Okutsuso Historic Ryokan | 奥津温泉 奥津荘
Perched along the pristine rushing waters of the Yoshii River in Kagamino-cho (neighboring Mimasaka and Tsuyama), Okutsuso (奥津荘) is one of Western Japan’s most revered historic onsen inns. Designated as a **Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan (国登録有形文化財)**, this exquisite 1927 wooden ryokan preserves the golden era of Showa-era architectural grace.
What elevates Okutsuso into legendary status among hot spring purists is its miraculous ‘Foot-of-Source Bubbling Spring’ (足元湧出源泉) in the historic Kagi-yu (Key Bath). Here, smooth alkaline thermal water wells up directly through fissures in natural granite riverbed boulders on the bath floor, completely untouched by modern piping, pumps, or ambient air. The spring water is naturally silky and skin-nourishing, celebrated for centuries as a premier ‘Bath of Beauty’ (Bijin-no-yu).
Heritage & Gastronomy: Historically cherished by master novelists including Naoya Shiga, Okutsuso offers just eight deeply private guest rooms. In the evening, guests savor masterwork Kaiseki dinners highlighting Okayama Chiya Wagyu beef, sweet mountain river trout (*Ayu*), and wild seasonal foraged herbs, paired with local Mimasaka sake.
【 日本語情報 / Japanese Overview 】
公式概要| 名称 | 名泉鍵湯 奥津荘（国登録有形文化財・足元湧出の天然名湯宿） |
|---|---|
| カテゴリー | 国登録有形文化財の宿・老舗温泉旅館・源泉かけ流し・足元湧出 |
| 所在地 / エリア | 岡山県苫田郡鏡野町奥津48（美作三湯・奥津温泉） |
| 概要 | 昭和2年創業、建物全体が国の登録有形文化財に指定されている奥津温泉を代表する名旅館。名物『鍵湯』は、川底の自然花崗岩の間から純度100%の極上アルカリ性単純温泉が自噴する奇跡の「足元湧出」風呂。志賀直哉をはじめとする文人墨客にも愛された風情ある木造空間で、岡山特産の千屋牛や旬の山川の幸を極上の会席料理で提供。 |
| 主な特徴 |
|
| 公式リンク | 公式サイトで詳細を確認 → |
Compare Room Rates, Kaiseki Plans & Car Rental Access
Check seasonal availability, private open-air bath (rotenburo) packages, and self-drive rental car access for your stay.