[Access] About a 20-minute bus ride from JR Kurayoshi Station (San’in Main Line) bound for Misasa Onsen.
[Price] Day-trip: 1,000 yen (500 yen for guests staying at other Misasa Onsen inns)
[Rakuten Travel Website] Misasa Onsen Misasakan

Misasakan is a large hot spring inn standing right across from “Kajika Bridge” at the entrance of Misasa Onsen. If you stay at a ryokan in Misasa, you can get a “Yumeguri Card” that lets you enjoy the baths at several different inns for only 500 yen—and that’s exactly how I ended up here. I have to say, the view of the Mitoku River is just so pleasant.

After passing through the noren curtain labeled “Niwa-no-yu” (Garden Bath) and walking down a lovely tatami-matted hallway with views of the garden, you’ll find a spacious outdoor garden bath. The water has a slight greenish tint, much like what I saw at Bosatsu-no-yu, which is currently under renovation. There were barrel baths (maybe designed for four people?), a large open-air bath, and a wonderful wooden bath.

The water here has a bit of a “kishi-kishi” (squeaky) feel to it, and it really leaves your skin feeling hydrated. The chilled black soybean tea they have waiting for you after the bath is delicious, but it’s also worth trying the water at the drinking fountain. It has a salty, almost soup-stock-like flavor that’s surprisingly good if you’re into that. Looking at the spacious and beautiful lobby, it seems like a top-notch inn. I’d definitely love to stay here for a night sometime!