Yahikokan Myogaya

A small, old-fashioned ryokan in Yahiko, on the walk between the station and the shrine. Day visitors (higaeri nyuyoku, 日帰り入浴) go up to the bath on the rooftop, where opening the windows brings a breeze. The water is soft and easy to stay in for a long while. Towels are lent, shampoo, body soap and a hairdryer are there, and after the bath you get tea and a sweet in a back room. The bath is not large, so it can get crowded, and there are no lockers. The inn has a faded Showa-era feel and is run by an elderly couple who greet you warmly. It suits people who like that kind of place more than anyone after a polished hotel.