Hanayagi no Sho Keizan

Keizan (Hanayagi no Sho) is a Japanese-style ryokan in the Isawa Onsen area, famous for its “beautifying” hot springs. The large public baths feature abundant water with free-flowing source water, plus open-air baths, a high-temperature dry sauna, and a steam bath. There are two large baths and two open-air baths, with men/women switching by time—so in one ryokan you can enjoy four different bathing facilities. The spring type is alkaline simple hot spring, and many say their skin feels smooth after bathing. Day-use plans are also available (lunch + onsen, or dinner + onsen). Guest rooms are well equipped too: even among rooms with private hot springs, there are six category types to choose from, including fully Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, and barrier-free rooms. Cuisine is another highlight, offering menus that go beyond typical “ryokan meals.” In particular, the Koshu Wine Beef served at the teppanyaki counter “Sen” is a standout dish worth trying. Access: by train, get off at JR Chuo Main Line “Isawa-Onsen Station” and walk 5 minutes. By car, about 5 minutes from Chuo Expressway “Ichinomiya-Misaka IC” via Route 20; or from Fuji Five Lakes Road “Fujiyoshida IC,” about 50 minutes via Route 137.