A Thatched-Roof Hot Spring Inn Inspired by Japan’s Traditional Countryside
One of the most distinctive features of Yutorian is its landscape of seven thatched-roof buildings spread across the spacious grounds. These buildings were relocated from traditional homes in different parts of Japan and carefully preserved. Their thick wooden pillars and beams give the property a sense of history and timeless character.
The cluster of thatched-roof buildings surrounded by rice fields evokes the traditional rural landscape that many Japanese people associate with their cultural heritage. Each season brings a different view: fresh greenery in spring, lush rice paddies in summer, golden fields in autumn, and snow-covered scenery in winter.
The harmonious combination of traditional architecture and nature creates an ideal setting for slowing down and enjoying a peaceful stay away from the bustle of everyday life.
A Peaceful Setting Surrounded by the Nature of Kawaba Village
Kawaba Village lies on the southern foothills of Mount Hotaka and is blessed with clear streams, forests, mountains, and beautiful countryside. Kawaba Onsen is located within this tranquil natural environment, where visitors can enjoy the calm atmosphere of a traditional mountain village.
From the grounds of Yutorian, guests can look across the surrounding rice fields and mountains. Morning mist drifting over the fields and mountains glowing in the evening light create especially memorable scenes.
A Natural Hot Spring Known as a “Beauty Bath”
The spring at Kawaba Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring with a pH of 9.2. The water is known for its soft, smooth feel on the skin and is often referred to as a “beauty bath.”
Yutorian has three bathing facilities, each offering a different atmosphere and way to enjoy the naturally flowing hot spring water.
Hotaka-no-Yu
Hotaka-no-Yu has indoor and open-air baths for both men and women. From the open-air baths, guests can see Hotaka Shrine, founded in 1755 during the Edo period. Soaking in the hot spring while looking toward this historic shrine creates a particularly peaceful experience.
Kōbō-no-Yu and Sato-no-Yu
Kōbō-no-Yu for men and Sato-no-Yu for women are bathing facilities exclusively for overnight guests. Their open-air baths overlook the surrounding gardens, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying seasonal flowers and greenery.
The soft spring water feels gentle against the skin, and the bath has traditionally been enjoyed for relaxation and recovery from everyday fatigue.
Traditional Guest Rooms for a Special Stay
The guest rooms at Yutorian make the most of the atmosphere of the traditional thatched-roof buildings. Accommodation is divided between the Main Building and the Yuzan Annex, each offering a different style of stay.
Guest Rooms in the Main Building
The rooms in the Main Building are spacious Japanese-style rooms consisting of two tatami rooms and an adjoining irori hearth room. High ceilings create an open and airy atmosphere, while the windows offer views of the surrounding rice fields and mountains.
Although the rooms preserve the character of traditional Japanese architecture, they also feature modern conveniences such as double sinks and towel warmers, providing a comfortable balance between tradition and contemporary comfort.
Yuzan Annex
The Yuzan Annex stands on higher ground and has the atmosphere of a secluded cottage. Rooms feature Japanese-style spaces, irori hearths, and private indoor baths, combining traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.
Guests can reach the annex by a dedicated monorail. Its glass-enclosed carriage offers panoramic views of the rice fields and thatched-roof buildings, creating an unusual experience that feels almost like taking a leisurely ride above the countryside.
Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring Local Ingredients
Meals at Yutorian focus on locally sourced cuisine from Kawaba Village. Ingredients grown with the area’s clean water and rich natural environment are carefully selected to showcase the flavors of each season.
Dishes may include Joshu Beef, one of Gunma’s well-known regional beef brands, as well as river fish and locally grown vegetables. Grilled dishes, hot pots, sashimi, and other beautifully presented seasonal dishes allow guests to enjoy the changing flavors of the countryside.
Breakfast features a wholesome Japanese-style meal centered on local vegetables, offering a gentle start to the day surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Kawaba.
Discover Japanese History and Culture Throughout the Property
Yutorian also provides opportunities to experience traditional Japanese life and craftsmanship. The Jidaimono Exhibition Gallery displays more than 1,000 pieces of furniture and household objects used from the Edo period through the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Historic chests, decorative wooden transoms, storehouse doors, and other traditional objects offer an intimate look at Japanese lifestyles and craftsmanship from earlier eras.
Honjin
The central building of Yutorian is Honjin, a large thatched-roof house with a distinctive kabuto-zukuri, or “helmet-shaped,” roof. It was relocated from Yamagata Prefecture.
