Getting away from it all

Iwate is the second largest prefecture in Japan (after Hokkaido) and is also one of the least densely populated. As a result, you can truly lose yourself in the great outdoors. Iwate is great for mountain climbing, hiking, rafting, fishing and skiing. But for those who, like me, prefer to relax in the great outdoors, Iwate is also home to some of the most amazing onsen (hot springs) in Japan.

Hei River

And after a very hectic couple of days travelling around Iwate, meeting people and vising schools, I was certainly in need of an onsen to recharge my batteries. And luckily, I got to stay at the nicest onsen hotel I have ever stayed in – Yamado onsen in Yuda.

 Chilling on the deck

Yamado is only 3 years old and is built beside a small, mountain stream. Each room (with private hot spring bath) plus the main outdoor bath look out over the water and are surrounded by greenery. So you can relax in the hot spring while listening to the sound of running water.

 Main outdoor bath

For dinner and breakfast, you can enjoy a delicious selection of fresh, local produce. I think I lost count after about the tenth course at dinner! And because it’s such a small hotel (with aroud 10 rooms), you can get very prompt, personalised service (they even deliver pizza to your room in case you need a late-night snack).

 

It’s not cheap, but if you really want to get away from it all, there’s nowhere more relaxing than Yamado. 

And if you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful and untouched natural scenery in Japan, you can’t beat Iwate.