Misasakan
A Lush Onsen Adventure at Misasakan
Located at one end of Misasa Onsen town’s three bridges; Kajika Bridge (where one can also enjoy the free onsen footbath Kajika no Yu) is one of the town’s bigger onsen ryokan accommodations; Misasakan.
Especially beautiful in Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom surround the onsen ryokan and all on the banks of Mitoku river and Kajika Bridge; if you can time it, definitely try to visit in Spring.
The design of Misasakan is evocative of a Japanese castle with the building’s white walls and tiled roof, and upon entering, a great Japanese garden flows outside from the lobby.
The garden is a constant theme throughout Misasakan, as from various viewpoints in the hotel you can enjoy different perspectives of the garden and appreciate it even more throughout the changing of the seasons.
An Onsen Meguri Adventure
For those onsen lovers out there like me, the charm of staying in a slightly bigger sized onsen ryokan is that generally the number of onsen baths one can enjoy is much larger and Misasakan does not disappoint.
With their own natural hot spring source located within the grounds of their 1000m2 garden, guests can experience their own mini onsen meguri “onsen hopping” throughout 12 different onsen baths, as well as foot baths and drinkable onsen spring water.
The multiple onsen baths are separated into two main bathing areas '“Niwa no Yu” (Garden Bath) set in tranquil garden setting and “Taki no Yu” (Waterfall Bath) where a waterfall from the spring source cascades down.
Every morning and evening, the baths are switched for males and females so you have the opportunity to try all the different bathing experiences.
A Rose Filled Onsen
One of the most loved onsen experiences at Misasakan is “ばら妃乃湯” (bara hino yu) where everyday from 15:00 to 22:00, about 200 roses float in the Komorebi-no-Yu bath during the women’s bathing time.
Breathe in the subtle scent of the roses whilst soaking away in the healing waters of Misasa.
Two Reservable Private Outdoor Onsen Available!
Misasakan also has available for staying and visiting day guests, two private open air onsen of varying sizes. “Shizen no Yu” is a beautiful and perhaps the largest ever private open air onsen I’ve seen in all my Japan travel adventures. A massive rock rotenburo surrounded by greenery, “Shinsen no Yu” is spacious enough to fit 20 people, perfect for multiple family generations or group of friends
For smaller groups, the rectangular hinoki bath “Tamayura” is perfect for couples and groups up to 4 people.
*day trip bathing fee: 1000JPY for adults, 500JPY for children
Shizen no Yu
( Available from: 11:00～23:00 / 6:00～8:00)
Cost (for staying guests): 45 mins 3300 yen
Cost (for day trip guests): 45 mins 3300 yen + day trip bathing fee (only available from 11.00 - 14.00)
Tamayura
(Available from: 11:30～23:30 / 5:30～8:30)
Cost (for staying guests): 45mins 2200JPY
Cost (for day trip guests): 45mins 2200JPY + day trip bathing fee (only available from 11.00 - 13.30)
Splurge on a Room with Private Onsen
Out of the 74 rooms available at Misasakan, there are 10 that feature their own private onsen. Their newest style of rooms “concept’ rooms feature modern luxury comforts with traditional Japanese elements. One’s private outdoor onsen lies on the terrace where one can see the tops of the mountain ranges whilst taking the time to relax and soak in ultimate privacy at any time one desires during their stay.
The other concept rooms are similar in style and size with slight differences. One concept room with the indoor private onsen offers panoramic views of the surroundings, whilst the largest suite Mizuki (90m2) allows guests to fully relax luxurious room, with separate bedroom and restful living areas with a large open air terrace and it’s private onsen.
For those who really want to treat themselves to something special and luxurious, Misaskan has the separate annex Bettei Rin in which four 120m2 separate maisonette villas inspired and named after the seasons reside, with individual private gardens each designed with seasonal themes in mind and open air private onsens on an outdoor terrace.
Suite Room MONE
A spacious suite room of 50m2 - Mone and its other sister rooms are a lovely blend of both Japanese & modern Western aesthetics so one can embrace the Japanese sensibilities but have the comforts of Western design like luxury twin beds and comfy seating areas.
The private onsen sits outside on a sheltered terrace so one can relax in complete privacy whilst enjoying the fresh air,
Taste the Flavours of Misasa
You’re spoilt for fooding experiences in onsen ryokans, and Misasakan doesn’t disappoint with fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding oceans and land - you will be able to sample a taste of truly delicious flavours. When I visited I was lucky that it was the season for crab! I was literally given half a crab and half its legs to devour - so if you’re a crab lover, you will be so happy!
Other highlights include to the wonderfully marbled slices of beef with fresh vegetables to be cooked in one’s own mini nabe pot, along with fresh sashimi and the cutest variation of rice appetisers.
MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS
FOOD
I found dinner the perfect amount for me, again like all kaiseki dinners its always a lot of food, so make sure to be hungry before you go! I particularly liked the fact for me, the focus was more on seafood as I’m not the biggest meat eater, yet the marbled beef amount given was perfect to enjoy the sukiyaki. A highlight was of course the fresh crab.
ONSEN
The onsen at Misasakan are truly the best! I can’t go on enough about how much I loved soaking in them and having so many to choose from and experience. I love having an onsen meguri experience in one easily accessible area. It was my first time experiencing a rose onsen bath which besides being so relaxing was visually such a pretty treat for the eyes, makes me want to experience more flower onsen one day!
The private onsen were spectacular as well, it was my first time seeing such a large private outdoor onsen available, whilst the second private onsen was a perfect size for individuals, couples and smaller groups.
ROOM AMBIANCE
On this trip I stayed in the modern “Mone” concept room which at 50m2 is spacious to have an open plan concept with sleeping area and living/rest area so one can enjoy the feel of home. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing stay in modern comforts with the traditions of Japan, with large twin beds instead of futons, a comfortable L-shaped couch to spend time lounging around before bathing in the private outdoor onsen on the terrace, where one can see views of the mountainscape.
VENUE AMBIANCE
I wish I had more time to spend exploring the areas within Misasakan as even on the walk to the various onsen, one passes more views of the Japanese garden of which one can meander along; or enjoy the views whilst relaxing in the lobby cafe “Kajika” or perusing the gallery “Kyara” with its venerable pieces of art.
SURROUNDING AREA
Misasakan sits at one end of “Kajika” bridge which in spring time is enveloped by cherry blossoms which border the river and the surrounding area including Misasakan which makes it one of the prettiest spots to view the blooms. In other seasons, Misasakan’s location is still picturesque as one can enjoy the quiet tranquility of the river across the road or walking up Kajika bridge to enjoy the free onsen foot bath before leisurely walking into town.
MISASAKAN (at time of stay)
COST: Rooms start from ~20,000JPY per person per night. Rooms with private onsen start from approx 36000JPY+ per person per night.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner included depending on plan
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIME: 1500 / 1000
PAYMENT: Cash or Credit
ROOMS: 74 (10 rooms with their own private hot spring - indoor/outdoor/semi open air)
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF: Some
WEBSITE: MISASAKAN
IG: @misasakan
