Entrance of Shoho-en, a rural Japanese hot spring hotel. It looks simple and bare. (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Shoho-en at Shin-Hirayu Onsen

Rural hot spring hotel with genuine irori fireplace

Takako Sakamoto   - 1 min read

On October 10th in 2010, I visited Mount Shin-Hotaka in Okuhida villages to see the gorgeous autumn leaves there, and stayed in Shin-Hirayu Onsen. I wanted to stay closer to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway station, but hotels there were already fully booked. Instead, I made a reservation at a Japanese house-style rural inn with a 'free-flowing hot spring' and an irori fireplace in the room.

Due to unexpected rain, I couldn't climb Mount Shin-Hotaka after all. Instead I stayed and relaxed in this 120 year old rural inn. The hotel staff here welcome you with 'moderate' service. They won't overwhelm you with excessive hospitality, which can be annoying. So, I could truly relax, and spend a wonderful time here!

Travel to Okuhida 1. Shoho-en at Shin-Hirayu Onsen 2. Feast of Hida

Takako Sakamoto

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...