Ryokan Otozure

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"A serene, historic ryokan set on a wooded bank of the Otozure River in the sacred onsen town of Nagato, known for its 600-year-old alkaline Yumoto Onsen where a Shinto shrine sits within the bath. The property features a garden, library, and a grand outdoor bath, and has hosted Japan’s Emperor and Prime Minister. Rooms are offered in Western-style hardwood or traditional tatami configurations, each with a private balcony onsen, while the restaurant serves Yamaguchi kaiseki specialties like fugu sashimi and minced lotus root with maitake and yuzu; recommended pairings include local sake or the owner’s personally selected mineral-forward Swiss wines." - Adam H. Graham