Nibukawa Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

This quiet hot spring hamlet lies beside the Nibukawa Gorge in the mountains of Imabari. Ranked with Dogo and Hondani as one of the three great hot springs of Iyo, its silky water has long been loved as a beauty bath.

Highlights

The waters defining trait is its high alkalinity, a simple spring at pH 9.9 that leaves the skin feeling soft and enveloped. Rich in radon, the spring is also said to help ease nerve and muscle pain. Along the gorge stand the public day-use facility Nibukawa Seseragi Koryukan and inns known for their beauty-bath water, so tubs of different character await at each lodging.

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer the murmur of the stream makes riverside play refreshingly cool. In autumn the gorge turns to crimson foliage, and the view from the inns is exceptional.

Access and Basic Information

About 30 minutes by car from central Imabari, tucked in a valley beyond the Tamagawa Dam. From the Imabari interchange on the Shimanami Kaido it is about 15 minutes by car, and roughly 20 minutes by taxi from JR Imabari Station. Day-use bathhouses and inns are scattered along the way. Public transport is limited, so a car is handy. Day-use fees and hours differ by facility, so confirming in advance is wise.

Practical Travel Notes

Pairing a soak with a gorge walk for about half a day is recommended. Autumn foliage usually peaks in fall, when the area is especially lively. The nearby Tamagawa Dam makes an easy stop on a drive. It suits a bath before or after cycling the Shimanami Kaido, or as a finish to sightseeing in central Imabari. Staying overnight lets you soak wrapped in the quiet of night and the murmur of the stream.

A Quick Tip

Public transport is limited, so a car is handy. Pairing a soak with a walk through the gorge makes for a relaxed visit. The autumn foliage season gets busy, so allow yourself plenty of time.