Araki Kosen

A hot spring inn with a history of more than 200 years, this hot spring is known as “Mishiro no Yu” (hot spring for the generations).

It is the oldest inn among the seven Chichibu hot springs. Founded in 1827, it was known as the inn in front of Kinshoji Temple, the fourth of Chichibu’s sacred places of worship, and prospered as an inn for pilgrims.

Until the Taisho era (1912-1926), it was generally called “Yuya,” but the name was changed to “Shinki Kosen” after the name of the place, Shinki.

Since the inn has not been extensively rebuilt since its establishment, much of the atmosphere of those days remains in the inn.

It is said that the first generation, Grandma Okiku, discovered the source of the spring under the guidance of the god of the Tsunemochi Shrine, and the spring became well known for its quality. From the time of its establishment until after the Showa War, local people also used it as a therapeutic bath.

Later, with the opening of the Seibu Railway, the number of visitors from Tokyo and the Kanto region increased, and Shinki Kosen became mainly used as a ryokan (Japanese-style inn).

The spring is a simple sulfur cold mineral spring (hypotonic, alkaline, cold mineral spring), and the source temperature is 15°C. Because it is a cold mineral spring, it is heated.

It is also called “eggnog hot spring” because of its smooth texture, and is popular among women and called “beauty hot spring” because of its good quality for the skin.

It is known to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal disorders, sensitivity to cold, external wounds, and beauty. There is a “Goyo-no-yu” in the main bath, a “Jizo-no-yu” exclusively for men, a “Kosodate-no-yu” exclusively for women, and a “Oyako-no-yu” in the open-air bath.

A day-trip hot spring bath is also available. Please use it when you are tired after a day of sightseeing or hiking. The building is old, and the pillars and other parts of the building remain as they were in those days, so you can feel the atmosphere of those days.

Chichibu Seven Hot Springs

Chichibu Nanayu is the name given to seven specific hot spring resorts in the Chichibu region.

These hot springs are, or were, characterized by mineral springs with low source temperatures. Today, all of them are recognized as hot springs because they meet the requirements of the Onsen Law, but some of them still continue to use the name as mineral springs.

These seven hot springs are said to have been selected during the Edo period, and three of them still remain today.

Shinki no Yu (Shinki Mineral Spring)
Hato no Yu (Hato no Yu hot spring, no longer in existence)
Hot water of Shibahara (Shibahara hot spring)
Chikadani no Yu (Chikadani Hot Spring, not extant)
Hot water of a deer (Shiraku hot spring)
Hot water of a beam place (not existing)
Hot water of Oizashi (not extant)