Hotel Kazurabashi

Iya Valley, Japan

The indoor bath is minimal, but the stone-lined outdoor baths up the mountain via the short cable car are award-winning. Overlooking the valley and designed with charming rustic appeal, there are both men's/women's baths as well as a mixed-sex bath for the more adventurous. Small, traditional wood heated baths in private huts are also available for additional cost by reservation, but allow for an experience of cooking oneself in an iron cauldron. The adjacent thatched-roof tea house has a floor hearth for relaxing, or one can go outside to the foot bath on the broad balcony to take in the awesome view. Available for non-guests 10am-4pm, closed Wednesdays.