I Looked Into Unzen Iwaki Ryokan

In this blog, I keep researching, almost like a series, accommodations, campsites, and day-trip hot springs that I—someone without a car—might be able to visit.

This time, I looked into Unzen Iwaki Ryokan, located in Unzen Onsen in Nagasaki Prefecture. What got me interested was seeing a phrase about it earning perfect scores across all categories in a hot spring quality inspection.

What Kind of Place Is Unzen Iwaki Ryokan?

It's a ryokan located in Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and it seems to be about a 1-minute walk from the Shimatetsu Bus "Unzen Business Office" stop. There's apparently a free contracted parking lot right near the ryokan too, so it seems like it wouldn't be too troublesome even if you're arriving by car.

From what I could see on the official website, specific check-in/check-out times and rates for a one-night stay with two meals weren't clearly listed on the page. Booking seems to work by clicking a button on the official site that takes you to an external reservation system, where you check the rates and times. It looks like discount programs such as the Kyushu Reconstruction Support Discount might sometimes be available, so if that interests you, it might be worth checking when you make a reservation.

Checking Out the Private Hot Spring Source and the Special Rooms

One of the biggest features of this ryokan seems to be that it's apparently the only ryokan in Unzen Onsen with its own hot spring source on the premises. It reportedly uses a 100% natural spring water on-tap system, and it seems to have earned perfect scores across all categories in a hot spring quality inspection conducted by the Japan Spa Association. The water quality is said to be an acidic sulfur-aluminum-sulfate spring, and it's believed to have benefits for things like neuralgia, muscle pain, poor circulation, and fatigue recovery.

There are apparently 5 rooms total called "special rooms," which come with their own open-air baths fed by the private spring, and it seems the appeal is being able to soak in that spring-fed open-air bath right in your room without any worries. The standard rooms are said to be in an old-style main room layout, and apparently a kotatsu is provided during the winter. All rooms reportedly come equipped with washlet toilets, so that part of the comfort factor seems reassuring. There's also mention that rooms on the upper floors offer a view overlooking Unzen Jigoku, so the view from the room could be something to look forward to as well.

Meals and Points of Interest for Homebodies

Meals apparently consist of kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients like Nagasaki beef, spiny lobster, and abalone, and it seems you can choose from multiple courses such as the "Basic Kaiseki" or the "Choice of Two Grand Kaiseki (Spiny Lobster)" option. As a homebody myself, I found it appealing that you could apparently spend a relaxing time just enjoying the in-room hot spring and meals without needing to go out.

Also, reservations for the family bath are apparently accepted by phone only. The number is listed on the official website, so if you'd like to use it, it seems best to check there.

Komorin

Being able to soak in an open-air bath fed by a private spring right inside your room feels like a luxury I'd love to experience at least once, even as someone who doesn't drive.

Rakuten Mobile Signal Conditions

When I checked this facility's location using the official "My Area Network Simulation" tool, the overall rating came out as "C." If you're concerned about connectivity, it seems like a good idea to check in advance.

If you're staying here along with sightseeing around the hot spring town, such as Unzen Jigoku, and you're concerned about signal conditions, it might be reassuring to check for yourself in advance.

Komorin

A C rating is honestly a bit concerning, but if the trip is all about soaking in the hot spring, I feel like I could accept somewhat weak signal as part of the deal.

Strolling Around the Nearby Hot Spring Town Sounds Fun Too

Right near the ryokan is Unzen Jigoku, which you can apparently also see from the upper-floor rooms. Within walking distance, there also seem to be day-trip hot springs and public bathhouses like Kojigoku Onsenkan and Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan, so it seems possible to step outside the ryokan a bit and enjoy hopping between hot springs. It also seems to be close to the bus stop, which felt like a nice location for someone like me who doesn't own a car.

Wrapping Up

To sum it up again, my impression is that Unzen Iwaki Ryokan is the only ryokan in Unzen Onsen with its own hot spring source on the premises, where you can enjoy 100% naturally flowing spring water even in your room. Details like room rates and check-in times that aren't listed on the official site apparently need to be confirmed through the reservation system, but the appeal of the hot spring itself seems quite significant. The Rakuten Mobile signal came out with a C rating, so if connectivity is a concern for you, I'd recommend checking with the official tool yourself as well, just to be safe.

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Related Links

• Official Site