Miyahama Onsen Benimansaku no Yu: Day-Use Hot Spring

This day-use hot spring sits in Miyahama Onsen on the mainland across from the Miyajima ferry pier, looking out over the Ono-seto strait. Known as the hot spring resort closest to Miyajima, it is a popular stop on the way back from a shrine visit or sightseeing. Soaking in the sea-view open-air bath helps wash away the fatigue of travel.

Highlights

The greatest draw is the open-air bath, which commands a sweeping view of the Ono-seto sea. Inside there are several baths including a main pool, a lie-down bath, and a sauna, so you can enjoy moving from one bath to another at a relaxed pace. There is also a dining area on site where you can unwind after your soak.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings the calm colors of the Seto Inland Sea, while in summer a swim followed by a bath feels refreshing. Autumn offers clear skies and the silhouettes of the islands, and in winter the hot spring warms a chilled body. At night the lights of the far shore shimmer on the water, wrapping the scene in a quiet mood.

Access and Basic Information

The facility lies in Miyahama Onsen, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima, about ten minutes by car from the Miyajimaguchi Station intersection on National Route 2. Bathing hours run roughly 10:00 to 22:00 (last entry around 21:30), with the third Tuesday of each month as the usual closing day. Admission is about 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for elementary students. The spring is a simple weak-radioactive low-temperature type, said to be good for nerve pain and fatigue recovery. It has a large free parking lot (about 100 spaces) and is convenient for those arriving by car. Hours and fees may change, so it is reassuring to check the official information before visiting.

Practical Travel Notes

If you combine it with a Miyajima visit, stopping by in the evening after walking the island eases your tired feet nicely. A stay of one to two hours for a bath and a meal is typical, and the budget comes to around two thousand yen even with a meal added. The sea-view open-air bath is especially beautiful at dusk, and soaking while watching the sun set beyond the far shore is a special treat. It is a short drive from Miyajimaguchi, and by public transport a taxi or bus from Miyajimaguchi is convenient. In summer many pair it with the nearby beach.

A Quick Tip

Pairing this with a Miyajima visit is recommended. Stopping here after walking the island will ease your tired feet. The open-air bath at dusk is an especially fine time to visit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Spring quality: Simple weakly radioactive cold mineral spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline cold mineral spring). Radon content 26.5 Mache units per kg; colourless, clear, tasteless and odourless
• Indications: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, chronic digestive disorders, recovery from fatigue and chronic gynaecological complaints, among others
• Source temperature and flow: The source, "Miyahama Onsen Well No. 2," is 22.1 degrees with a flow of 230 litres per minute. As it is a cold mineral spring, the water is heated before use
• Open-air bath: Yes (a rock bath overlooking the sea). There is also a cypress bath, a bath whose contents change daily, a jet bath, a bubble bath, a cold-water bath and a sauna
• Footbath: There is a free footbath in front of the entrance, which can be used without entering the building
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 (last bathing reception 21:30). The restaurant is open 11:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
• Closing days: The third Tuesday of every month (the following day when it falls on a public holiday)
• Bathing fees: On weekdays, the standard rate is 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary school children and 150 yen for infants (preschool children aged 4 and above), with children aged 3 and under free of charge. The members' rate is 750 yen for adults, 350 yen for elementary school children and 100 yen for infants. For rates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, check the latest official information
• Tattoos: Not permitted. Those with fake tattoos are also not admitted
• Amenities: Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are always provided in the bathing area. Towels are not included in the fee, so bring your own or rent a bath towel for 120 yen or buy a face towel for 180 yen
• Re-entry to the baths: Possible as long as you remain in the building (tell the reception desk). It may not be allowed on some days during busy periods such as Golden Week, Obon and the New Year holidays
• Bringing items in and pets: Food and drink may not be brought into the building, and pets are not allowed
• Parking: Free (about 100 spaces)
• Access: About 5 km and 10 minutes by car from JR Miyajimaguchi Station, about 2 km and 5 minutes by car from JR Onoura Station, about 3 km and 10 minutes by car from JR Kuba Station, and about 4 km and 10 minutes by car from the Ono Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway. By bus, take the Ono Heart Bus and get off at the "Benimansaku no Yu" stop; services run roughly once an hour
• Time required: An hour for a bath alone, or about two hours including a meal and a rest
• Avoiding the crowds: It is busiest in the late afternoon, when people arrive after sightseeing on Miyajima. For a relaxed soak, the morning just after opening is the most comfortable
• Address: 2-2-1 Miyahama Onsen, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Information Sources

The opening hours, bathing fees, closing days, amenities, towel rental charges and the rules on tattoos and pets come from the "Visitor Information" and facility introduction pages of the official website of Natural Hot Spring Miyahama Benimansaku no Yu. The spring quality, radon content, source temperature, flow and indications, and the history of the spring being opened in 1964, are based on the source analysis (analysed on April 6, 2015) and explanation published on the Miyahama Onsen area page of the Hatsukaichi Tourism Association. The access and bus stop information come from the transport access section of the official website. As details are subject to change, please check the official information before you set out.