In the native Ainu language, Ni means wood and Bushi denotes the sound of woods being torn apart when the temperatures drop as low as -30°F. This is a cozy family-run minshuku, boasting a natural hot spring bath with a view of Lake Kussharo. Situated by the lake and surrounded by woodland in the Akan National Park, this is an ideal place to rest and relax.
The
minshuku has a total of 23 Japanese-styled tatami rooms for up to 60 guests. For the price of ¥7,500 (US$73) per person, we had a room with a beautiful view of the lake, delicious Japanese set dinners and breakfasts (the menu is simply too long to include here), and a delightful soak in their natural unisex hot spring bath. The hot spring has curative properties that are particularly good for those with arthritis and skin problems (so ladies, soak away!). It is also drinkable (a cup is attached near the sprout of the pool), which aids healing (drink three times a day).
As this is a family-run inn with a staff of three (not including his 80-year-old mother-in-law), guests are expected to lay their own futons (mattresses). They are welcome to use the lounge dominated by a log fireplace (maintained by the mother-in-law).
The manager speaks some English, so communication was not a problem. For an extra ¥500 (US$4) per person, he played guide and showed us the nearby sights and attractions too, a bargain since the alternative was a ¥2,000 (US$20) tour on the Akan bus.
For reservations, you can email him direct at nibushi@rose.ocn.ne.jp
To go there:
Take the JR local train and alight at JR Kawayu Onsen station or the Akan bus to Kawayu Onsen bus terminal. From the station, telephone the manager, who will pick you up personally. Upon departure, he will also take you to whichever station you have requested.