On the way back from our camping trip, we decided to look for a local hot spring to unwind. While searching along the route back toward Tokyo, we came across a hidden, community-loved onsen—and couldn’t resist stopping by to check it out.
Although it’s primarily a lodging facility, the onsen is also open to day-use visitors. Set along a lush, nature-filled river valley, the location alone raises expectations before you even step into the baths.
A mysterious statue greets you at the entrance, adding a slightly quirky, local touch to the experience.
The day-use onsen fee is quite reasonable:
¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children.
After checking in at the front desk, we stepped inside the facility and headed further into the building.
Without wasting any time, we headed straight to the bathing area.
Indoor Bath (image sourced)
Since we visited after sunset, it was pitch dark and we didn’t notice at first—but the indoor bath is actually surrounded by glass walls, letting in plenty of natural light during the day.
Open-Air Bath (image sourced)
Perched at a higher vantage point, the rotenburo offers sweeping views of the majestic mountains. With no man-made structures in sight, it feels like you’re completely immersed in nature, enjoying a true sense of openness.
The cool mountain breeze makes you naturally alternate between soaking and stepping out, creating a refreshing loop—truly, an open-air bath in this season is unbeatable.
Of course, the facility also features a sauna.
The sauna seemed to accommodate around 10 people, and it’s a dry sauna heated to nearly 100°C, so we opted for a 10-minute session this time. Afterwards, we enjoyed the outdoor cool-down right in the rotenburo area, which was incredibly rejuvenating.
Ah—what a refreshing experience.
For convenience, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided, and there’s a hair dryer available as well.
Open-Air Bath (image sourced)
The facility also has a spacious dining hall.
The menu is quite extensive, featuring set meals, soba noodles, and kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot), offering plenty of options for a satisfying meal.
Overnight stays start at around ¥5,000 per person, so it could be a nice option to extend your trip after camping and relax a bit longer.
From the veranda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Doshi River, stretching out below.
Here’s how it looks during the day (image sourced).
The facility is spacious and comfortable, perfect for a relaxing visit.
Alright, time to head back home.
It was a refreshing and pleasant hot spring experience.
Doshi River Onsen – Benitsubaki-no-Yu
Address: 3888 Kobutsubaki, Doshi-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (until 8:00 PM in winter)
Day-Use Fee: ¥1,200 for adults / ¥600 for children