Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku

A hotel in Kotohira, Kagawa. It tries to be a ryokan, using traditional motifs and materials, but the scale works against the idea. It consists of two buildings, each with its own onsen section. In the newer building (Sansuikan), the baths are located on the first floor and were available for day-use at the time of visit (no longer available now). In the older and more traditional building (Hitenkan), the baths and the panoramic rotenburo are on the top floor and offer a wonderful view, but are only accessible to Hitenkan guests. The source is weakly alkaline, pH 7.8, containing a little radon. The water is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. The main indoor bath in Sansuikan is hard to describe without using the word "pool" (it is claimed to be the largest in Shikoku). There are jets, two herbal baths, a sauna, and a mizuburo (cold bath). Outside in the garden, there is a charming stone rotenburo and a smaller bath (with a crowd of rubber ducks!). The vibe is specific. If you are looking for something intimate and cozy, this is definitely not your choice, but for a traditional wedding with a hundred guests, it’s just right.