Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya

Set at the western edge of the Nasu mountains in Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Daikokuya is a retreat-and-art ryokan spread across roughly 3,000 tsubo of grounds. Its Matsu, Ume, and Take pavilions overlook the upper reaches of the Naka River and are ringed by mountains. Founded in 1551, the inn carries more than 470 years of history. Itamuro Onsen is a nationally designated health-resort spring long known as the medicinal water of Shimotsuke.

The water is a clear, colorless alkaline simple spring with a pH of about 9.7. The source emerges at around 40C, and the baths are 100 percent free-flowing with no added water, heating, recirculation, or chlorine. The gentle, lukewarm water is prized for slow, restorative soaking that warms the body from within.

Bathing facilities include the Taiyo no Yu and Hinoki no Yu indoor baths, an open-air bath renewed in February 2023, and private free-flowing spring rooms. A salon hosting monthly art exhibitions, an art museum, a cafe, a library, and garden walking paths make for a stay steeped in cuisine and art.