Fukushima Prefecture, Inawashiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Tokyo, it\u2019s about an hour by train or car after taking the shinkansen (bullet train) to Koriyama.The very first thing I felt upon arriving at MINATOYA was\u2014 \u201cThe lake is so close!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nLake Inawashiro is the fourth-largest lake in Japan. As someone who grew up in Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa\u2014the country\u2019s largest lake\u2014I\u2019ve always been familiar with lakes. But Inawashiro has a charm that feels different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the grandness of Lake Biwa lies in the fact that you can\u2019t even see the other side<\/em>, then the beauty of Lake Inawashiro is in its comforting scale\u2014you can clearly see the opposite shore<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep outside the entrance of the hotel, and the lakeside spreads out before you. At sunset, the overlapping scenery of mountains, city lights, and even swan boats creates a view that gently soothes the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInside the hotel, retro charm and modern comfort blend seamlessly. Guest rooms still carry the gentle scent of tatami mats, while the large public bath is lined with the iconic Kerorin<\/em> buckets\u2014a nostalgic symbol of Japanese bath culture. Beside the lobby, you\u2019ll even find a small game corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\nnostalgia<\/em> here, as if you\u2019ve stepped back into the atmosphere of a student trip or summer training camp.For those who value rest, the special \u201cGood Sleep Room\u201d<\/strong> is designed under the supervision of a professional sleep therapist. Guests can choose from six types of pillows<\/strong> and three kinds of aromatherapy scents<\/strong> to create their ideal sleep environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEvery room is also equipped with essentials such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a humidifier, an air purifier, a safety box, and a toilet with a bidet function (commonly known in Japan as \u201cWashlet\u201d). These thoughtful details make the stay not only comfortable but also highly practical for travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And one detail you shouldn\u2019t miss is the stairway art.Covering the entire wall, the mural depicts the changing scenery of Japan\u2019s four seasons\u2014shifting from spring to summer, then autumn, and finally winter as you climb upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What would normally be just a simple walk upstairs turns into a mini art appreciation. This, too, captures the unique spirit of MINATOYA: nostalgic, yet refreshingly new.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>A Sauna Experience Where the Lake Becomes Your Cold Bath<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe highlight of MINATOYA is without a doubt its tent sauna.<\/strong>The crackling sound of burning firewood, the burst of steam from pouring water over the hot stones (self l\u00f6yly<\/em>), and the aroma of your chosen scent all combine to create an immersive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlthough saunas originated in Finland, in Japan they have evolved into a unique culture of their own. The ritual goes: heat yourself in the sauna \u2192 plunge into cold water \u2192 relax in the open air.<\/strong> Repeating this cycle tightens your blood vessels and brings about a state the Japanese call <\/strong>totonou<\/em><\/strong>\u2014a blissful clarity of mind, almost like being \u201clegally high.\u201d It\u2019s no wonder modern Japanese office workers are obsessed with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe tent sauna can accommodate up to six people, but since we used it as a pair, it felt like having the space all to ourselves. You add the firewood by hand and adjust the heat\u2014deciding whether to take it slow and steady, or raise the temperature all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe crackling of the flames and the scent of wood fuel the senses directly, making the experience both primal and deeply relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After fully warming up in the sauna, you step outside to find Lake Inawashiro right in front of you.<\/strong> Instead of a cold plunge pool, you can dive straight into the lake itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnlike the sea, the freshwater<\/strong> here feels soft and smooth on the skin. There\u2019s no sticky saltiness, only the pure clarity of the water. Floating in its transparency, you feel as if your body is melting into nature itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the beach, you\u2019ll find scattered spiky stones known locally as \u201cinabishi.\u201d Because of them, sandals are a must (the hotel provides pairs for free). Interestingly, these stones can actually be roasted and brewed into Inabishi Tea\u2014a fragrant, caffeine-free herbal tea rich in minerals, which is also popular as a local souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After your lake plunge, stretch out on an infinity chair for open-air relaxation. The breeze across the water gently cools your heated body, while the sounds of insects, lapping waves, and the wind on your cheeks make it feel as though you are being embraced by nature itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For an added touch, you can borrow a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite music, or, if it\u2019s nighttime, enjoy a fire pit set and chill out while watching the flames dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hotel also provides a wide range of rentals and items for purchase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30fbSwimsuits for sale (\u00a53,300 each)And to finish off the experience\u2014sauna food. With the sauna stay plan, each guest receives the classic Japanese sauna drink, \u201cOro-Po\u201d\u2014a refreshing mix of Oronamin C<\/em> (a fizzy energy soda) and Pocari Sweat<\/em> (an electrolyte drink). You can even order Chinese-style bento boxes or ramen delivered right to your tent, which makes the whole experience even more satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt the Inawashiro sauna, you don\u2019t just get heat and water\u2014you get the full set of wind, sky, and lake. It\u2019s a rare chance to experience totonou<\/em>, that blissful state of refreshment and clarity, in a way that\u2019s almost impossible to find anywhere else in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Glamping Rooftop BBQ Under the Night Breeze<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAt night, head up to the rooftop for a glamping BBQ. From here, you can take in views of both Lake Inawashiro<\/strong> and Mt. Bandai.<\/strong>In the daytime the lake sparkles in the sun, while at night the moonlight mingles with the city lights\u2014a view that feels like pure luxury in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the table are thick-cut meats, sausages, sizzling ajillo<\/em> (Spanish-style garlic shrimp and olive oil), and the highlight\u2014an original MINATOYA burger.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are also rice dishes, including grilled rice balls<\/strong> made with the local Hitomebore variety of rice, as well as pilaf-style plates. With the crackle of charcoal and the mouthwatering aroma filling the air, all five senses are completely indulged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Hands-Free Luxury<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nClimb up to the rooftop, and there\u2019s no need to fuss with gas stoves or charcoal.
![\"LAKE](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_5214-1024x683.webp\")
\n <\/div>\n ![\"\u677e\u5c71\u5065\u4ecb\"\/](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ken.webp\")
\n <\/figure>\n