Iwamotoro

Having experienced many hot spring hotels, Iwamoto-ro is the most satisfying. The hotel has a rich historical feel (it has its own exhibition hall, and the hot springs are an Important Cultural Property of Japan), yet the rooms are newly renovated and well-equipped. Dinner and breakfast were very plentiful, making it a truly wonderful place to stay. Most importantly, the room window offers a view of Mount Fuji!

About the Room We were assigned a sea-view room on the first basement floor. It was an eight-tatami mat room. The sea was right in front of us, and the sound of the waves was always a pleasant sound to the ears. All drinks in the room are charged. Also, there is a bathroom in the room, and both the bathroom and toilet have a Showa-era atmosphere. About the Baths The Roman bath only has washing areas for four people. The bathtub is also small, and it becomes full with six people. However, the design of both the bathtub and the changing room is elaborate, so it is worth seeing. In contrast, the cave bath has many washing areas that extend far into the cave. The bathtub is also long and extends far back, and is spacious enough to comfortably fit 10 or 15 people. However, what is most frightening is that there are old lanterns and torii gates in the dim light. Furthermore, it is said that it was used as a punishment room for children a long time ago, which makes it even more frightening, but it is worth seeing.

Experience authentic Japanese style – old-fashioned and rustic. Transportation is extremely inconvenient; even taking a taxi involves going up a slope.

A wonderful trip

The room was old and run-down. No one told me the main door would close after midnight when I checked in. When we returned after dinner, the door was locked. We rang the doorbell for an hour, but no one answered. The hotel phone went unanswered. Finally, we called Ctrip customer service, but it was swarming with mosquitoes and we were freezing. After 30 minutes of trying, an old man finally opened the door. The next day, when we asked why we weren't told the door closed at midnight and why no one answered the doorbell or phone, they just said, "Because this is Japan." Okay, everyone I've met in Japan has been very polite, except for this place. Is it some kind of WWII remnant?

The room had a fantastic view of Mount Fuji, which made it all worthwhile. The tatami mats were quite firm. The cave hot spring was unique, but the other romantic hot spring was rather ordinary and quite old…

Wonderful hotel. I really enjoyed the caves with hot baths, which are included in the price. But the most amazing thing was the view from the room. The ocean and Mount Fuji. Simply stunning!