1. Staying at a traditional, secluded hot spring resort is an escape from the ordinary.

Located about 40 minutes by car from Ashoro town center, Nonaka Onsen is situated on the shores of Lake Onneto at the foot of Mount Meakan (1,499m above sea level), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.

The hot spring is named after the surname of the first owner, Masujiro Nonaka. Currently, the fourth-generation proprietress runs the inn. Originally, there were several inns in Meakan Onsen, but now only "Nonaka Onsen" remains.

The majestic figure of Mount Meakan towering behind the inn, along with the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort, heightens the sense of being in a special, otherworldly place even before you enter the inn.

I was welcomed in a warm, homey atmosphere and immediately shown to my room. I had booked an 11-tatami mat room, and the beautiful tatami space was very comfortable and clean.

2. The charm of a secluded hot spring is irresistible! Enjoy one of Japan's most concentrated sulfur springs.

Now, let me introduce the hot springs! The baths at Nonaka Onsen are separated for men and women and consist of two parts: an indoor bath and an open-air bath.

First of all, the bathhouse is a building constructed using Japanese red spruce and Sakhalin fir trees that grow naturally in the surrounding forest. Along with the pine wood bathtub, not a single nail was used in its construction. The milky white water supplied to it creates a truly classic, secluded hot spring experience.

Stepping outside, you'll find a rustic open-air bath, built by the third generation of the family. Despite its open and airy atmosphere, the strong smell of sulfur and oil, almost like gasoline, fills your nostrils. The water, which seems to have just sprung up from a volcano, has an incredibly potent quality.

However, since it's not a highly acidic spring, there's no pain, and even I, with my atopic dermatitis, can relax and enjoy the bath, which is a great relief. The tingling hot water soothes the body, and the time spent bathing while gazing at the pristine forest, feeling as if I'm receiving the timeless power of the earth, was truly exceptional.

3. The hospitality is wonderful! Enjoy the food that only a secluded hot spring resort can offer.

One of the attractions of staying at Nonaka Onsen is the food. Both breakfast and dinner feature delicious meals packed with Hokkaido ingredients. Each dish has a comforting, nostalgic flavor. You'll enjoy a truly relaxing meal.

Although I visited in the middle of summer, the mornings and evenings were quite chilly, so the warm hot pot was especially delicious. The wild vegetable salad I had for breakfast was also very flavorful and paired well with rice.

At the dining venue, you'll find Tyrol, the restaurant's resident golden retriever! Her friendly nature and gentle expression were so soothing to watch. She also seems to get along well with the cats that live at Nonaka Onsen.

4. Nonaka Onsen, which can also be used as a base for climbing Mt. Meakan.

Finally, here's a photo of my climb to the summit of Mount Meakan, which I reached after leaving Nonaka Onsen before dawn. The climb from Nonaka Onsen to the summit of Mount Meakan takes about two hours one way.

Since I had other plans afterward, I climbed the mountain on a pretty tight schedule: 3:30am/Nonaka Onsen → 5:30am/Mt. Meakan summit → 7am/Nonaka Onsen (hot spring and breakfast) (lol), but at the summit I was treated to a breathtaking sunrise and a sea of ​​clouds.

Enjoy a quick and easy hike, then soothe your body in a sulfurous hot spring after descending. We highly recommend using Nonaka Onsen as your base for climbing Mount Meakan.

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

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