Shironuno Onsen Azumaya

A ryokan in Shirabu Onsen (白布温泉), a spring that has been running since 1312. The standout bath is the Taki-buro (滝風呂), a stone indoor tub that has been in use for roughly 400 years, fed by a 3-meter waterfall of hot spring water you can press directly against sore muscles. A second stone indoor bath was hand-carved from large garden stones that once belonged to the Uesugi clan. Separate open-air baths sit in the trees outside, changing character with the seasons: autumn foliage in fall, snow-viewing in winter. The water is clear with a faint sulfur note and a generous swirl of yubana (mineral flakes), all kakenagashi. A private family bath is available without a reservation.