About a 5-minute walk from Honmachi Hotel, there is a Showa-retro public bathhouse called "Enmeiyu." The presence of its manager, Nishimura-san, and this proud bathhouse that he continues to protect, was a significant factor in my decision to open Honmachi Hotel in the Honmachi shopping district.

Established in the 7th year of the Showa era (1932), Enmeiyu has been cherished by the local community for many years and stands as the sole remaining traditional public bathhouse in Higashiomi City, preserving the town's memories for the present day.

This area, once known as "Enmei Shinchi," was a bustling entertainment district that included a licensed red-light district.

It is said that at the time of its opening, Enmeiyu was enjoyed not only by local residents but also by soldiers from the nearby Imperial Japanese Army's Yokaichi Airfield and other visitors to the area.

Nishimura-san is the manager (bantō) who continues to protect this historic Enmeiyu.

In order to encourage long-term stays in the town, a bath, which is a fundamental part of daily life, is essential. The "Enmeiyu" bathhouse, which Nishimura-san has diligently maintained, was a major source of encouragement for me to open Honmachi Hotel in this location.

When you pass through the noren curtains of Enmeiyu, you are met with a nostalgic atmosphere, as if you have wandered into the Showa era.

On the wall you gaze up at while soaking in the bath, a mural of "Famous Places of the Lake Country," painted by local female artist Yamamoto-san, unfolds before you.

The water, heated daily by Nishimura-san with firewood, has a smooth, silky texture that gently caresses the skin.

Another one of its charms is the incredible power of the electric bath. The tingling sensation, which surpasses all imagination, is simply irresistible.

Nishimura-san always greets you with a friendly smile and a joke.

The contrast between his unpretentious smile and his ruggedly cool appearance as he heats the bath with firewood is truly captivating.

Visit Enmeiyu to soothe the weariness of your travels and to enjoy warm interactions with the local people. We invite you to come and experience for yourself the comfort of the water heated by firewood and the warm-hearted character of Nishimura-san.

(Photography by Yoshinori Yamazaki)

Enmeiyu

Address: 11-9 Yokaichi Honmachi, Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture

Phone number: 0748-22-1002

Website: https://enmeiyu.info/

Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last entry at 10:30 PM)

Closed: On the 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, and 28th of every month.

From Honmachi Hotel's ROOM 2, guests can see smoke billowing from the chimney of Enmeiyu, a view that has been very popular with our guests.

We offer a special package that includes a "Bath Ticket" for Enmeiyu, a "Honmachi Hotel Original Towel," and a set of "shampoo, conditioner, and body soap" for you to take with you.

For those who wish, we also offer our original bath basins for use free of charge.

For accommodation reservations, please click here.