Kanaya onsen, the largest wooden bath in Japan 金谷旅館

The numbers sometimes speak for themselves. With a length of 15 meters and a width of 5, it is easy to understand why the Kanaya Onsen has kept its title of the largest hinoki wooden bath in the country since 1915. Called Sennin Furo , to understand “ bath for a thousand people ”, it reaches in some places a depth of one meter. Enough to allow visitors to sketch a few swimming movements in this long wooden corridor, bathed in daylight thanks to a large glass roof placed at its end.

A bath open to women and men

However, the particularities of this onsen don't stop there. The Sennin Furo initially reserved for men, is now a konyoku , that is to say a mixed bath . Women can therefore enter through a double door located in the locker room and enjoy this extraordinary bath. They are also allowed to cover themselves with a thin towel if they wish.

In addition to the main mixed bath, another bath, also made of wood, is dedicated exclusively to women. Built more recently (in 1991), it is a little smaller even if its length is still around 11 meters. It is separated into several spaces, each with a different temperature .

Outdoor pools

Finally, for those who like to relax outside, two other baths have been built near the onsen . The only downside is that they are a little less typical than indoor baths since they are partly made of concrete. But no matter, they allow you to observe nature while enjoying the benefits of hot springs!

These baths are part of the Kanaya Ryokan, a traditional Shimoda inn where traditional tatami rooms and spacious suites are combined. For meals, it is better to have dinner or lunch at the inn, as there are no restaurants in the area.

To read: The Izu Peninsula