[Access] About a 90-minute drive from Shimada-Kanaya IC to the Sumatakyo Onsen parking lot, followed by a 7-minute walk.
[Website] Seikou Udoku Village (Japanese)
After some busy weeks of work and business trips, I finally had a weekend to spend in Hamamatsu. It was a sunny Sunday during the peak of autumn leaves, and I decided to revisit the famous Dream Suspension Bridge at Sumatakyo Gorge. I’ve been there three times before, but the water was always cloudy. This time, I hoped to see the emerald-green river I had heard so much about.
For the first time, I got to see the breathtaking emerald-green water. It was worth the wait – even though I had to stand in line for nearly an hour, I could enjoy the beautiful view while waiting. The autumn leaves and the clear water were simply unforgettable.
After a nearly two-hour stroll (including waiting time), I felt cold and decided to soak in a hot spring. While Suikouen and the town’s open-air baths are wonderful, I wanted to try different place. Near the trail entrance, I found Seikou Udoku Village, which offers private onsen and a café with foot baths. I chose a 45-minute private onsen session.
The private baths seemed small, suitable for up to four people each. Although you can’t enjoy mountain views, the garden greenery and crisp outdoor air made it a relaxing experience. The onsen water at Sumatakyo is incredibly silky and smooth – it always surprises me how thick and slippery it feels. Be careful; the floors can get quite slippery 🙂
The spring water is a simple sulfur onsen, with a temperature of 43°C, a total mineral content of 635.6 mg/kg, and a pH of 9.1. The light sulfur smell might make you think of acidic sulfur springs, but this one is alkaline and surprisingly gentle. It’s fascinating how diverse sulfur springs can be!