Nonohana Yakeyamaso

Nonohana Yakeyamaso is a tatami ryokan near Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流, Oirase Keiryu) in Aomori, built throughout from Aomori cypress (青森ヒバ, Aomori hiba). The water comes piped from Sarukura Onsen (猿倉温泉, Sarukura Onsen), run as kakenagashi with no recirculation. It's a clear, soft spring that the bath hall turns into something like a light steam environment. There are three bath areas: the cypress-lined indoor bath and two outdoor stone baths. The rotenburo swap between men and women twice a day, so guests staying overnight can use both sides. The outdoor baths are sheltered by walls and change character with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to heavy snow in winter.