Kikuchi Kanko Hotel

Kikuchi Onsen is located in a castle town that flourished as the stronghold of the Kikuchi clan, a family of warriors during Japan's Warring States period. The mildly alkaline water that springs from the valley has a smooth, silky texture and is known as a “beauty bath” for its gentle effect on the skin. At this hotel, guests can fully experience these renowned waters, selected among Japan's 100 Famous Hot Springs.

Its open-air baths include a men's bath surrounded by seasonal scenery, a women's bath overlooking the bamboo grove of neighboring Shokanji Temple, and a private bath. There are also two large communal baths: one in the Main Building with a spacious tub and another in the East Building with large windows that create an open atmosphere. Guests are free to explore the different baths as they please. To help retain the skin's moisturized feel after bathing in the free-flowing natural hot spring water, it is said to be best to pat yourself lightly with a towel and let your skin air-dry.

Set on a hillside, the hotel also takes pride in the views from its guest rooms. Rooms in the Main Building look out over lush camphor trees just beyond the windows, while those on the upper floors of the East Building offer distant views of Mount Unzen. Both provide outstanding scenery. Breakfast and dinner are buffet-style, with about 35 Japanese and Western dishes featuring plenty of seasonal local ingredients. Breakfast includes comforting country-style dishes, while dinner features popular choices such as sushi and tempura as well as traditional local cuisine.