by bus or taxi from JR Joetsu Line Gokan Station (about 40 minutes). By car, it's about 30 minutes from Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway. Free parking is available. In winter, studless tires or chains required due to heavy snowfall. It's a historic secluded one-inn hot spring where you can enjoy Meiji-era architecture and foot-source hot spring.