Japan’s Okayama Washuzan – The “Most Scenic Hotel” Where You Can Soak in Hot Springs While Gazing at the Seto Inland Sea

▲ The Seto Ohashi Bridge.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You t
ru / Okayama
 
For travelers visiting the Kurashiki-Ichikawa area who want to get close to the Seto Inland Sea, atop Mount Washu in the Ichikawa area lies a legendary “most scenic hotel.” Facing the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, guests can enjoy the hot springs while taking in the beautiful view, offering a classic blend of landscape and hot spring experiences.


▲ The hotel is located on Mount Washu, where the Seto Inland Sea can be viewed in the distance. (Photo provided by the operator)

Washuzan Fujikasou Hotel on Mount Washu, as its name suggests, is a Japanese-style hotel situated on a plateau. It is the only inn with naturally gushing hot springs in Fujikasou. When the reporter visited during early summer evening, though the air was no longer cool, the hotel’s location still allowed a gentle breeze to be felt. Driving from the Seto Inland Sea area to the hotel, the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge along the way created a very pleasant atmosphere.

The primarily Japanese-style hot spring inn is a relatively well-established establishment, exuding a warm, homely Japanese atmosphere. The hotel rooms offer views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. Outside, there is a spacious veranda where you can step out and feel the breeze coming from the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel’s hot spring area is divided into two sections, with facilities on both the top floor and the third floor. Among them, the open-air hot spring on the top floor offers the perfect combination of scenic views and a relaxing soak.


▲ Interior of a Japanese-style room.
%The squeezing core examination... in: and corridor.



▲The open-air bath allows you to enjoy the scenery while viewing the Seto Inland Sea. (Photo provided by the operator)

The hot spring on the third floor is named “Honey’s Bath” because it contains locally produced honey. Hotel staff recommend it as particularly suitable for women, claiming it has skin-smoothing effects. As for the open-air bath “Tennyo” on the top floor, it features the radiant spring quality of Washuzan, making it ideal for travelers who have been walking a lot or suffering from muscle soreness after traveling. Aside from the hot spring, it offers a full view of the entire Seto Inland Sea and the bridge. Combining a hot spring soak with scenic views is truly a luxurious experience.


▲ %The preparation of special dishes using fresh ingredients provided on this level.


Washuzan Fujikasou Hotel also uses locally sourced ingredients from Okayama, along with fresh seafood from the fishing port, to create refined kaiseki course meals. Additionally, in the evenings, there are spontaneous taiko drum performances put on by hotel staff. While enjoying local Okayama cuisine, you can also listen to the lively and cheerful sounds of drums echoing through the lobby, offering a multi-faceted taste of traditional Japanese travel.

Washuzan Fujikasou Hotel on Mount Washu
Address: 303-17 Fujikasou, Shimozi, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Phone: +81-86-479-9500
Price: From 10,000 JPY per night including two meals