Hagi Honjin, an Inn with Its Own Hot Spring Source

Located near Shokasonjuku Academy, founded by Yoshida Shoin in Hagi, Yamaguchi, in the late Edo period, this hot spring inn is known for its private hot spring source that wells up from 2,000 meters underground. Its large public bath area features 14 baths in total for men and women, including open-air baths inspired by the earthen walls of Hagi’s townscape and the stone walls of Hagi Castle, as well as spacious indoor baths, so you can enjoy a bath-hopping experience while looking out over the garden.

Guest rooms come in a variety of styles, including Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. Especially popular are the special rooms with open-air hot spring baths or scenic-view baths, the concept rooms on the top floor, each with its own distinct character across all eight rooms, and the stylish Japanese-Western rooms. For dinner, enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine made with ingredients from each time of year. Some courses also feature carefully selected flavors from Yamaguchi, including premium tiger pufferfish and Japanese black wagyu beef.

Another highlight is the Okuhagi Observatory, which can only be accessed from this inn. From the observatory at an elevation of 172 meters, reached by a paid shuttle bus reminiscent of a steam locomotive, you can take in sweeping views of Hagi’s cityscape and the Sea of Japan. You can also relax in the footbath while enjoying the spectacular scenery.