Wake up, go to work, eat, and sleep.
Even on days off, many people in Japan do nothing more than rest their bodies in preparation for the next workday.
It may sound surprising, but for countless Japanese workers, this routine is simply a way of life. A “holiday” is not truly a time of freedom—it often becomes just “preparation for more work.”
For those constantly caught in this cycle, and for international visitors who wish to understand a different side of Japan, there is a place we highly recommend.
A place where you can spend time embraced by nature, connect with warm-hearted people, and truly free your mind and body.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima, LAKE SIDE HOTEL MINATOYA is a retreat that reminds you what a real holiday is meant to feel like.
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Author Profile
Name：Ken
After living in Poland, Ken launched the social media project “Ken / Solo Japanese Style,” sharing content that connects Poland and Japan. Today, his work focuses on videos about Japanese culture and everyday life, reaching an audience of over 800K followers across platforms.He also runs “Japan of Japan” YouTube channel with more than 60K subscribers,where he introduces traditional inns and hidden gems throughout the country. Through his perspective as a Japanese creator, Ken aims to showcase the authentic charm of Japan—beyond just its big cities—to the world.
A Stay Where Retro Meets Modern
Fukushima Prefecture, Inawashiro.
From Tokyo, it’s about an hour by train or car after taking the shinkansen (bullet train) to Koriyama.The very first thing I felt upon arriving at MINATOYA was— “The lake is so close!”
Lake Inawashiro is the fourth-largest lake in Japan.
As someone who grew up in Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa—the country’s largest lake—I’ve always been familiar with lakes. But Inawashiro has a charm that feels different.
If the grandness of Lake Biwa lies in the fact that you can’t even see the other side, then the beauty of Lake Inawashiro is in its comforting scale—you can clearly see the opposite shore.
Step outside the entrance of the hotel, and the lakeside spreads out before you. At sunset, the overlapping scenery of mountains, city lights, and even swan boats creates a view that gently soothes the heart.
Inside the hotel, retro charm and modern comfort blend seamlessly.
Guest rooms still carry the gentle scent of tatami mats, while the large public bath is lined with the iconic Kerorin buckets—a nostalgic symbol of Japanese bath culture. Beside the lobby, you’ll even find a small game corner.
There’s a certain nostalgia here, as if you’ve stepped back into the atmosphere of a student trip or summer training camp.
At the same time, the hotel offers all the modern comforts travelers look for.
In the Japanese–Western style rooms, you’ll find high-quality beds made by the world-renowned brand Simmons, ensuring both beautiful views and a good night’s sleep.
For those who value rest, the special “Good Sleep Room” is designed under the supervision of a professional sleep therapist. Guests can choose from six types of pillows and three kinds of aromatherapy scents to create their ideal sleep environment.
Every room is also equipped with essentials such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a humidifier, an air purifier, a safety box, and a toilet with a bidet function (commonly known in Japan as “Washlet”). These thoughtful details make the stay not only comfortable but also highly practical for travelers.
And one detail you shouldn’t miss is the stairway art.
Covering the entire wall, the mural depicts the changing scenery of Japan’s four seasons—shifting from spring to summer, then autumn, and finally winter as you climb upward.
What would normally be just a simple walk upstairs turns into a mini art appreciation. This, too, captures the unique spirit of MINATOYA: nostalgic, yet refreshingly new.
A Sauna Experience Where the Lake Becomes Your Cold Bath
The highlight of MINATOYA is without a doubt its tent sauna.
The crackling sound of burning firewood, the burst of steam from pouring water over the hot stones (self löyly), and the aroma of your chosen scent all combine to create an immersive experience.
Although saunas originated in Finland, in Japan they have evolved into a unique culture of their own. The ritual goes: heat yourself in the sauna → plunge into cold water → relax in the open air. Repeating this cycle tightens your blood vessels and brings about a state the Japanese call totonou—a blissful clarity of mind, almost like being “legally high.” It’s no wonder modern Japanese office workers are obsessed with it.
The tent sauna can accommodate up to six people, but since we used it as a pair, it felt like having the space all to ourselves. You add the firewood by hand and adjust the heat—deciding whether to take it slow and steady, or raise the temperature all at once.
The crackling of the flames and the scent of wood fuel the senses directly, making the experience both primal and deeply relaxing.
After fully warming up in the sauna, you step outside to find Lake Inawashiro right in front of you. Instead of a cold plunge pool, you can dive straight into the lake itself.
Unlike the sea, the freshwater here feels soft and smooth on the skin. There’s no sticky saltiness, only the pure clarity of the water. Floating in its transparency, you feel as if your body is melting into nature itself.
On the beach, you’ll find scattered spiky stones known locally as “inabishi.”
Because of them, sandals are a must (the hotel provides pairs for free).
Interestingly, these stones can actually be roasted and brewed into Inabishi Tea—a fragrant, caffeine-free herbal tea rich in minerals, which is also popular as a local souvenir.
(Insert photo of inabishi)
After your lake plunge, stretch out on an infinity chair for open-air relaxation. The breeze across the water gently cools your heated body, while the sounds of insects, lapping waves, and the wind on your cheeks make it feel as though you are being embraced by nature itself.
For an added touch, you can borrow a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite music, or, if it’s nighttime, enjoy a fire pit set and chill out while watching the flames dance.
The hotel also provides a wide range of rentals and items for purchase:
・Swimsuits for sale (¥3,300 each)
・Sauna ponchos (¥1,100), sauna hats (¥550), and towels (¥220–330)）
・Infinity chairs (¥550) for the ultimate open-air relaxation
・Bluetooth speakers (¥550) and fire pit sets (¥3,300)
And to finish off the experience—sauna food.