Passing through its impressive large storehouse-style door leads to a spacious interior containing the reception area, an irori hearth lounge, lobby, and souvenir shop. The more than 120-year-old traditional house is supported by massive wooden pillars and beams that convey the craftsmanship and history of the building.
The irori lounge provides a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the traditional atmosphere while taking in the slow rhythm of life in the countryside.
The Nagaya Gate and Inner Garden
The thatched-roof Nagaya Gate is one of Yutorian’s most recognizable features. Beyond the gate lies a charming inner garden filled with seasonal plants and flowers, accompanied by the gentle sound of a flowing stream.
The second floor of the gate serves as an observation and relaxation area. From here, guests can look across the surrounding rice fields and the cluster of thatched-roof buildings. Traditional events such as mochi pounding may also take place here during certain seasons.
Yutorian Corridor
The Yutorian Corridor connects Honjin with the dining area and provides a peaceful route for exploring the property. Views of the inner garden change with the seasons, with soft natural light during the day and atmospheric illumination after dark.
A gallery along the corridor displays pottery, traditional sake vessels, and other artworks, giving guests something new to discover as they walk through the property.
Jidaimono Exhibition Gallery
The gallery contains traditional household objects actually used between the Edo and Taisho periods. A total of 1,177 historic items, including traditional chests, decorative transoms, storehouse doors, and tsutsugaki textile works, are displayed.
The delicate decorations and woodworking techniques created by craftsmen of the past provide a fascinating glimpse into the high level of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and everyday life.
Monorail and Observation Deck
The dedicated monorail connecting the main grounds with the Yuzan Annex is one of Yutorian’s unique attractions. With its fully glass-enclosed carriage, the ride offers wide views of the rice fields and thatched-roof buildings as it travels across the expansive property.
At the end of the route, an observation deck provides panoramic views across the countryside and toward the surrounding mountains. The peaceful journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Electric Carts
Electric carts are available for transportation around the large grounds, making it easier for guests to move between buildings. They are particularly convenient for older visitors and anyone who may have difficulty walking long distances.
Lounge
A dedicated lounge provides a quiet place for guests to relax without disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the guest rooms. With an irori hearth and a traditional setting, it is ideal for conversation, resting after a bath, or simply enjoying the calm surroundings.
Souvenir Shop: Karada Oendan Honpo
The on-site souvenir shop, Karada Oendan Honpo, offers regional specialties and foods from Kawaba Village. Its selection includes additive-free foods, locally produced apple juice, sweet bean-jam treats made with flower beans, and Japanese sweets featuring konnyaku.
Local sake from breweries such as Tsuchida Shuzo and Nagai Shuzo, as well as local craft beer, is also available, making the shop a convenient place to find edible souvenirs and drinks to remember the trip.
Rental Bicycles
Guests who wish to explore the surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace can rent bicycles. Quiet roads through rice fields, local shrines, and sake breweries can be found around the property, making cycling a pleasant way to discover Kawaba Village’s scenery and culture.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Tabiyado Shippo Kazoku
For guests traveling with their pets, Yutorian offers a dedicated pet accommodation facility called Tabiyado Shippo Kazoku. Pets can stay in the designated facility while their owners enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
Pets are not permitted in the common areas or guest rooms of the main Yutorian property, and advance reservations are required when using the pet accommodation facility.
Exploring the Grounds by Monorail and Electric Cart
The expansive grounds can be explored using electric carts and the dedicated monorail. In particular, the glass-enclosed monorail to the Yuzan Annex is a popular feature, offering views of the thatched-roof buildings and rural landscape during the journey.
The observation deck provides a broad view over the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, the distant mountains.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Bathing
Yutorian also welcomes day visitors. Visitors can enjoy the hot spring at Hotaka-no-Yu without staying overnight, making it possible to include the inn in a sightseeing itinerary around Kawaba Village.
The dining facilities also offer meals featuring local ingredients, allowing visitors to combine a relaxing hot spring experience with the flavors of the region.
Access
By car: Approximately 15 minutes from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
By train: Free shuttle buses are available from Jōmō-Kōgen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen or Numata Station on the JR Joetsu Line. Advance reservations are required.
A Peaceful Retreat Where Traditional Japan Comes to Life
Kawaba Onsen Yutorian combines a traditional thatched-roof village setting, a gentle hot spring known as a “beauty bath,” and seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients.
Spending time amid the rice fields and historic buildings, surrounded by the quiet scenery of Kawaba Village, offers a chance to slow down and experience a different side of Japan.
For travelers interested in traditional architecture, hot springs, rural landscapes, and Japanese culture, Yutorian provides an immersive stay where nature, history, and hospitality come together in a uniquely tranquil setting.