Kirizumi Onsen Kintokan

Kintokan is the sole inn of Kirizumi Onsen, set in the mountains of Sakamoto, Matsuida-machi, Annaka City, Gunma, along the Kirizumi River on the north side of the old Usui Pass. It was founded in 1884 (Meiji 17). Before Karuizawa was developed, Kirizumi was a popular summer retreat, and the inn is said to have hosted figures such as Ito Hirobumi, Yosano Akiko and Katsu Kaishu. After the great flood of 1910 swept away the surrounding buildings, Kintokan alone remained. It had no electricity until 1981 and was lit by oil lamps.

The water is a calcium sulfate spring with a source temperature of about 38.9 C and is weakly alkaline. It is clear and colorless with a soft feel, and tiny bubbles cling to the skin while you soak. About 300 liters per minute flow out, and the bath is run as 24-hour free-flowing source water. Because the water is lukewarm, it suits a long, slow soak.

The bathhouse has a retro tiled bath. Overnight guests are served meals in their rooms, such as seasonal tempura, sashimi konnyaku and salt-grilled sweetfish. Day-trip bathing is also offered; please check the fee and reception hours in advance. The inn is reached on foot from the parking area, and there are no other buildings nearby, so the setting is very quiet.