Iwanoyu (岩の湯)

Located in Seni Onsen (仙仁温泉), Nagano-ken

Address - 長野県須坂市大字仁礼仙仁3159
Telephone - 0262)45-2453
Internet - www.hikyou.jp/nagano/seni/seni.htm (not the official web site)

Rooms from 30000 yen per person + taxes, including 2 meals.

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"Iwanoyu at Seni Onsen scores best in Robert Neff's book"

I visited 5 onsen during my trip: Onsenkaku, Furosoto, Iwanoyu , one in Beppu with a mud bath, and one in Ibusuki with a sand bath. They are all special, and unforgettable.
However, Iwanoyu is so special that I was not surprised when told me that for a weekend stay, a year advance booking was necessary.
It has only 18 rooms, but has 4 private baths (one indoor with one bath; the other three are outdoor and have 2 baths each - one has actually 3 baths), 1 mixed cave bath, 2 single sex cave baths and 2 single sex indoor baths.

The service and the room were impeccable .I could not find another word to describe it. Describing more may actually lessen any surprises for any prospective guest.
Dinner was not served in the bedroom, but in a special private dinning room. Mine lasted 3 hours.

This ryokan is more for a special treat rather than a casual visit. I highly recommend the place, especially for couple.

The rates are quite high, 30000 yen, 35000 yen 42000 yen before tax. I noticed that the 30000 yen room was very nice; the 42000 one was bigger, and I found our room costing 35000 yen perfect.