News Discussion

Japan's Movie-Like Retro Hot Spring Destinations, Ranked

As January arrives and the cold sets in, few things are more inviting than a soak in a hot spring. Japan is home to countless hot spring resorts, each with its own distinct charm, and some are especially known for their nostalgic, retro atmosphere. Based on a 2024 survey by the travel information website JALAN News, here is a ranking of hot spring destinations whose timeless appeal feels as if it were lifted straight from a movie.

1. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Based on responses from 1,022 people across Japan, the top spot went to Hoshi Onsen Chojukan in Gunma Prefecture. Its main bath, Hoshi no Yu, is an indoor bath dating back to 1895. The bathing hall features a striking blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, highlighted by Rokumeikan-inspired arched windows and massive wooden beams.

Beyond its nostalgic charm, the bath offers the rare experience of soaking in water that naturally wells up from the bottom of the tub, making it truly special. The inn is also a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. Guests can also enjoy Tamaki no Yu, which features both indoor and open-air baths.

2. Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu

Taking second place is Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, a tranquil space infused with retro-modern charm. Reconstructed in 2010 as a faithful recreation of a Meiji-era public bath, Kosoyu features an atmospheric bathing hall adorned with Kutani ware tiles.

There are no showers — instead, visitors bathe in the traditional style, by pouring water just as people did in the past. Sunlight filtering through colorful stained glass reflects off the surface of the bath, creating a dreamlike scene. Soap and shampoo are not permitted, helping preserve the authentic feel of the era. This communal bath is a place where history, beauty, and a sense of escape come together.

4. Katakurakan

Ranked fourth is Katakurakan in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Built in 1928 by the Katakura Group, a major player in the silk-reeling industry, the facility was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2011. Its grand Western-style architecture holds significant cultural value, while the interior features marble bathtubs, colorful stained glass, and elaborate sculptures that are well worth admiring. Still in operation today as the famed Sennin Buro bath, Katakurakan offers visitors a luxurious bathing experience surrounded by history and art.

Top Five Movie-Like Retro Hot Springs

1. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture)

2. Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu (Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

3. Okutsuchiyu Hito Kawakami Onsen (Fukushima City)

4. Katakurakan (Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture)

5. Shin-Tamagawa Onsen (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture)

1. 1. distinct 独特
   Each artist has a distinct style that is easy to recognize.
2. 2. feature 備わる
   The new phone features a camera that works well in low light.
3. 3. experience 体験
   Traveling alone can be a valuable experience for young adults.
4. 4. recreation 再現
   The museum built a recreation of an old village for visitors.
5. 5. significant 重要な
   Winning the award was a significant moment in Josie’s career.

1. 1. What is special about the bathing hall at Hoshi Onsen Chojukan?
2. 2. What special rule is mentioned about soap and shampoo at Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu?
3. 3. Describe the inside of the Katakurakan.
4. 4. Why do you think people enjoy visiting places with a retro atmosphere?
5. 5. Would you like to visit a historic hot spring like the ones in the article? Why or why not?

1月に入り、寒さが一層厳しくなる季節こそ、温泉が恋しくなりますよね。日本各地には個性豊かな温泉地が数多くありますが、中には〝レトロな雰囲気〟を楽しめるスポットもあります。今回は旅行情報サイト「じゃらんニュース」による令和6年実施のアンケートの中から、映画のワンシーンのようなレトロ温泉のランキングを紹介します。

全国から1022人の回答が寄せられた結果、1位に選ばれたのは群馬県みなかみ町の「法師温泉 長寿館」でした。大浴場「法師乃湯」は明治28年に建築された内湯。鹿鳴館風のアーチ窓と太い梁（はり）で構成される和洋折衷の建築美を堪能できます。情緒あふれる雰囲気だけでなく湯船の底から湧く源泉の秘湯体験は格別。自然環境保全にも取り組む「日本秘湯を守る会」の会員宿。内風呂と露天風呂が併設された「玉城乃湯」も楽しめます。

2位にランクインしたのは、レトロモダンな趣と癒やしの空間に包まれる石川県加賀市の「山代温泉 古総湯」。明治時代の総湯を平成22年に復元した「古総湯」は九谷焼タイルに彩られる風情ある浴室です。シャワーはなく、かけ湯で入る昔ながらの入浴スタイルを体験できます。カラフルなステンドグラスから差し込む光が湯面に映りこむ幻想的な世界観を演出しています。せっけんやシャンプーの使用は禁止で、当時の空気感を忠実に再現。歴史と美と非日常を存分に感じられる共同浴場です。

4位には、長野県諏訪市の「片倉館」が選ばれました。製糸業で知られる片倉財閥が昭和3年に竣工（しゅんこう）した温泉施設で、平成23年に国の重要文化財に指定されました。西洋様式を取り入れた重厚な建築は文化的価値が高く、館内の大理石浴槽や色鮮やかなステンドグラス、飾られている彫刻は見応えたっぷり。現在も「千人風呂」として営業し、歴史と芸術に包まれるぜいたくな時間を感じさせてくれる施設です。

レトロな建築物や、趣のある浴場で満喫できるのは非日常感。そんな施設で今年は映画のワンシーンのような入浴をしてみませんか。

映画の一場面のようなレトロ温泉ランキング

１．法師温泉 長寿館（群馬県みなかみ町）
２．山代温泉 古総湯（石川県加賀市）
３．奥つちゆ 秘湯 川上温泉（福島市）
４．片倉館（長野県諏訪市）
５．新玉川温泉（秋田県仙北市）