This was my second stay at Daikon no Hana, a secluded onsen ryokan in Zao. In this article, I’ll share my personal impressions of the guest room Momiji, focusing on what made the experience special (and what didn’t).
⛰️ Background of the Stay
This time, we traveled by rental car from Yamagata-za Takinami in Akayu Onsen, crossing into Miyagi Prefecture to reach Daikon no Hana in Togatta Onsen, Zao. On the way, we stopped by the famous Okama Crater—I’ve included a photo above.
The last time I stayed here was during the height of the pandemic. The ryokan was quiet, with a slightly tense atmosphere. Since that stay left such a positive impression, I decided to return.
For this visit, I chose the Momiji room—featuring its own private, free-flowing open-air onsen bath.
🍁 Impressions of the “Momiji” Room
Daikon no Hana consists of detached villas scattered across a forested hillside. The architecture emphasizes natural wood beams and open ceilings, giving the rooms an airy and warm atmosphere. According to the ryokan’s official site, there are 12 buildings with 18 rooms across five different areas.
The Momiji room followed this design, with a spacious layout and wood-toned décor that immediately made me feel relaxed.
I honestly can’t remember the name of the room I stayed in previously, but it felt quite similar in design and layout. Perhaps the rooms share a consistent style throughout.
The mattress left no particular impression—which, to me, means it was perfectly balanced: neither too hard nor too soft. I slept soundly.
What I loved:
- The natural materials gave off a warm, comforting feeling—wood scent, textures, and visual coziness.
- Strong sense of privacy. The room felt quiet and secluded, so I could move at my own pace.
- The open-air bath was spacious enough for two and felt luxurious.
- The layout allowed a seamless flow from the room to the bath. With such privacy, I could wander around comfortably without worrying about being seen (yes, even unclothed).
What I didn’t love:
- The indoor shower unit was very basic—practical but not atmospheric. Still, since the main attraction is the onsen, it wasn’t a deal-breaker.
- A telescope was placed in the room, but I had no idea how to use it or what to look at. For me, it was just another piece of décor (though some might enjoy it!).
♨️ Bathing in Harmony with Nature
According to the ryokan, the spring water is clear, unscented, and gentle on the skin—ideal for beauty. My experience matched this exactly: my skin felt silky and moisturized afterward, with no need for body cream.
During my stay:
- Day 1 (Rainy): The forest outside was misty, raindrops sparkling on leaves. I slipped into the onsen with a traditional umbrella over my head—a rare, serene moment of “forest rain-bathing.”
- Day 2 (Sunny): The rain had cleared. Sunlight filtered through the trees, illuminating wet leaves that glittered like jewels. Bathing that morning felt almost purifying.
A few notes:
- Mosquitoes were an issue in the season. The room had an electronic repellent, but one device wasn’t enough. The staff kindly provided an extra one when requested—small touches like this make a difference.
- A bird feeder was set near the bath to attract wild birds. While bird lovers would enjoy this, I personally found it a bit distracting since I’m not comfortable around birds.
🛁 Amenities and What I Brought Along
The ryokan provides high-quality, natural-style amenities in the room. However, I always bring my own trusted skincare and shampoo, so I barely used what was provided (apart from the hand soap). For me, having my own items creates a sense of security and consistency while traveling.
💛 Overall Impressions
As this was my second stay, I felt more relaxed and less self-conscious compared to my first visit. The warmth of the Momiji room, the private onsen, and the surrounding forest combined into an experience of “just the right distance” from everyday life.
Yes, starting with a rainy day was a bit of a letdown, but it actually made the next morning’s sunshine feel even more magical.
It’s worth noting that Daikon no Hana also has several shared private baths outside the rooms, along with a lounge and an irori hearth where freshly fried tofu is served to guests on arrival. With so many options, I found myself constantly moving around to try everything. As a result, I can’t say I spent the stay in a purely “slow and relaxed” way. Still, that bustling curiosity is part of the fun—and part of what makes this ryokan unique.
For anyone considering a visit, I’d say: come with a flexible mindset. Whether it rains or shines, there’s always a way to enjoy the forest and the baths here.
📹 Room Tour Video | Follow my YouTube
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