Associated Inns
Introduction
Ryumeikan and Bokusui Wakayama
"As I hurried along the road as I had done yesterday, I soon came to a large stream on the Kuresaka Pass, where there was a vast field of dry grass and standing dead oak trees. About twelve kilometers after crossing the pass, we arrived at Sawatari hot spring near noon and went up to the third floor of a place called Shoeikan. Curiously, the hot spring was located on a small hill with depressions on both sides of the pass. The water was colorless and odorless, and the temperature was good."
On October 20, 1922, Bokusui crossed the Kuresaka Pass, had lunch at Sawatari Onsen and Shoeikan, and headed for Shima Onsen. Shoeikan was the predecessor of Ryumeikan, and so this ryokan is associated with Bokusui Wakayama.
Sawatari Onsen Ryumeikan
Welcome
Sawatari Onsen, which is tucked away amongst mountain village scenery, has long been blessed with high-quality hot spring water, so much so that legend has it that Lord Minamoto no Yoritomo bathed in it.
The hot spring is said to have been visited by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first syogun of Kamakura Government, and has been bubbling with high quality hot spring water since ancient times. This "miracle" of nature is still loved by many onsen connoisseurs.
Although it is a secluded hot spring resort, our staff hopes that our guests will be healed in body and soul with our free-flowing hot spring baths and homemade country cooking, and spend a precious time with us.
We hope you will spend your time here with the "luxury of nothing".
Ryumeikan Proprietress
Ryumeikan's Approach to New Coronavirus Infections
As a countermeasure against infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus, Ryumeikan has taken various measures to ensure the health and safety of our guests and employees.
- All rooms are equipped with air purifiers.
- Alcohol for hand sanitizing is available.
- Transparent acrylic panels have been installed at the front desk.
- Upon check-in, guests are required to take their temperature.
- Masks are worn by staff members who serve guests.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Sawatari Onsen and the baths of Ryumeikan
The Bath
for Pearly Skin
for Pearly Skin
Local seasonal ingredients
Cuisine
Spacious and relaxing Japanese-style room
Rooms
All rooms are Japanese style.
Roll around and stretch your arms and legs to the fullest. Relax and unwind from your daily fatigue.
Most of our rooms measure 8 tatami and range from 4.5 to 10 tatami mats in size. Some rooms are equipped with toilets and some without.
We can accommodate your number of guests and budget. Please contact us for more information.
What we can provide
- Air purifier
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Hot water kettle
- Tea set
- Yukata
- Bath towel
- Towel
- Toothbrush set
Cafe Space
About Sumire
The cafe space "Sumire" is located next to the front desk. Please use it for a rest after taking a bath or coffee after dinner.
A variety of alcoholic beverages are also available.
Get acquainted with local specialties.
Souvenirs & Surroundings
Locals say, "There is nothing to do here." However, everyone says, "Only our hot springs are a match for Kusatsu and Shima.
Sawatari is a cozy town that can hardly be called a hot spring resort, but there are other specialties that are unique to the local area.
It is like exploring your old neighborhood. Why not make a new discovery?
Recommended Spots
Recommended Surrounding Spots
Lodging at Ryumeikan
Recommended Plans
Breakfast and Dinner Plan
Enjoy home-cooked meals & a bath made of hinoki cypress
～Free-flowing hot-spring water direct from the source～
Rates:14,300yen and up
*All prices include consumption tax and service charge.
Please relax in a Japanese-style room.
Plan with Dinner
Relax in a luxurious hot spring with hot spring flowers floating in the water.
Rates:13,300yen and up
*All prices include consumption tax and service charge.
Want to relax in the morning without worrying about the time? Have to leave early in the morning? We have prepared a one-night dinner-only plan.
Plan with breakfast
The hot water for is richly moisturized and permeates your skin, making it beautiful. Enjoy a Japanese breakfast made with seasonal ingredients.
Rates: 12,300yen and up
*All prices include consumption tax and service charge.
Recommended for those who arrive late after work or want to relax and sightsee. Why not enjoy the onsen ryokan loved by Bokusui Wakayama? Our hot spring baths are open 24 hours a day.
Overnight stay with no meal plan
Enjoy 24-hour hot spring water of high quality, smooth and beautiful skin with floating hot-spring flowers.
Rates: 7,700yen and up
*All prices include consumption tax and service charge.
Want to enjoy hot springs to your heart's content? This is the recommended plan for those who want to stay overnight with no meals. All rates can be changed without notice.
Access
You can enjoy the good old days of Japan in just over two hours by train or three hours by car from the metropolis.
Please head from Shibukawa for Kusatsu, and from Nakanojo head for Shima and Sawatari.
2317-1 Kami Sawatari, Nakanojo-machi,Agatsuma-gun,
post code 377-0541
TEL:0279-66-2221 / FAX:0279-66-2222
Ueno Station (new limited express, Kusatsu-go, approx. 2 hours) → Nakanojo Station → 15 minutes by cab or 25 minutes by bus
Ueno Station (Joetsu Line) → Shibukawa Station (Agatsuma Line) → Nakanojo Station → 15 minutes by cab or 25 minutes by bus
From Nerima: Kan-etsu Expressway -> Shibukawa IC (R17 for Numata) -> (R353 for Kusatsu) -> Nakanojo (head right, R353 for Shima and Sawatari) -> R353 for Sawatari, turn left through the tunnel and cross the red bridge -> Sawatari bypass -> turn right at the signboard for Sawatari hot spring, and you will arrive at the hot spring resort (12 km from Nakanojo)
From Kusatsu: R292, Kuni-mura (turn right on R405 and go south) → turn left on Prefectural Road No.55 Nakanojo/Kusatsu line toward Kuresaka → Sawatari Bypass → turn left at the Sawatari Onsen signboard to reach the hot spring resort.
From Tsumagoi/Naganohara: R145, Agatsuma Valley -> Higashi-Agatsuma Town (Haramachi) -> in the direction of Shima and Sawatari (opposite bank of R353, narrow path) -> to R353 from the way (go through a tunnel, turn left, cross the red bridge -> Sawatari bypass -> turn right at the signboard of Sawatari hot spring and will arrive at the hot spring resort.
