Kasenkyo Izutsuya. A classic onsen stay in Yumura.

Kasenkyo Izutsuya stands on a hill overlooking Yumura Onsen village. Steam rises from the streets below, especially in the early morning and evening. The ryokan has over 300 years of history and has been family run since the Edo period. You feel that history right away as you step in the well-maintained building.

Arrival and check in

We arrived by car. A staff member guided us to the parking area while another helped bring our bags inside. Check in felt smooth and unhurried. The staff explained the house rules and basic information clearly. We were then led to the lobby.

The lobby is large and open, with a wide glass window facing a Japanese garden. It was raining when we arrived, but the garden still looked beautiful. Rain added to the atmosphere.

We were served a welcome snack. Seasonal chestnut mochi with matcha. Simple and comforting. After that, the staff guided us through the building. They showed us the dining area for dinner and breakfast, explained the onsen locations and schedules, and then led us to our room.

The room and the view

We stayed on the 5th floor in a Japanese style tatami room. The room was spacious and well maintained. From the window, we could see the onsen town below. Steam rose from different spots around the village. At night, the town felt quiet and atmospheric.

Room options include Japanese style rooms, Western style rooms, suites, and rooms with private open air baths. A private onsen can also be booked for an extra fee.

The onsen experience

The hotel has hot springs on two floors. One is on basement level two. One is on the rooftop on the 7th floor. Only one elevator goes to the rooftop bath. To reach the basement bath, you go to B1 and then take the stairs.

The baths are separated by gender and operate on a schedule. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the onsen.

How to use the onsen

You can wear the yukata provided in your room. Use the small pouch or basket for your towel and essentials. Lockers are available outside the bathing area for valuables.

Inside the changing room, you first place your slippers using the numbered clips. Then you store your clothes in a locker or basket. Take the small towel with you.

You enter the bath area without clothes. Before soaking, rinse your body at the washing station. Soap and shampoo are provided. After soaking, rinse again. You can wash your hair and face at this time.

About the small towel

The small towel is for washing your body and for modesty while walking. Never place it in the bath water. After soaking, you can lightly dry off with it before returning to the changing room. Use the large towel there to dry completely.

Inside the changing room, you will find mirrors, hair dryers, and basic skin care items.

Onsen manners and safety

Keep voices low. Do not swim or submerge your head. Tie up long hair. Enter the baths slowly and walk carefully to avoid slipping. Drink water before and after bathing. Avoid alcohol and avoid bathing right after a meal.

Dinner: Kaiseki with local flavors

We booked a plan with dinner and breakfast. Dinner featured wagyu beef and crab.

Our dinner included:

• Plum wine

• Three seasonal appetizers.

• Four kinds of sashimi.

• Simmered seasonal ingredients.

• Steamed egg custard with crab and savory sauce.

• Charcoal grilled seafood with dengaku miso.

• Japanese black wagyu beef sukiyaki hot pot.

• Shrimp tempura with two other fried items.

• Boiled snow crab with vinegar dip.

• Rice with blended miso soup.

• Pickles.

• Plum pudding.

Each dish came at a relaxed pace. Flavors were clean and well balanced.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 9:00 am in the same dining area. We went at 8:00 am.

Breakfast included assorted pickles, sashimi, tamagoyaki, grilled salmon, miso soup, rice, nori, tofu, yuba, vegetable salad, and yogurt. Bread, coffee, and tea are self service. You can ask for more rice.

Location and overall feel

The hotel sits next to the main road and is easy to find. From the basement floor, you can directly access Yumura Onsen town. Umbrellas are available on rainy days.

As soon as you step inside, you can tell this is an old ryokan. It feels traditional, calm, and carefully cared for. Everything works smoothly. Nothing feels rushed.

Check in starts at 15:00. Check out is until 10:00.

Kasenkyo Izutsuya is ideal if you want a classic onsen stay, good food, and time to slow down while looking over a quiet hot spring town.