Izumi Onsen is all about being simple. No jet baths, no rotenburo, nothing special but a well designed--if not quite unique--basic bathhouse. Everything in Izumi Onsen from the mural of Mt. Fuji to the rare bottled sodas in the lobby expresses a sense of nostalgia, but a clean, well kept nostalgia. The baths are filled with heated and treated soft water (軟水) which comes from their own well. I love the super soft soapy feeling that soft water gives me skin.

What most amazed me at Izumi was the washing area which had a long tile bench built into the floor to sit on. These seem to be less common as most places prefer the plastic bath chairs. The cold water shower was also a highlight. A dense, powerful blast of Izumi's well water really can get you going. Great for the summer.

As for the building, the semi-detached outside toilet, somewhat common among sento design of the era, was interesting. So was the onsen's location inside a shopping arcade.