温泉でリラックス

Zao Onsen – Hanare-yu Hyaku-happo

By thmiyake On 2025年8月23日

One of the highlights of hiking Mt. Zao is, of course, Zao Onsen. I was really looking forward to soaking in its strongly acidic, milky-white waters with a rich sulfur smell—something I hadn’t experienced in a while. After descending to Jyuhyo Kogen Station and taking the ropeway down to Zao Sanroku Station, I looked for a nearby bath and found Hanare-yu Hyaku-happo. With its wooden building typical of Zao Onsen and its strongly acidic waters, it looked atmospheric and promising.

Rishiri Onsen – Rishiri Fureai Onsen

By thmiyake On 2025年8月12日

For my first visit to Rishiri Island, I planned to stay for several days, so I wanted to choose a hotel with a hot spring. While researching, I learned that there is only one ryokan on Rishiri and Rebun Islands that offers 100% free-flowing hot spring water, and that this spring is considered one of the finest bicarbonate springs in Japan. With that, staying at Hotel Rishiri was an easy decision.

Mochimune Minato Onsen

By thmiyake On 2025年5月24日

I had some errands to run and found myself back in Mochimune for the first time in a while. My grandparents used to live nearby, so I often visited the area as a child and have fond memories of playing in the ocean at Mochimune—it’s a nostalgic place for me. While there, my family, who had arrived ahead of me, suggested we go to the local onsen. I asked, “Wait, there’s an onsen here?” and they replied, “Yeah, it’s been around for quite a while now.” I was surprised—I’ve been back to my grandparents’ house several times in recent years, but somehow I never knew about it…

Yuya Onsen – Horai Yuyu-Arena

By thmiyake On 2025年5月3日

Yuya Onsen in Shinshiro, Aichi, is a historic hot spring said to have been discovered 1,300 years ago by the ascetic monk Rishu Sennin, who founded the nearby Hōrai-ji Temple. Its source, called “Hōekisen,” is famed as a therapeutic spring believed to cure all kinds of ailments. I came across Hōrai Yuyu Arena and decided to give it a try right away.

Nagato Onsen – Yasuragi-no-Yu

By thmiyake On 2025年5月2日

On the way back from a hike to Mt. Utsukushigahara, I did what I always do—look for a good hot spring. That’s when I came across Nagato Onsen Yasuragi-no-Yu, known for its therapeutic bōshō-sen (sodium sulfate spring). Conveniently located next to a roadside station, it seemed like an easy stop.

Tenkawa Yakuto Center – Mizuha-no-Yu

By thmiyake On 2025年4月29日

There are several hot spring spots in Tenkawa Village. Tenkawa Yakuto Center – Mizuha-no-Yu features open-air herbal baths made with medicinal plants like angelica root (Tōki). That sounded intriguing, so I decided to go check it out.

Tennokawa Onsen – Kigi-no-Yu

By thmiyake On 2025年4月27日

For my hike up Mount Hakkyo, I stayed in Tenkawa Village, a quiet place with several hot springs. Near my lodging, I could hear warblers singing by the river, along with the gentle flow of water and the occasional call of kajika frogs — it was such a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Encouraged by my host, I decided to visit a nearby hot spring, Tennokawa Onsen – Kigi-no-Yu.

Michinoku Reisen – Yawaragi-no-yu

By thmiyake On 2025年4月12日

On Saturday, I suddenly decided to take a day trip to Koriyama. While riding the Shinkansen, I found out that Miharu Takizakura, one of Japan’s three great cherry trees, was relatively close by and in full bloom. I made it the main destination of my trip. As usual, before heading home, I started looking for a hot spring. One place caught my eye — Michinoku Reisen Yawaragi-no-Yu. It seemed a little mysterious, but I couldn’t resist checking it out.

Aso Onsen

By thmiyake On 2025年3月22日

I spent some time touring the Miyagawa-Kahadakyo cycling route (part of the Japan Eco Track) at a relaxed pace. Searching for a hot spring to recover from the ride, I found Aso Onsen. What caught my eye online was the tea-colored water and the way the mineral deposits had built up in wavy layers along the rim of the bath. I felt an instant “This is it!” moment.

Anan Onsen – Kajika no Yu

By thmiyake On 2025年3月9日

I occasionally visit Iida and Komagane in Nagano for hiking and sightseeing. On my way back, I often take the local roads south to Hamamatsu, stopping by roadside stations along the way. One of the hot springs I had always noticed but never visited was Anan Onsen – Kajika no Yu. I had been curious about it, but I usually preferred soaking in a hot spring closer to Hamamatsu. This time, after my cycling trip, I decided to finally stop by and soothe my tired body.