Real Blue｜Iseya in Obama, Stay Report

Iseya in Obama

Stay Report

April 2021

Posted by AO/あお

[Ad]

About this Stay

We would like to share photos from our stay and meals at Iseya in Obama (Unzen City).

We booked a plan that included breakfast and dinner.

Founded in 1669, Iseya is the oldest existing ryokan in Nagasaki Prefecture. In October 2019, the previous building was demolished and completely rebuilt over a period of a year and a half, reopening with a brand-new design.

Obama Onsen is an ancient hot spring mentioned in the *Hizen Fudoki*, and has long been cherished as a therapeutic spa. With a spring source temperature of 105°C, it boasts the highest heat output in Japan. The high temperature and abundant hot water of Obama Onsen are said to be effective for neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, and more.

All guest rooms at Iseya feature ocean views overlooking the beautiful Tachibana Bay. In addition to the large communal bath, each room is equipped with its own hot spring bath supplied directly from the source. Guests can enjoy the hot spring at any time, relaxing completely while gazing at the borrowed scenery of Tachibana Bay or the night sky. Both the Japanese-Western style dinners and breakfasts were fresh and delicious. It was a stay that made me want to visit again.

[Ad]

Check-in

Top

Exterior of Iseya

The exterior features a stylish design based on a deep gray color.

Exterior from Another Angle

Obama Onsen is said to have the most abundant hot spring output in Japan. You can really feel the power from the rising steam of the large public bath.

Entrance

The black walls combined with the wooden doors and windows in subdued tones create a chic and harmonious look.

Temperature Scanner After Entering the Building

The interior of the building is very clean.

[Ad]

Guest Room

Top

Bed / Living Room

A spacious and comfortable room.

Chairs and Table by the Window

The tatami area looks very convenient and easy to use.

Shoji Open

The window offers a view of Tachibana Bay.

Television

You can watch TV while lying down.

Desk

A Japanese-modern space with a very calm ambiance.

Private Hot Spring Bath

The in-room bath is a free-flowing natural hot spring with a view of Tachibana Bay. Obama Onsen’s water is a sodium chloride spring, which boosts metabolism and leaves your body warm after bathing.

In the large public bath, the hot spring gushes up naturally from underground with a powerful “whoosh-whoosh” sound, and the free-flowing sodium chloride spring is piped directly into the baths. You can enjoy both hot and lukewarm baths there.

In both the in-room bath and the public bath, because the spring temperature is extremely high, a traditional mechanism called *yumetake* is used to adjust the temperature without relying on added water or electricity. This allows you to fully enjoy the pure, free-flowing sodium chloride hot spring.

[Ad]

Strolling Around the Hotel

Top

Sofas and Chairs

Near the large public bath, there are various relaxing spaces where you can unwind.

Drink Service

This is the drink service corner where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and Japanese tea.

Yukata, Tabi Socks, etc.

You can choose your preferred size of yukata. Tabi socks are also available.

Library ①: Overall View

This is the mini-library corner.

Library ②: Details Part 1

A variety of books are available here.

Library ③: Details Part 2

It is a space designed for relaxation.

[Ad]

Dinner

Top

Appetizer

Dinner is served in the dining room, where you can enjoy a fusion of Japanese and Western dishes made with fresh local seafood, meat, and vegetables. The meal begins with shrimp salad, fried spring vegetables, and nanohana (rapeseed blossom) appetizers.

Sashimi

Fresh sea bream sashimi, served with ponzu and olive oil.

Champagne

Beverages include Nagasaki sake, shochu, champagne, red and white wine, as well as soft drinks, tea, and water.

Steamed Dish

This is a smooth lily root puree.

Salad

A seared whale salad. The sauce is inspired by the colors of the sunset sky—beautifully presented.

For dinner, you may also order extras such as live spiny lobster sashimi, abalone sashimi, or whale sashimi—local specialties of Nagasaki. I would love to try them on my next visit.