With the sauna stay plan, each guest receives the classic Japanese sauna drink, “Oro-Po”—a refreshing mix of Oronamin C (a fizzy energy soda) and Pocari Sweat (an electrolyte drink). You can even order Chinese-style bento boxes or ramen delivered right to your tent, which makes the whole experience even more satisfying.
At the Inawashiro sauna, you don’t just get heat and water—you get the full set of wind, sky, and lake.
It’s a rare chance to experience totonou, that blissful state of refreshment and clarity, in a way that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else in Japan.
Glamping Rooftop BBQ Under the Night Breeze
At night, head up to the rooftop for a glamping BBQ.
From here, you can take in views of both Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai.
In the daytime the lake sparkles in the sun, while at night the moonlight mingles with the city lights—a view that feels like pure luxury in itself.
On the table are thick-cut meats, sausages, sizzling ajillo (Spanish-style garlic shrimp and olive oil), and the highlight—an original MINATOYA burger.
The burger is made with fluffy yet chewy buns baked fresh at the hotel’s adjoining bakery, layered with juicy patties and vegetables. Paired with crispy fries and washed down with local craft beer, it becomes a dish you truly can’t experience anywhere else.
There are also rice dishes, including grilled rice balls made with the local Hitomebore variety of rice, as well as pilaf-style plates. With the crackle of charcoal and the mouthwatering aroma filling the air, all five senses are completely indulged.
Hands-Free Luxury
Climb up to the rooftop, and there’s no need to fuss with gas stoves or charcoal.
All the ingredients and cooking tools are prepared for you, and even the cleanup is taken care of.
All that’s left for guests to do is grill, eat, and drink.
For travelers, this effortless convenience is a real blessing.
Chill in a Glamping Tent
Glamping takes place in a semi-outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while staying sheltered from rain and wind.
The tents are climate-controlled, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.At night, soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere where you can relax with complete peace of mind.
Inside the tent, you’ll find sofas and Yogibo bean bags, perfect for lying down or lounging with a drink in hand.
You’re welcome to bring your own beverages, so with a beer or a glass of wine, the space can feel just like your own living room.Unlike rooftop BBQs in the city, here you’re surrounded by the lake and mountains, making it a place where you can truly unwind and relax.
The white walls of the tent can double as a projection screen, so you can enjoy a movie night with friends.
High-quality speakers are also available, letting you pump up party music or set a chill background soundtrack—totally up to you.
We decided to play some Western music we don’t usually listen to, gazing out at the lake and the moon. As we lounged on the beach, watching other young people chilling, it felt like we were sharing a fleeting moment of youthful summer evenings—a perfect twilight reverie.
Start Your Morning with the Aroma of Freshly Baked and Steamed Delights
The next morning, when we drew back the curtains, the lake stretched out before us under a clear blue sky, welcoming us to a refreshing start to the day.
From there, we headed straight to the nearby MINATOYA Bakery INAWASHIRO, a full-fledged bakery supervised by the popular Tokyo bakery “Pain et Espresso et”.
Inside, the bakery is a stark contrast to the inn, offering a bright and modern café space. Spacious and designed with a palette of whites and browns, it’s surprising to see the charm of a traditional Japanese inn seamlessly combined with a contemporary café.
The bread here is known as a “lakeside reward loaf,” and for good reason.
Chewy with a subtle sweetness, each bite reflects the meticulous attention of the supervising brand.
Popular menu items include the French toast plate and assorted bread platters, perfect for a leisurely morning by the lake.
Settling into a terrace seat, with freshly baked bread and a cup of coffee in hand, you can take in the view of the lake.In sight are young people and couples enjoying the morning by the water, elderly couples strolling leisurely, and men heading out for early watersports.
Watching this lively yet peaceful scene makes it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of city life.
The people who work here are just as warm and welcoming.
Beyond their attentive service, the inn and its meals convey a genuine love and care for the local area.It feels as though the warmth of the people of Aizu shapes the very atmosphere of the entire establishment.
To our delight, the staff at the bakery and the watersports center recognized that we run the inbound-focused SNS account “Japan of Japan.”
It was incredibly rewarding to see how our content connects with local people in this way.
These friendly smiles and conversations naturally become part of the memories that make a trip truly special.
Interestingly, at night, the bakery transforms into a Chinese restaurant called Saiko.
Its hearty, authentic Chinese cuisine is popular with both group travelers and guests staying for training camps. A signature dish is the “Steamed Mu in a Bamboo Basket with Chinese Deli Set,” where the bakery’s famous bread, Mu, is steamed to perfection.
Rice is all-you-can-eat, allowing you to enjoy two completely different moods—morning by the lake with freshly baked bread, and a cozy Chinese dinner by night—all in one place.
The charm of MINATOYA goes far beyond just staying overnight.
With experiences like the bakery, tent sauna, and rooftop BBQ, visitors can easily drop by and enjoy even on a day trip.
How to Use
・Day Trip: Reserve in advance on the official website and pay by card.
・Overnight Stay: Reserve online or by phone (payment by cash or card accepted on the day).
At night, enjoy a hands-free glamping BBQ on the rooftop.
In the morning, savor freshly baked and steamed bread while gazing at the blue sky and the lake.
Hot springs, tatami-style rooms, a Western-style bakery, a tent sauna, and Lake Inawashiro—there are few inns that bring together Japanese and Western elements so seamlessly.
By the lake, you can spend time surrounded by nature and warm hospitality.
This is the authentic holiday that MINATOYA offers—a moment to truly unwind, one that you may have forgotten was possible.
Written by Kensuke Matsuyama
Translation: Ryokanbook Editorial Team
