Ryusenji no Yu Nagoya Moriyama: Hot Spring Guide (Aichi)

Ryusenji no Yu stands on high ground in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi, a popular bathing facility. Known as a birthplace of the super sento and of high-concentration carbonated springs, it gained wide fame for adopting carbonated baths ahead of the rest of the country. Its scenic perch above a curve of the Shonai River adds to the appeal.

Highlights

• High-concentration carbonated baths with fine bubbles, introduced ahead of others nationwide
• A history as a birthplace of the super sento
• Scenic open-air baths looking down on the Shonai River and distant ranges from the heights
• A varied lineup of indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and stone-bath rooms

Enjoying the Seasons

Because carbonated water aids circulation, it feels especially pleasant in winter when the chill sets in. In summer the breeze on the heights brings cool relief after a soak, and on clear days the view reaches distant mountains. Spring and autumn bring mild weather for relaxing over the open-air view. Bath-hopping can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
• From JR Chuo Main Line Ozone Station, take the Yutorito Line toward Naka-Shidami / Kozoji, get off at Ryusenji, and walk a few minutes
• By car from the Matsukawado or Obata Interchange on the Nagoya Daini-Kanjo Expressway, heading toward Ryusenji via Route 302 and Prefectural Route 202
• Facilities: high-concentration carbonated baths plus varied baths, saunas, and stone-bath rooms
• A bathing facility well suited to day-use visits, open from early morning to late at night (admission typically differs for the morning-bath hours and between weekdays and weekends and holidays; check the official site for details)
• Free parking makes it convenient to arrive by car

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: winter is especially good, when the carbonated bath warms the body; on clear days the view from the open-air bath is exceptional
• Best time of day: weekday mornings or the morning-bath hours are ideal to avoid crowds; at night you can soak while enjoying the city lights
• Avoiding crowds: it is busiest from evening into night on weekends and holidays, so shifting your time makes for a more relaxed visit
• Time needed: two to three hours for the baths and sauna, or about half a day if you also use the stone baths and dining area
• Nearby real spots: the walking path along the Shonai River, with good access from central Nagoya making it easy to combine with sightseeing
• Budget sense: admission runs from a few hundred to around a thousand yen; the morning bath is cheaper, while stone baths and meals cost extra

A Quick Tip

Soak slowly in the carbonated bath for about ten minutes to warm the body through. Visit on a clear day to enjoy views reaching distant mountains from the open-air baths. Since admission changes by time and day of the week, choosing your time to suit your aim, such as the morning bath, lets you enjoy it at a better value.