Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku

Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku pt.3 - The third large area is on the other bank, across the bridge. Nuru-yu, I did not see any exact temperature figures, but by feel it was around 35°C. It is farther downstream and lower in position than the previous two, and the water is also clearly visible here. There is one shower for all 3, or 4 if you include the women’s outdoor bath, and it is in a separate building, with only 2 booths. It is not set up very conveniently, and the staff do not give any special explanations, so I would not be surprised if some foreigners skip the shower altogether. Nothing special about the food, I even forgot to take photos. Overall, despite the great main bath and the excellent room, the impression was a little blurred, because of the combination of tourists, foreign staff, and clothing, the place loses a bit of its charm (yes, I know I am a tourist myself).

Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku pt.2 About the onsen. All of the mixed baths are with special clothing, and they hand it out inside the ryokan near the reception desk. The internet says tattoos are not allowed, but next to me during the day there was a yakuza with a dragon covering his whole back, so maybe something has changed. 3 outdoor konyoku areas: - A huge, powerful bath in the rocks by the river. I remember the temperature as 41°C. It is separated from the river by rocks and almost nothing else, but the rocks are fairly high, so to see the water well, you need to sit on a rock. There is a shallower area on a raised spot. - A shallow bath adjoining the first one. I remember the temperature as 38°C. It is under a large oak tree, with lots of acorns and leaves floating in it. It is separated from the river by a path, so from the bath itself you can only see the opposite bank. I did not see much point in this bath, unless the first one seems too hot. (the third one is in the next part)

Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku pt. 1 Stayed overnight, day trips are also available, 1500. A place that has become very popular, especially because of the winter photos by the river. In general, you can see that there is a large flow of foreign tourists, and apparently because of that they have hired a lot of non-Japanese staff and assign all the gaijin to them, both at the reception and at dinner and breakfast. So it does not feel very warm and welcoming, but well, never mind. The ryokan building itself is located right by the river, and from a room on the lower floor you can hear the river very clearly, even quite loudly at night with the window open. And the view is excellent too.

Takaragawa Onsen is one of the well-known konyoku onsen. It is located not far from Minakami Onsen (Gunma), deep in the mountains. Both day use and overnight stays are available. The baths are spread along a fast-flowing mountain river, with views of the forest and mountains. It has a very atmospheric, local feel. Since the baths are large and not heated, the water away from the source is cool. It is great for summer, but in winter it can feel chilly. For day use, there is not really a proper place to wash yourself. Konyoku: all but one of the baths are mixed bathing, except for one women-only bath. Clothing is required and included in the price. Definitely recommended to visit.