Hotel Epele

A small family-run inn in Ikenotaira onsen, in the hills of Myoko. The large indoor baths (daiyokujo) are separate for men and women, filled with onsen water that is kept flowing fresh (kakenagashi, 掛け流し). The water runs on the hot side. The inn is plain and unfussy, with antiques and ceramics around the place and a dining room that feels more like a cafe. Mountains outside the windows, and wild squirrels now and then in the morning.