Hachimantai Kougen Hotel

A mountain inn in the Hachimantai highlands, close to the ski slopes, and built around staying several nights. It has a large indoor bath and an open-air bath, and the water is clear with a faint yellow tint, light and clean-feeling rather than heavy. The open-air bath is the memorable part: its surface is a colorful mosaic that mixes tiles with the bottoms of dishes and teacups. Visitors describe a homely, easygoing place run by a friendly owner, popular with ski groups in winter and as a cool retreat in summer. Day-use bathing is also possible.