Hotel Matubakawa Onsen

This was my first time staying here! They were able to accommodate my late check-in. The inn was clean, and the hot spring water was very good. There are also easy hiking trails nearby, so I was able to enjoy a morning walk full of negative ions. I'd definitely like to stay here again next time. I'd like to stay multiple nights and enjoy stream fishing✨

There is a bus stop on the right hand side after coming out of Kubogawa Station. You can take it directly to the door of the hotel. It costs 780 yen one way, which is quite convenient. There are not many tourists in the mountains. It is very beautiful and quiet. The hotel has outdoor hot springs and indoor hot springs. The view of the starry sky at night is very good, although there are really many bugs in this season. There are many walking trails around, so you can enjoy a leisurely vacation experience.

Although the dinner and lunch were not sumptuous, I felt that the hotel staff prepared them carefully and the ingredients were fresh. At the same time, I also felt their warm and attentive service. They even spoke simple English when dining. They will take the initiative to chat with you, care about your stay and recommend nearby attractions. The room is a basic Japanese style room. Although the equipment is old, it is generally clean. The large public baths are highly recommended, especially the outdoor baths. Be sure to take a dip. The hotel is located in the mountains, so it is recommended for those who drive. If you are driving, it is recommended to arrive before sunset, because the road section when driving at night is difficult to see, there are no lights and no reflective signs. There is a waterfall and hiking route near the hotel. During cherry blossom season, there are even more cherry blossoms outside the hotel door.

As soon as we arrived, we went to the hot spring. The ph9.7 spring water made our skin smooth. The open-air bath by the river had a great view and atmosphere. The sauna was comfortable, and the cold water bath was refreshing! The shampoo, conditioner, and body soap provided were all of high quality. The food was also better than we expected, especially the sweetfish roe and the seared bonito on a straw. It was as you would expect from Shimanto, Kochi.

I couldn't forget the good impression I had of the open-air bath when I visited on a day trip before, so I decided to stay overnight this time. Although I arrived a little early, I was able to take a bath in the hot springs to kill time, the simple and polite reception at check-in, and the food, which included a lot of local ingredients, was wonderful. The things worth mentioning are 1) the view from the open-air bath, 2) the water being extraordinarily delicious, and 3) the deliciousness of the rice (fragrant rice). If you want to experience Shimanto while sightseeing at the submerged bridge on the way, this is a great inn.