[アクセス] JR紀勢本線 阿曽駅 より徒歩で約15分
[Webページ] 阿曽湯の里（三重県大紀町ホームページ）
[Access] About a 15-minute walk from Aso Station on the JR Kisei Line
[Website] Aso Yunonosato in Japanese (Official page by Taiki Town, Mie Prefecture)
After a relaxing ride along the Miyagawa-Kahadakyo Cycling Route, one of the Japan Eco Track routes, I started looking for a hot spring to rest and recover. That’s when I found Aso Onsen.
Online photos showed reddish-brown water and thick mineral deposits clinging to the edge of the tub, and I thought, “This place looks amazing!”
Aso Onsen is housed in the old wooden building of the former Aso Elementary School, which gives it a nostalgic and warm atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find paintings made by local residents, adding to the feeling that this is a community-centered place. If they sold local vegetables or handmade sweets here, it would be perfect—but maybe that’s asking too much!
阿曽温泉は、含二酸化炭素 – ナトリウム・カルシウム – 塩化物 – 炭酸水素塩温泉の泉質、ph6.7 の泉温 27.5度の温泉。成分総量は 8400 mg / kg とその茶褐色の湯からも想像できる成分の濃い温泉。温泉分析表によるとラドンの含有もあるみたい。湧出時は無色透明だけれど、30分ほど放置すると淡い茶褐色に色がつく温泉で、舐めてみると少し塩味と金属のような味を感じました。
この日は人もそれほどおらず、ゆったりと柔らかいお湯を楽しむことができ大満足。それにしても、個人的には 三重県に特徴的な温泉があるというイメージがあまり無かったのですが、昨年三重の大台ケ原を訪ねた時に入った入之波温泉から立て続けにいい感じの温泉に出会えていて、ちょっと印象が変わりました。積極的に三重に来て温泉を探してみたいと思うようになってます。
Aso Onsen is a carbon dioxide-containing sodium-calcium chloride-bicarbonate spring, with a pH of 6.7 and a source temperature of 27.5°C. It has a high total mineral content of 8,400 mg/kg, which matches the deep reddish-brown color of the water. According to the official analysis, it also contains a small amount of radon. When it first emerges, the water is colorless and clear, but after about 30 minutes of exposure to air, it turns a light reddish-brown. I tasted a bit of the water, and it had a slightly salty and metallic flavor.
There were only a few other people on the day I visited, so I was able to relax and enjoy the soft, gentle water at my own pace—it was truly satisfying.
To be honest, I never really thought of Mie Prefecture as a place known for unique hot springs. But after visiting Shionoha Onsen near Mt. Odaigahara last year and now discovering Aso Onsen, my impression is starting to change.
I’ve started to feel like I want to explore more hot springs in Mie actively.
The Miyagawa-Kahadakyo Cycling Route I explored this time follows the beautiful Miyagawa River, known for its high clarity and jade-green color. Along the way, I even came across a rare chinka-bashi (low-water bridge), making the ride not only scenic but also full of interesting sights. It was a truly pleasant and refreshing cycling experience.
Along the way, I also stopped by Mizuya Shrine, where there’s a massive camphor tree designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. It was truly impressive and well worth a visit.
This was my first time cycling on the Japan Eco Track routes, but now I’m eager to try other routes as well.