Nishitani Kosen Chuseikan

Chuseikan is a small countryside ryokan in Nishitani, a quiet hot-spring area in the mountains outside Nagaoka, Niigata. Its water is a naturally cool mineral spring, clear and faintly scented, drawn into separate indoor baths for men and women that guests share rather than book privately. Local tradition says the water eases cuts, sore backs and skin trouble, and is especially good for hemorrhoids. Legend has it the spring was first found because wild animals used to bathe there. The inn today is known as much for its home-style countryside cooking, made with local ingredients, as for its baths, and guests describe a quiet, old-fashioned, homely feel.