Iiyama Onsen

Spreading along the Koayu River at the eastern edge of the East Tanzawa foothills in the northwest of Atsugi, Iiyama Onsen is an old spa where inns are scattered by the water. Its strong alkaline water exceeds a pH of eleven, and because the silky water softens the skin it has long been cherished as a beauty water. Nearby stands the Iiyama Kannon, a temple of the Bando pilgrimage, preserving the mood of a village where faith and bathing are intertwined.

Highlights

- Strong alkaline water with a pH above eleven, a silky beauty spring - Iiyama Kannon Chokokuji, the sixth temple of the Bando thirty three Kannon pilgrimage - The charm of inns along the Koayu River, once called a hidden retreat of Tokyo - A row of cherry trees along Daimon Street and hydrangeas in early summer

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the cherry trees of Daimon Street leading to the Iiyama Kannon come into full bloom, and in the evening they are lit up for night viewing. Early summer brings hydrangeas and autumn brings foliage, with the temple and riverside nature coloring each season. After strolling through the famous blossoms, this is a place that suits soaking slowly in the silky alkaline water.

Access and Basic Information

- About twenty five minutes by bus from Hon Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line, alighting near the Iiyama Onsen Iriguchi stop - Close enough to reach from the metropolitan area in about an hour - Iiyama Kannon Chokokuji and Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park nearby - Main water types are alkaline simple spring and strong alkaline spring

A Quick Tip

The cherry blossom season is especially popular, so to avoid crowds a weekday or early visit is best. Soaking after a visit to the Iiyama Kannon lets you spend a day in true old fashioned healing spa style.