Kaneki Inn

【Limited to One Group Per Day. Experience a Private Hot Spring Ryokan & Traditional Japanese Kominka to the Fullest】

Nestled in Sawando Onsen, a hidden hot spring in Gunma, Kaneki inn is a fully private vacation rental in Japan that welcomes only one group per day.
This 80-year-old traditional Japanese house offers two bath areas with 24-hour natural hot spring flowing directly from the source, a living room preserving the atmosphere of an irori hearth, a cozy fireplace, a spacious garden with a covered BBQ area usable even in the rain, and in the cedar forest a treehouse and large swing.
This is a true adult hideaway — a secret base where you can reconnect with your inner child during your Japan countryside getaway.

In summer, dive into a crystal-clear river just a 5-minute walk away. In winter, gather around the fireplace and relax in the glow of burning firewood.
Listen to the gentle crackling of wood, breathe in the natural timber aroma, and feel authentic warmth reaching deep into your body.
The soft orange flicker of the flames. A nostalgic rural Japan experience you cannot find in the city — enjoy Japan travel through all five senses.

【Entire House Rental – Up to 16 Guests】

●Flat rate for up to 6 guests.
Ideal for retreats, workshops, university seminars, corporate off-sites, music circles (sound practice allowed), cosplay photography, family trips to Japan, multi-generational travel, and adult group vacations. Spacious free parking available.

●Children aged 1 year to elementary school (Grade 6) are limited to a maximum of 2 guests. (One infant under 1 year stays free.)
As this is a traditional kominka house, there are steep stairs and balconies without railings that may be unsafe for small children. The property is primarily designed as an “adult retreat.”

●Additional Fees (separate from accommodation)
・Hot spring tax: JPY 150 per adult / per night
・Winter heating fee (Nov 1 – end of April): JPY 4,000 per night
Please pay these fees in cash (Japanese yen) on-site.
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■ Facilities

・Bedrooms (5 tatami rooms) ※See floor plan photos
・Two bath areas (100% natural hot spring, free-flowing from source, available 24 hours)
・Fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, steam oven microwave, rice cooker
Cookware, tableware, and basic seasonings provided
・Three Western-style toilets (one with bidet)
・Traditional doma earthen floor space (kamado stove and charcoal grill available)
・Engawa veranda and foot bath
・Wood-burning stove (November to late April)

＜Garden＞
・BBQ garden (covered area available for winter and rainy days)
・Hammock
・Treehouse and large swing in the adjacent cedar forest

【Best Seasons: Cherry Blossom Spring & Autumn Foliage】

Spring brings blooming flowers across town, while autumn colors the mountains in vibrant red and gold. Mild weather makes both seasons ideal for Japan travel and countryside stays.
Enjoy the timeless charm of a traditional Japanese house surrounded by seasonal natural beauty.

※As an 80-year-old kominka, there is no air conditioning.
Heating appliances are provided in winter, but hallways and toilets can be cold.
In summer, daytime temperatures may rise, but cool mountain breezes flow through the house at night along with the sound of insects.
The hum of a fan, the evening air on the engawa… Experience an authentic Japanese summer that cannot be found in urban hotels.

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■ Dining

【Total Freedom to Design Your Ideal Japan Holiday】

Meals are not provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own ingredients and cook freely.
The professional-grade kitchen includes full cookware, tableware, and seasonings.
You can also enjoy a traditional kamado rice-cooking experience in the doma space. (Assistance with firewood chopping and cooking is available upon request.)

The covered BBQ garden is adjacent to the living room with fireplace, making winter barbecue possible.
Dutch ovens and skillets are available free of charge.
Shop for seasonal ingredients at local supermarkets and farmers’ markets, and create your own private dining experience in Japan.

There is also a restaurant within walking distance
(Japanese soba restaurant with delivery available)

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■ Hot Spring

【100% Natural Hot Spring Flowing Directly from the Source – Private Use】

Sawatari Onsen has been renowned since the Edo period as a “beauty skin hot spring.”
The hot spring at Kaneki inn contains no chlorine, no reheating, no added water, and no circulation — only 100% fresh natural onsen flowing directly from the source.
Historically known as the “finishing bath of Kusatsu,” this mild alkaline spring gently warms and relaxes both body and mind. Enjoy unlimited private access day and night.

ー No shower facilities by design

This is a completely private onsen experience reserved for one group per day. Sawando’s waters are known for their natural cleansing properties.
To preserve the mineral-rich beauty benefits, we do not rinse with chlorinated tap water. Instead, we honor the traditional Japanese kake-yu bathing style.
Rinse your body with fresh hot spring water before bathing, and feel the natural moisturizing veil left on your skin afterward.

Spring quality: Calcium & Sodium Sulfate / Chloride Hot Spring
Source temperature: 55°C
Indications: Minor cuts, neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery

＜Free Amenities＞
Face towels, toothbrushes, shampoo-conditioner, bar soap, body soap, hair dryer
Bath towels available for rental (JPY 100)

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■ About the Area (Nakanojo Town, Gunma – Rural Japan)

Nakanojo Town is blessed with famous hot springs including Shima Onsen and Sawando Onsen, and has a long-standing onsen healing culture.
Surrounded by clear rivers and mountains, the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons: fresh greenery in spring, river play in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Escape crowded tourist areas and enjoy a slow countryside retreat in Japan’s nostalgic satoyama landscape.

・Sawando Onsen Public Bath (1-minute walk)
Used by local residents. Free admission tickets available for guests.

・Clear River & Park (3-minute walk)
Enjoy river play and mountain stream fishing.
The park includes shallow areas and deeper spots suitable for jumping.

【Nearby Mountains & Lakes】 Perfect for hiking, driving, and trekking
● Nozori Lake – Famous for summer daylilies and large colonies of alpine flowers
● Takeyama – Soba noodle-making experience (reservation required)
● Iwabitsu Mountain – Historic castle ruins
● Arikasa Mountain – You may encounter wild Japanese serow

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■ Access

There are five transportation options from Tokyo.

《By Train》
① Limited Express from Ueno to Nakanojo (No transfers, approx. 2 hours)
② Shinkansen: Tokyo → Takasaki → Nakanojo (approx. 1 hr 50 min)
③ Local trains: Ueno → Takasaki → Nakanojo (approx. 3 hours)
・Nakanojo Station → Sawando Onsen (20-minute local bus)

《By Highway Bus》
④ Shinjuku Bus Terminal → Nakanojo
⑤ Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit → Nakanojo Station Entrance
Tickets available at convenience stores
・Nakanojo Station → Sawando Onsen (20-minute local bus)

《By Car》
・Nerima IC → Shibukawa Ikaho IC → Route 353 (approx. 2 hours)
・Free parking for 20 cars

▶︎ Free Station Pick-up Available
Pick-up service from the nearest station by van (approx. 15 minutes one way).
Up to 10 passengers including driver.
(For larger groups, two round trips required.)
Supermarket stop available before or after check-in.

▶︎ Late check-in available until around midnight
If arriving after 12:00 AM, please notify us in advance.